The Nike Air Max 1 was first conceived as a performance shoe. But for many of those seeing it for the first time, it was the form that mattered most. Yes, the Visible Air provided unmatched cushioning. But it was also a striking visual element in and of itself, a Tinker Hatfield design element that provided a starting point for the imaginations of many others.
One of the most memorable was the premium pair atmos turned out in 2007. Last year it was selected as the winner for Nike Air Max Vote Back contest and we are only a few days away to the release of the iconic Air Max 1 “Elephant”.
Below, the atmos Creative Director, Hirofumi Kojima, discusses the shoe, his love of Jordan and Air Max culture in general….check it out:
What does the Air Max 1 mean to you? What does it represent for design and for sneaker culture?
Air Max series mean a lot to me, as they are the reason for me to become interested in sneakers. Among all, Air Max1 is a commemorative shoe as the 1st of Air Max series. I believe AM1 is a historical piece and an indispensable part of the legend for both atmos and sneaker culture.
What does Air Max (as a technology and a platform) mean to you?
I expect Air Max series to continue to evolve and to come up with exciting products.
How did you approach the collaboration in 2007, what was the impetus for the color scheme?
I remember talking with the people in Nike Japan, who were involved in the project, about creating something crazy and stupid that would give impact to the market. We happened to find a pair of vintage Nike kids shoe with zebra print, and we decided to create shoes with animal prints under the concept of zoo.
Why elephant print? Why connect the Air Max 1, even if subtly, to the Jordan legacy and its design language?
I grew up watching Michael Jordan and my first Nike (Jordan) was Air Jordan 1 Chicago made in 1994. The Air Jordan III is my personal favorite, which was the first one to use elephant pattern on a shoe. Air Max 1 Elephant was one of 3 shoes made under the concept of zoo, which was inspired by elephants swimming in the zoo.
Is there anything you thought of about the design was complete you wish had been included?
I believed it was perfect! But if I should expect more, I would like the jade-colored swoosh in premium leather rather than in patent leather.
Why do you think this atmos Air Max 1 has continued to excite fans?
As with all Air Max x atmos series products, I believe the reason for the big success was the use of color and material that we skillfully selected from the perspective of fashion and sneakerheads to modify the original Air Max, which had been just a running shoe. We were ahead of time as such a product was still scarce in the market. It was before the internet became popular, and the products were offered exclusively in Japan through a project called “co.jp”, to further drive the desire of fanatic sneakerheads around the world.
These days, most brands are selling the same things around the world and there is no longer a treasure hunt like excitement in the market. I understand it is inefficient, but we would like to carry exclusive local model like “co.jp” once again to drive excitement, all the more Tokyo 2020 is approaching.
What was your reaction when the shoe was selected by fans as the one to bring back for 2017?
Of course, it was a great pleasure and the greatest honor for a person whose job is about sneakers. To be honest, I did not realize the significance of the event at first, but a lot of celebratory remarks from the staff and my friends made me realize it.
In addition to the vote back atmos Air Max 1 “Elephant,” Nike and Jordan have combined for a limited-edition double pack celebrating the connection between Hirofumi Kojima’s creations and the iconic Air Jordan III. The pack’s Air Max 1 incorporates an unmistakable Jumpman logo hit on the sole. Meanwhile, the Air Jordan III comes dressed in Nike’s iconic Safari print for the first time — a tribute to both the 1987 Nike Air Safari (one fourth of the ground-breaking “Air Pack”), and atmos’ 2002 gum-soled Air Max 1 design.
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