Lifestyle

Just Do It. The History of Nike

Nike has become synonymous with performance, innovation, and style. Its rise to prominence is a story of grit, determination, and relentless innovation in the sportswear industry. What started as a small business venture between a former track athlete and his coach is now a globally recognized brand that has transcended its roots to become a cultural icon. This is the story of how Nike built its empire—from humble beginnings to the powerhouse it is today. The history of Nike is something special.

Early Beginnings: The Birth of a Legend

Nike’s story begins in 1964 when Phil Knight, a University of Oregon track athlete, and his coach Bill Bowerman founded a small company called Blue Ribbon Sports. At the time, their primary focus was importing high-quality, low-cost running shoes from Japan to the U.S. market. They started as a distributor for Onitsuka Tiger shoes (now known as ASICS), selling them out of the back of Knight’s car at track meets. Bowerman’s passion for creating better, more durable shoes for athletes, combined with Knight’s business acumen, laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of the largest sportswear companies in the world.

In 1971, after their relationship with Onitsuka Tiger ended, Knight and Bowerman decided to take the bold step of designing their own line of shoes. It was at this point that they rebranded their company as Nike, named after the Greek goddess of victory. The now-iconic Swoosh logo, designed by a graphic design student named Carolyn Davidson, was introduced at the same time. Knight wasn’t initially impressed with the logo but went ahead with it, paying Davidson $35 for her work—a decision he surely wouldn’t regret.

Nike’s First Success: The Cortez

Nike’s first major hit was the release of the Cortez in 1972. The Cortez, designed by Bowerman, was a running shoe that provided superior comfort and durability, which instantly made it popular among athletes. This shoe’s success was a milestone for Nike as it started gaining recognition in the highly competitive footwear market. The Cortez’s popularity wasn’t just limited to athletes; it quickly became a fashion statement, contributing to Nike’s initial surge in popularity. The Cortez was the beginning of Nike’s commitment to innovation in sportswear and its ability to blend performance with style.

The Rise of the Air Jordan

Nike’s trajectory skyrocketed in 1984 when it signed a young NBA rookie named Michael Jordan. This would prove to be one of the most important partnerships in the history of sports marketing. The deal led to the creation of the Air Jordan line, which not only revolutionized basketball shoes but also catapulted Nike into a global phenomenon.

The first Air Jordan was released in 1985 and was an instant success. The shoe’s unique design, coupled with Jordan’s growing stardom, made it a must-have item for both athletes and sneaker enthusiasts. The Air Jordan series became an annual event, with each new release eagerly anticipated by fans. The success of the Air Jordan line cemented Nike’s position as a leader in both sports and streetwear, and it remains one of the brand’s most popular products today.

“Just Do It”: The Power of Branding

In 1988, Nike launched its now-legendary “Just Do It” campaign. The slogan, created by advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, was simple yet powerful. It spoke to athletes and non-athletes alike, encouraging them to push beyond their limits and achieve greatness. The campaign was an instant hit and helped Nike transcend its status as a sportswear brand, becoming a symbol of empowerment and motivation for people around the world.

The “Just Do It” campaign wasn’t just a marketing tool—it was a cultural movement. It featured athletes like Bo Jackson, John McEnroe, and, of course, Michael Jordan, portraying them as figures who defied expectations and overcame challenges. This resonated deeply with consumers and helped establish Nike as a brand that wasn’t just about selling shoes but about inspiring people to be the best version of themselves.

Expanding the Brand: Beyond Footwear

While Nike started as a footwear company, it wasn’t long before it expanded into other areas. In the 1990s, Nike began producing apparel, equipment, and accessories, cementing its place as a full-service sports brand. This diversification was accompanied by the signing of other high-profile athletes such as Tiger Woods in golf, Serena Williams in tennis, and Cristiano Ronaldo in football.

Nike’s innovative approach extended to its product lines, with the introduction of groundbreaking technologies like Nike Air, Flyknit, and Dri-Fit, which revolutionized performance wear for athletes. The brand also ventured into creating digital experiences with products like the Nike+ app, which allowed athletes to track their performance and connect with a global community of fitness enthusiasts.

Nike Today: A Global Giant

Today, Nike is more than just a sportswear brand—it’s a cultural icon. From collaborations with high-fashion designers like Virgil Abloh to limited-edition sneakers that sell out within minutes, Nike has successfully blended sports, fashion, and lifestyle. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is also a major focus, with initiatives like Move to Zero, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and waste.

Nike’s ability to adapt and innovate has kept it at the forefront of the sportswear industry for over five decades. Whether through signing the biggest names in sports, creating groundbreaking products, or launching inspirational campaigns, Nike continues to set the standard for what a modern sports brand can be.

For more on Nike’s journey and other trending topics, check out our full article at:
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Lifestyle

Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” – The Ultimate Retro Comeback for 2025

The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” is shaping up to be one of the most significant sneaker releases of 2025, and for good reason. This painstakingly reconstructed edition brings sneakerheads the closest possible retro version of the original 1985 design – a dream come true for Jordan fans.

A True OG Comeback

Jordan Brand didn’t just re-release another Air Jordan 1 – they rebuilt it from scratch. The design team meticulously recreated every stitch, panel, and material to match the legendary 1985 version as closely as possible. From the high-cut silhouette to the authentic “Bred” colourway, this release is one of the most accurate retros ever made.

For sneaker purists who crave historical accuracy and premium quality, this drop is a must-have.

Limited Quantities – Only 10,000 Pairs?

The biggest issue? The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” is expected to be extremely limited. Rumours suggest that only 10,000 pairs will be available worldwide, although this number has not been officially confirmed.

Adding to the exclusivity, the shoes will reportedly only be sold at 23 select retail locations in the United States, making this an ultra-rare sneaker drop. With demand already sky-high, expect resale prices to go through the roof.

Jordan Brand’s Unconventional Marketing Strategy

To build hype in a unique way, Jordan Brand has taken an unconventional approach to promotion. Instead of pushing the sneaker on its own social channels, the brand deactivated its Instagram account, leaving the buzz to grow organically through retail partners.

Select stores have started teasing the release online, creating a grassroots wave of excitement that only fuels the sneaker’s mystique. This strategy aligns with the exclusivity of the release, making it one of the most anticipated Jordan drops in recent years.

How to Get Your Hands on a Pair

With availability being so scarce, securing a pair of the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” will be a challenge. Here’s what sneakerheads can do:

Follow Jordan Brand’s retail partners on Instagram – since official announcements are coming through them.

Check raffles and local sneaker boutiques – some retailers might offer lotteries or special releases.
Prepare for a high resale market – if you miss out, expect resale prices to skyrocket due to the limited supply.

Final Thoughts

The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” is a masterpiece of nostalgia, combining historical accuracy with ultra-limited availability. Whether you’re a collector, a Jordan purist, or just someone who loves exclusive drops, this is one of the most important sneakers of 2025.

Are you ready for the challenge of securing a pair? Stay locked in for more updates!

Lifestyle

Kanye West’s YZY SL-01 Yeezy Slides Drop in New Colours – Here’s What You Need to Know

Kanye West’s financial empire, currently valued at $2.77 billion, is set to expand even further as he launches two new colourways of his viral Yeezy Slides. Dubbed Kanye West’s YZY SL 01 Yeezy Slides, these slides originally debuted in January at an eye-watering price of just $20 before taxes and shipping. The release created massive hype, and within 24 hours, Ye revealed that his YZY e-commerce platform raked in $3 million in sales, with the majority of purchases coming from these ultra-affordable slip-ons.

Kanye West’s YZY SL 01 Yeezy Slides 2 — Kanye West’s YZY SL 01 Yeezy Slides

New Colourways Just Dropped

Following the successful launch of the original black pair, Ye has now released the YZY SL-01 in white and grey. These new shades stick to the same minimalist, futuristic design that made the original drop so popular. Retailing at just $20 before taxes and shipping, the slides continue Ye’s mission of delivering high fashion at accessible prices.

If you’re looking to snag a pair, head over to YEEZY.com before they sell out. Given the response to the first release, these won’t stay in stock for long.

Kanye’s Billion-Dollar Business Strategy

The Yeezy brand has had a rollercoaster journey, but Kanye is proving once again that he understands the sneaker game better than most. His direct-to-consumer approach is paying off, allowing him to control both pricing and distribution while maintaining brand exclusivity. This new era of Yeezy signals a shift from traditional sneaker partnerships to independent branding and retail domination.

By pricing the slides at just $20, Kanye has effectively removed barriers to entry, making Yeezy footwear accessible to a wider audience. While luxury sneaker brands often inflate prices for exclusivity, Ye’s strategy is disrupting the market, proving that affordability and hype can coexist.

What’s Next? The Yeezy Bullys Are Coming

Kanye isn’t slowing down. Alongside the YZY SL-01 slides, he also teased his next big sneaker drop – the YZY BL-01, also known as the Yeezy Bullys. While details on pricing and release dates remain unknown, the first look suggests a bold new design. If the Yeezy Slides were any indication, the Bullys could dominate sneaker culture in 2024.

Final Thoughts

With Yeezy’s comeback in full force, the latest YZY SL-01 drop is proof that Kanye West is reshaping the sneaker industry on his own terms. As new colourways roll out and hype for future releases builds, Ye’s empire is only going to get bigger.

Want to stay updated on the latest sneaker and fashion trends? Keep it locked on What’s Hot in UAE.

Lifestyle

Adidas and Willy Chavarria Unveil 2025’s Hottest Collab

If you’re even slightly into fashion, you’ve likely seen the buzz surrounding the Adidas and Willy Chavarria Fall/Winter 2025 collection, which made waves at Paris Men’s Fashion Week. But beyond the bold aesthetics and cultural storytelling, one of the biggest highlights of the show was Chavarria’s latest and most ambitious collaboration with Adidas.

With a lineup of statement-making sneakers and apparel, this TARANTULA collection cements Chavarria’s place as a major force in high fashion, blending Chicano influences, queer representation, and streetwear aesthetics in a way that feels both personal and universal.

A Paris Fashion Week Statement Piece

Willy Chavarria’s first-ever Paris show, titled TARANTULA, was more than just a collection—it was a powerful display of culture, identity, and resilience. The show featured some of Chavarria’s most striking designs to date, with Latin music and fashion icons like J Balvin, Becky G, and Jerry Lorenzo walking the runway.

Beyond the stylistic impact, the show came at a time of political turmoil, making its celebration of Chicano culture and LGBTQ+ storytelling even more significant. But amidst all the big names and heavy themes, one of the most exciting moments was the unveiling of Chavarria’s new Adidas sneaker collection—arguably his most daring yet.

The Forum 84 Gets a Chavarria Makeover

At the heart of this Adidas x Willy Chavarria collab is a reinterpretation of the Forum 84, one of Adidas’ most iconic basketball sneakers. Originally designed for the court, the chunky, retro silhouette has evolved into a streetwear staple over the years. Now, Chavarria is pushing the design even further, introducing six bold new silhouettes that redefine what the Forum can be.

1. The Forum Boot 🔥

The most striking pair in the collection, the Forum Boot, takes the classic Forum 84 and reworks it into a rugged high-top boot. The designer adds a chunky, combat-style sole and plays with ankle height, making the silhouette feel more like a Doc Martens hybrid than a traditional sneaker. Available in both high- and low-top versions, this one is built for statement-making fits.

2. The Chavarria Forum Combat Sneaker ⚡

Another highlight is the Forum Combat Sneaker, which combines streetwear energy with military-inspired toughness. This one is for those who love aggressive styling with functional appeal.

3. The Forum Heel Sneaker 👠

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Forum Heel Sneaker, a sleek, formal reinvention of the Forum 84. This version trades in the standard midsole for a refined Cuban heel, giving it a dress shoe-like elegance. It’s an experimental but effortlessly stylish take on sneakers-meet-formalwear, much like Chavarria’s heeld-out Adidas Jabbar from his NYFW show in September.

4 & 5. Classic Forum 84 High & Low 👟

For those who prefer something closer to the original 80s basketball vibe, Chavarria delivers two updated versions of the Forum 84 in high and low-top silhouettes, with subtle tweaks that enhance the boldness and structure of the shoe.

03 rna ao willy chavarria aw25 instagram post product — willy chavarria aw25

Beyond Sneakers: The TARANTULA Apparel Collection

While the sneakers have stolen the spotlight, Chavarria’s Adidas collab extends into apparel as well. Staying true to the baggy, oversized aesthetic he’s become known for, the collection features:

🔴 Baggy tracksuits with silken sheens
⚫ Oversized bomber jackets (including a standout leather piece that’s sure to dominate menswear mood boards in 2025)
🔴 Wide-leg shorts and structured silhouettes

The color palette is bold yet refined, sticking mainly to TARANTULA’s signature black and red scheme. Each piece channels Chicano culture, underground streetwear, and modern high fashion in a way that only Chavarria can execute.

Adidas’ Run of High-Fashion Dominance Continues

For the last five years, Adidas has led the charge in high-fashion collaborations, bringing designers into the sneaker and streetwear space like no other brand. Their work with Wales Bonner has been one of the most celebrated partnerships of the 2020s, and their Gucci collections have made major waves.

Now, after his breakout Paris Fashion Week moment, Willy Chavarria is officially next in line—not just as a designer to watch, but as a major player in shaping the future of fashion.

Adidas and Willy Chavarria unveil some sick new bits

Release Info & Availability

While an official release date for the Adidas x Willy Chavarria TARANTULA collection hasn’t been announced yet, expect these kicks and apparel to drop later in 2025. Given the hype around the collection, it’s safe to assume these will sell out fast.

For now, keep an eye out for Adidas’ official announcements, and get ready for one of the boldest collaborations of the year.

Which piece from the collection are you most excited about? Drop a comment below! ⬇️🔥