Creative Concepts Continued
Nike x sacai x JPG sweatshirt
Although only a rumor to be released thus far, Nike partnered with sacai and Jean Paul Gauthier for fall 2021 to create the "Frankenstein" of vaporwaffles. Enthralled by the paradoxical details of the subtle, yet intricate, leather cord lacing and double Nike checks, I drew upon my infatuation with streetwear to revamp a plain black sweatshirt in the vaporwaffles' image. I started by layering one black check underneath a white check, and then lacing a thin black leather cord between the two checks. In order to incorporate a shoelace detail, I crisscrossed white and black shoelaces at the shoulder seam. Although simple in execution, this project offered a straightforward opportunity to further explore the potential reflection of iconic sneakers into accompanying garments.
Nike x Off-White x Heat Academy concept tee
Inspired by a visit to a local sneaker consignment shop, Heat Academy, and a simultaneous release of the Nike x Off-White 50 lot low dunk surprise release, I devised this tee shirt as concept merchandise for Heat Academy. The standout feature of this sneaker is easily the elastic cording that runs across the majority of the shoe, which varied in color across each of the 50 iterations. Drawing upon the primary feature, I laced a crafting parachute cord through metal grommets across the front of the tee shirt. As well, a longstanding hallmark of all Off-White collaborations is the strategic use of words in quotations. To customize the tee shirt, I decided to place "Heat Academy" across the side of the shirt as an added nod to the Off-White trademark and the collaborative concept with Heat Academy.
Nike x sacai x JPG upcycled sweater
As a product of an accidental thrift find and the twin sneaker to one of the most highly anticipated Nike collaborations of the fall season, this sweater came together in an off-the-cuff, trial-and-error method. Taking inspiration from the retro-esque menagerie of brightly colored suede and leather patchwork, I decided to continue this vintage look through recreating the Frankenstein-like patched pattern across the body of the sweater. I strategically glued a mix of faux suede and leather patches to replicate the same patterning of the sneakers. As well, I interlaced a suede cord through the checks to mirror the sneaker design as accurately as possible. To complete the translation of the Nike x sacai x JPG vaporwaffle into its apparel counterpart, I created a mock lace-up neckline with twill tape "laces" to imitate the original shoelaces.
Nike x sacai "vaporwaffle" bucket hat
As a major vaporwaffle fan, the silhouette of Nike and sacai's iconic collaborative sneaker lends itself to ample creative interpretation. As one of my first sneaker-related projects, I took the most creative liberty in translating the many design components of the vaporwaffle into a clever, yet functional bucket hat. Since the sneaker essentially has two "layers" to the sole, I decided to sew two brims onto the bucket hat, with the option to snap the top brim up in imitation of the curved sole heel. As well, the double Nike checks were an obvious standout feature, which I replicated by stitching a fabric check and painting the second check to maintain the originality of the sneaker. Lastly, the varied fabrication used on the vaporwaffle was reflected through combining denim, faux suede, and twill.
