<!-- canonical: https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-liberty-collection -->
<!-- robots: noindex -->

# 70s-Inspired Sportswear
The Nike Liberty Collection Uses the Rarely Seen Merlin Scarf Print

By Meghan Young | Published 2015-04-18 | Fashion
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-liberty-collection
References: [news.nike](http://news.nike.com/news/the-nike-air-rift-adds-edge-to-the-liberty-collection)

Retro, colorful and rife with personality, the [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-and-offwhite) Liberty Collection is inspired by Liberty's rarely seen [Merlin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enchanter-merlin) print, which the brand created for a scarf back in the 1970s. Releasing just in time for the spring and summer seasons, the print provides a unique reiteration for some of Nike's most classic sneaker silhouettes and apparel.

Comprised of the Nike [Cortez](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cortez-sneaker), Nike Tennis Classic Ultra, Nike Air Max Thea -- among others -- as well as Nike Women’s Liberty Cap and Nike QS Liberty Windrunner Jacket, the Nike Liberty Collection ensures those who are looking for a fresh style this year will be able to enjoy one. Nike writes, "Chosen for its bright coloring, striking pattern and unusual design, the Merlin print gives the Nike x Liberty Summer 2015 collection a disruptive, standout aesthetic. The collection intersects past and present to create something completely original."

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 6.6/10
- Popularity: 95% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Retro Sportswear:** There is an opportunity for retailers and designers to draw inspiration from past fashion trends while incorporating innovative materials and technology for a modern twist.
- **Patterned Prints:** The use of uncommon, eye-catching prints can differentiate a product from competitors and attract consumers looking for something unique.
- **Heritage Collaborations:** Partnering with well-known heritage brands can create new opportunities for both brands to reach new audiences and offer unique products that blend their individual styles.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Fashion:** Developing retro, patterned and heritage collections and collaborations in fashion can cater to consumers seeking nostalgic, statement-making clothing and footwear.
- **Sporting Goods:** Integrating fashionable designs into products for athletes and sport enthusiasts can make sports gear more appealing for everyday use.
- **Textile Manufacturing:** Developing and producing unique patterned materials that appeal to clothing and shoe designers can set textile manufacturers apart in a competitive market.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Floral Footwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liberty-london-x-adidas-2026.md)
- [Collaborative Sportswear Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-and-offwhite.md)
- [Collaborative Sporty Fall Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bode-recreation.md)
- [Football Culture-Inspired Athletic Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/palace-and-nike.md)
- [Archive Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dover-street-market-x-nike.md)
- [Heritage Dress Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-rk61.md)
- [Old-School Soccer Apparel Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/90sinspired-soccer-collection.md)
- [Statue-Inspired Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabrina-3-statue.md)
- [Boldly Tonal Patient-Designed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-doernbecher-freestyle.md)