NIKE DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN MOSAIC ART FOR ITS LATEST SNEAKER DROP.

Nike has joined hands with Parisian sneaker boutique Opium Paris. As a part of this collaboration, the American sportswear giant has reimagined its iconic ‘Air Jordan’ shoe, incorporating traditional Moroccan ‘Zellige’ art into its design. Branded as the ‘Jordan Air Ship SP x Opium sneaker, the shoe style pays homage to the multicultural heritage of Opium’s founders. Born in France to Moroccan parents, Opium’s Yace and Mounir chose to highlight Morocco’s signature tile work as a part of their partnership with Nike. 

Transcending borders, the craft of Mosaic translates onto the shoe as an intricate embroidery pattern woven in black and purple inside the emblematic Nike swoosh on the sneaker. The Nike x Opium Paris’ Jordan Air Ship SP x Opium sneakers were revealed with two campaign videos that brilliantly capture the essence of the partnership.

The mosaic pattern, crafted in Opium’s in-house studio, is inspired by traditional Moroccan ‘Zellige,’ the decorative glazed tiles handcrafted in Morocco. The sneaker features a premium leather construction, combining a Sail upper with black and Court Purple overlays, complemented by baby blue accents. Adding a special finishing touch, the tear-away Swoosh logos unveil the same intricate mosaic design beneath.

Showcasing scenes from both Paris and Casablanca, these campaign videos feature a group of young adults led by French-Moroccan TV personality Nayra and French-Moroccan designer Allan Guenaoui. The narrative begins in Morocco, where the group explores the vibrant cityscape and engages with local artisans at a traditional tile-making shop, learning the age-old techniques of ‘Zellige’ craftsmanship. 

The second video shifts to France, where they visit an atelier to apply the lessons they’ve learned to bring the Nike x Opium Paris ‘Jordan Air Ship SP x Opium’ to life. This journey from Morocco to France symbolizes the cross-cultural collaboration that is at the heart of this sneaker design.

Available for purchase on Opium’s website, the Nike x Opium Paris ‘Jordan Air Ship SP x Opium’ will also be available in various marketplaces and specialized stores starting July 6. This release marks a unique fusion of French and Moroccan cultures, providing sneaker enthusiasts with a fresh and distinctive take on the beloved Air Jordan silhouette.

ALSO READ: BELIEVE IT OR NOT, ADIDAS-BRANDED THOBES ARE NOW A THING—HERE’S HOW YOU CAN GRAB ONE.