The Encyclopedia of Air Jordans is a recently released anthology documenting author Jay Lawrence's five-year dive into the history of the iconic sneaker that has become a brand in itself.
Designed in 1984 for Michael Jordan himself and released to the public the following year, the Air Jordan revolutionized basketball shoe design by introducing color into the mix and changed the way consumers and the media anticipated athletic shoe releases and collaborations.
Included in the handbook of over 500 pages is each version, colorway and anecdotal tidbit uncovered by Lawrence in his five-year journey. The book contains over 1300 photos, making it a necessary go-to guide for any self-proclaimed sneaker enthusiast. The book is available for order online.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Iconic Sneaker Histories
- There is a growing trend of producing anthologies documenting the history of iconic sneakers, providing a comprehensive resource for sneaker enthusiasts and collectors.
- Collaborative Sneaker Releases
- The release of collaborative sneakers, like the Air Jordan, has disrupted the way consumers and media anticipate athletic shoe releases, creating a demand for limited edition and exclusive designs.
- Colorful Basketball Shoe Design
- The introduction of color into basketball shoe design, as seen with the Air Jordans, has revolutionized the industry and influenced the aesthetics of athletic footwear.
Where This Applies
- Publishing
- The publishing industry can tap into the trend of producing sneaker anthologies and cater to the demand for comprehensive resources on iconic sneakers.
- Fashion/apparel
- Fashion and apparel industry can explore collaborations with sneaker brands to create limited edition and exclusive designs, capitalizing on the demand for collectible sneakers.
- Athletic Footwear
- The athletic footwear industry can innovate by incorporating colorful designs into their products, taking inspiration from the success of the Air Jordans and satisfying the desire for aesthetically appealing shoes.
