The new collaborative shoe by Union LA and Jordan Brand, along with the matching apparel collection, takes us back in time: To the mid to late ’80s, to be exact, when Black and Latino cultures laid the foundation of what is known as streetwear today.
Taking inspiration from the aesthetic of old-school rap covers and magazines, the collection’s classic sportswear vibes evoke memories of when streetwear itself wasn’t necessarily about an item’s popularity, but about actually rocking it. More everyday wearability, less maximalism, so to say.
The minute I saw this shoe I was immediately transported to my youth in the late 80’s when I would see my favorite rappers in magazines and on album covers rocking those clean looks.
Union LA on the Union x Jordan AJKO 1 Low
Just like the apparel, the Union LA x AJKO 1 Low ‘White’ pays hommage to both the 80s and the aforementioned clean looks: Based on the original AJKO canvas hightop sneaker from 1986, the shoe comes dressed in a mix of White, University Gold, Neutral Grey and Sail, also marking the first time ever the shoe gets released as a low-top silhouette. It features a canvas base with interchangeable Swooshes, subtle Union branding and an extra set of laces. On top of that, the pair comes in a co-branded, 80s-inspired packaging.
The Union LA x AJKO 1 Low ‘White’ and the accompanying apparel collection release at BSTN on Saturday, February 4th. For your chance to purchase a pair of the shoes, make sure to enter the BSTN Raffle before Friday, February 3rd, at 3 pm CET via the button below.
