To commemorate the Year of the Pig, the last animal sign representing 2019 on the Chinese Zodiac, Nike is releasing a limited-edition Chinese New Year collection that unifies patterns symbolic of all 12 signs onto classic Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse silhouettes, joining them together in a form of traditional Chinese patchwork called Bai Jia Yi.
Two styles of graphics are used to represent this throughout the collection: The first is a traditional geometric quilt pattern that is influenced by all 12 Chinese Zodiac symbols; the second is a mosaic pattern of the 12 symbols.
One shoe in the collection that represents the Chinese Zodiac’s many symbolic touch points is the Nike Air Max 98 CNY. It features up to six material styles that blend a “What The” configuration with the collection’s traditional Bai Jia Yi quilted pattern. Each material style draws from features of the last 12 years of Nike CNY footwear.
Three examples:
1. The patent leather on the heel of the 2009 Nike Air Max 1 “Year of the Ox” appears on the tongue of this year’s version.
2. The faux-snakeskin material on the 2013 Nike Air Force 1 “Year of the Snake” is applied to different components of the new upper.
3. Colors such as crimson, metallic gold and Amarillo yellow form the collection’s palette in a color scheme inspired by the regalia of traditional Chinese Emperorship.
The Nike Kyrie 5 CNY features the geomatric Bai Jia Yi pattern on the shoe’s heel panel and the Flytrap-inspired overlay. The collection’s color scheme is reflected in the traction pattern.
The Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo CNY features the mosaic pattern on its mesh upper. The symbol on the midsole references the Bao Quan, a traditional Chinese salute.
Elements from the Nike CNY “Year of the Snake” collection are clearly visible on the men’s Nike Air Max 98 CNY.
Nike Chinese New Year 2019 Collection Release Date
You can expect the Nike Chinese New Year 2019 Collection to release at select retailers and online at Nike.com during January.
