# Animation-Inspired Sneaker Designs The New Nike Air Max 1 Silhouette is Influenced by Missing Link By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-03-07 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-1-silhouette References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/missing-link-nike-air-max-susan-release-date-price/) & [news.nike](https://news.nike.com/news/nike-laika-nike-air-max-susan) [Nike's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-air-max) [Air Max 1](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-1000) silhouette is one of the most popular models for collaboration. The latest iteration of the design is done through a partnership between the global footwear brand and the 'Missing Link' — animation studio LAIKA's upcoming film. Dubbed the 'Missing Link x Nike Air Max Susan,' the pair takes aesthetic cues from the movie's main protagonist Mr. Link. Tinker Hatfield collaborated on the upper with former animator Michael Berger. A clear reference to the 'Missin Link' is exhibited through the playful plaid accent as seen on Mr. Link's suit. The Air Max 1 silhouette's patched up appearance also boasts a playful presence and is a great way to provide sneakerheads with a unique design and the 'Missing Link' with some publicity. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Collaborative Sneaker Designs:** Opportunity for brands to partner with popular movies or animation studios to create unique sneaker designs and generate publicity. - **Character-inspired Fashion:** Rise of fashion collaborations inspired by characters from movies or animation, providing a new avenue for creativity and brand partnerships. - **Playful Aesthetics in Footwear:** Growing demand for sneakers with playful designs that showcase unique elements and stand out in the market. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear:** Footwear brands can explore collaborations with entertainment industry to create limited-edition sneakers based on popular characters or movies. - **Fashion:** Fashion brands can tap into animation or movie collaborations to create character-inspired collections and engage consumers who are fans of the content. - **Entertainment:** Entertainment industry can leverage collaborations with fashion and footwear brands to extend the reach of their characters or movies and create merchandise with unique designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Retro-Inspired Sneaker Hybrids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-air-max.md) - [Boldly Designed Zipped Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-sunder.md) - [Animal-Inspired Patterned Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snakeskin-colorway-2.md) - [3D-Printed Sports Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-1000.md) - [AI-Backed Sneaker Design Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airimagination.md) - [Futuristic Layered Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-portal.md) - [Heritage Dress Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-rk61.md) - [Futuristic Sneaker Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-air-max-dn8.md) - [Patterned Chunky Textural Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-95-sneaker-collaboration.md)