While the colorway neither screams ‘Chicago’ (or ‘Bulls’ for that matter) at first glance, Jordan Brand is taking things all the way back with the most recent release of the highly coveted Air Jordan I lineup. Following a traditional retro release in the Air Jordan XII Playoffs (word to Jim Mora), the AJI Hi ‘Rebellionaire’ takes an entirely new approach to a classic subject.
After Nike had introduced a revolutionary new basketball shoe for their signature athlete, the buzzkill that was the National Basketball Association of the mid-80s was quick to throw them out of the game. Or at least, they tried. Quick to respond, Nike simply ponied up the fines that resulted from Jordan wearing his signature shoe, correctly assuming that the league had provided them with advertising opportunities that far outweighed the cost of the fines.
“They Can’t Stop You From Wearing Them”
The key message of Nike’s iconic marketing campaign for the banned Air Jordan I is also the central design element of the all-new AJI “Rebellionaire”. Drawing inspiration from the rebellious attitude of the infamous 80s marketing initiative, the entirety of the shoes’ upper is covered in writing while the heel features the unmistakable red x that has become synonymous with the “Banned” campaign.
The Air Jordan I Hi ‘Rebellionaire’ releases at BSTN on Saturday, March 12th. For your chance to purchase a pair, make sure to enter the BSTN Raffle before Friday, March 12th, at 3pm CET via the button below!
