Over the past 39 years, Nike's ever-popular Air Force 1 sneaker has seen more than 1,700 color variations, but this summer the company is introducing a "Bling" version that features vibrant faux jewels interwoven into the left shoe's laces.
Affixed to the upper laces is an octagonal, faceted yellowish-green stone in a bezel setting. The second bauble takes the shape of the famous Nike Swoosh, which is outlined in sparkly, white faux diamonds. The third jewel — also a faceted octagonal stone — mimics the color of an amethyst and is framed by faux diamond accents.
A surprising design element is a black Swoosh that can be seen through the transparent stones.
This summer's release of the Nike Air Force 1 Low “Bling” includes a number of interesting design elements, including vintage-like cream white outsoles and mismatched branded insoles — which happen to complement the colors of the faux gems.
Why would a footwear company add jewelry to a classic sneaker? A style writer for inputmag.com put it this way: "With consumers looking to don more and more bling, sneakers can’t be left bare."
She also wondered if some consumers may purchase the standard AF1 and add the bling on their own, making the end result a completely personalized statement.
Originally created by designer Bruce Kilgore and released in 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 has remained at the forefront of fashion, generating about $800 million per year in revenue. The name of the sneaker is a nod to the specially equipped jet airliners that are used by U.S. presidents.
Priced at $120, the "Bling" sneakers are expected to drop in the coming weeks.
Credits: Images by Nike.