Every year on March 26th, Nike’s Air Max line is celebrated in an annual event called Air Max Day. With over 35 years since the first released Air Max, the day wasn’t officially established until 2014 by Nike and has become well-known amongst sneakerheads around the globe. Over the years, limited-edition shoes such as Sean Wotherspoon’s Air Max 97 and Dave’s Quality Meats’ Air Max 90 Bacon have been released for this special occasion and are highly sought after.
Air Max History
March 26th, 1987 marks a momentous day in Nike history as it was then that they released their first ever Air Max 1. Tinker Hatfield drew his inspiration for this design from his visit to Paris. He was attracted by Centre Pompidou’s inside-out architecture concept with its external structure wrapping around it and developed an idea of displaying the internal parts of a shoe – which established the visible window showcasing Frank Rudy’s – The NASA engineer who created “Air” technology in Nike footwear – design. Air Max quickly became one of Nike’s most iconic lines resulting in the creation of the Nike Air Max 90, 95, and 97 – to name a couple of widely successful silhouette descendants.
What is Air Max Day?
Over the past decade, Air Max Day has become a much-anticipated event for sneakerheads. It allowed the sportswear company to release some of its most sought-after products ever. Celebrated annually since then, it has become one of the most anticipated events in sneaker culture.
But, as time passed, Air Max Day has evolved from simply being a day to flaunt the most stylish sneakers to an event celebrating sneakerheads. In 2018, Nike held the “ON AIR” competition, which consisted of several cities, including New York, Paris, London, Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai. Like with their 2015 Vote Forward initiative, people in each town could select their favorite shoe design. The following year saw those six shoes released commercially, one of which was Cash Ru’s Air Max 97 SH ‘Kaleidoscope’ from Shanghai.
Snipes x Nike
In celebration of Air Max Day, Snipes x Nike has joined forces with The Made Institute in Philadelphia to host an innovative competition. Eight designers from The Made Institute will use up-cycled and styled merchandise from Snipes & Nike, drawing inspiration from maximalist culture and iconic Air Max silhouettes. Additionally, partnering with CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) High School, the aforementioned contest offers students the chance to experience coaching and mentorship by Made alums with a grand prize of a full scholarship to Made Institute!
For those wishing to follow their dream of a career as a fashion designer, Philadelphia has the perfect learning opportunity at Made Institute. This distinguished independent school prioritizes student experience by offering intimate class sizes, interactive teaching techniques, and individual guidance that give aspiring designers the tools needed to thrive in today’s highly competitive fashion world. With an unwavering commitment to inspiring creativity within their communities and helping ambitious individuals create their own original lines, Made Institute is living up to its promise of providing accessible education for all who desire it.
MAXXED OUT
MAXXED OUT is our initiative to focus on fashion and the artist as a canvas of creativity. Greenpoint Terminal in Brooklyn is set to host SNIPES’ grand celebration of Air Max Day. Guests will encounter an eye-catching display of maximalist photography showcasing each piece of clothing featured at the student-created fashion show. Biographies of the eight designers from Made Institute who have crafted this unique collection out of Nike and Snipes apparel will also be placed around the terminal. During the event, real models will walk down the runway wearing upcycled outfits created by these designers. For a more interactive experience, a performance from Billy B followed by DJ Junaytos’ set list promises an unforgettable evening. A photo booth allows guests to take away their MAXXED Memories, and for those feeling extra adventurous – an escape room journey awaits them! With an evening filled with magic in the air, guests will be able to experience the culture and art around them and indulge in delectable food and drinks.
Check out our Youtube Video to recap the event!
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Written By Parker Hargens
