The talented menswear designer John Elliot works with NikeLab once again, but this time in collaboration with LeBron James in creating the 'Icon sneaker'. The iconic basketball player showcased the black and white version of the sneakers on his customary pre-game catwalk towards the locker room. The online debut takes place on Elliot's Instagram page, documenting the sneakers themselves, as well as shots of James wearing the silhouette both on the court and after the game.
The Icon sneaker silhouette boasts a transparent mid-top upper construction combined with a blend of white leather materials, as well as black and white synthetic materials. It takes on a full-length white Air Max midsole influenced by the signature LeBron 8 silhouette. Branding detail of the Nike swoosh is found on the toe box. Currently, the sneakers are set to drop later this year in August.
Collaborative Translucent Shoes
John Elliot and LeBron James Collaborate on the Icon Sneaker
Trend Themes
1. Translucent Sneakers - Translucence is the new trend in sneaker design that offers unique opportunities to blend styles and materials.
2. Athlete-designer Collaborations - More athletes are partnering with designers for innovative and functional sportswear designs.
3. Online Sneaker Debuts - Social media platforms are the preferred choice for sneaker brands to unveil new releases and connect with their audience.
Industry Implications
1. Sportswear Manufacturing - Manufacturers can leverage translucent materials to create innovative and customized sports gear that stands out on and off the court.
2. Fashion Design - Translucent materials and specialized collaborations offer designers new opportunities to blend fashion with sportswear, creating edgy, functional, and limited edition collections.
3. Social Media Marketing - Platforms like Instagram and Twitter are becoming key resources for brands to tease and launch exclusive and highly anticipated product releases to a wider audience.