Nike and Liberty take a trip back to the 1970s with their new collection for summer. The collection features the rarely seen Merlin print, originally designed by Liberty for a silk scarf back in 1972.
The collection commemorates the return of the Nike Air Rift. Originally introduced in 1996, the Nike Air Rift's signature aesthetic is a result of Nike's never-ending pursuit to improve athletic performance.
Designers working on the project blended technical fabrics, customizable fit systems, and an early form of natural motion design to create a performance shoe worthy of the runners that inspired its creation. For summer '15 the Air Rift's unusual aesthetics are complemented by Liberty's Merlin print for a uniqe expression of sport driven style.
Alongside the Air Rift, the collection’s footwear offering features the Nike Air Max 90 Ultra, on which the Merlin print covers the upper; the Nike Tennis Classic Ultra, which boasts a full Merlin upper and plain white tongue to set off the design.
The classic Nike Cortez featuring a full Merlin upper; the Nike Juvenate with an understated Merlin pattern behind the Nike Swoosh; and the Nike Air Max Thea, which includes a Merlin upper and a distinctive white Nike Swoosh heel.
The Merlin print’s geometric shawl design, which includes a playful layout of circles and concentric squares, is applied to a range of contemporary and heritage Nike footwear and apparel silhouettes.
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.
The Nike x Liberty summer ‘15 apparel collection includes a Nike QS Liberty Windrunner Jacket in all-over Merlin print; a Nike Liberty Tee with a full scarf print hem and print detail sleeves; and a Nike Women’s Liberty Cap featuring a Merlin print peak.
Registered article
Nike | Lifestyle | Culture
