Off-White's Virgil Abloh designs a new Nike collection entitled 'Athlete in Progress' and it is made to celebrate the confidence and determination of runners. The collection features a selection of performance goods as well as apparel and footwear that are ready for the streets.
To showcase the designs, Abloh fathered athletes to walk on the Off-White Spring/Summer 2019 runway show -- some include Dina Asher-Smith, English Gardner, Nafi Thiam, Catherin Ibarguen, Cecilia Yeung, and more. Abloh states, "I started talking with Nike about this women’s running project last summer and at the time, I was very much inspired by the aesthetic and style of track and field athletes. As a result, I invited some of Nike’s elite track and field champions to participate in my SS19 Off-White™ runway show as the natural forerunner to developing and showcasing the collection."
Streetwear-Informed Vibrant Sportswear
Virgil Abloh Designs the Nike Athlete in Progress Capsule
Trend Themes
1. Streetwear-informed Sportswear - Opportunity for brands to incorporate streetwear aesthetics into their sportswear collections.
2. Performance Goods for Street Style - Increasing demand for athletic apparel and footwear that can transition seamlessly from performance to streetwear.
3. Collaboration Between Fashion and Athletics - Potential for innovative collaborations between fashion designers and athletic brands to create unique products for athletes.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion brands can explore opportunities to incorporate athletic elements into their designs and appeal to a wider consumer base.
2. Sportswear - Sportswear brands can capitalize on the growing trend of streetwear-inspired designs to attract younger consumers.
3. Athletic Footwear - Opportunity for athletic footwear brands to create performance shoes with streetwear aesthetics, catering to the needs of both athletes and fashion-conscious consumers.