The Kids of Immigrants Nike collaboration celebrates the founders' immigrant journeys and their mission to uplift underrepresented communities. With the Air Max SNDR sneakers, you'll experience a blend of vibrant colors and innovative designs, reflecting cultural narratives and resilience. This collaboration isn't just about fashion; it symbolizes hope and new beginnings for immigrant families. Each detail, from the breathable materials to the unique zipper system, speaks to inclusivity and empowerment. By participating in this collaboration, you join a movement that honors heritage and community, but there's so much more to discover about its impact and future plans.
Key Takeaways
- Kids of Immigrants (KOI), founded by Daniel Buezo and Weleh Dennis, celebrates immigrant stories and community representation through their brand identity.
- The Nike collaboration features the Air Max SNDR sneakers, highlighting cultural narratives and resilience within immigrant families.
- KOI's designs incorporate vibrant colors like "Persian Violet" and innovative features such as a zipper system, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.
- The launch includes a limited edition of 1,986 pairs, emphasizing exclusivity and connection to the founders' heritage.
- KOI's mission promotes inclusivity and community engagement, aiming to inspire and empower athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Founders and Their Journey
Daniel Buezo and Weleh Dennis kicked off their journey as the founders of Kids of Immigrants, drawing from their rich backgrounds to create a brand that resonates deeply with their identities. Buezo, born in Brooklyn and later moving to Pico-Union, LA, grew up in vibrant neighborhoods filled with immigrants. His roots trace back to San Pedro Sula and Comayagua in Honduras, shaping his perspective. Starting retail work at just 13, he was inspired by his older sister and gained valuable insights while working at Opening Ceremony.
Meeting Weleh Dennis in 2013, who had a background with Louis Vuitton, solidified a partnership that would bring their vision to life. The idea for Kids of Immigrants emerged in 2015 and officially launched in May 2016, right from Buezo's living room. The name itself reflects their shared experiences and the pride they take in their heritage. They built their brand within their immediate community, focusing on the shared narratives of immigrant stories. Their journey illustrates how personal history can fuel creative endeavors, laying the groundwork for a brand that champions inclusivity and representation. This commitment to storytelling culminated in a collaboration with Nike for the Air Max SNDR, which serves as a canvas for immigrant experiences.
Brand Mission and Values
Kids of Immigrants embodies a mission grounded in inspiration and innovation, aiming to uplift every athlete across the globe. Their commitment is clear: everyone is considered an athlete, as the mantra goes, "If you have a body, you are an athlete." This inclusive approach drives them to inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds, enhancing performance with state-of-the-art sporting items designed for all experience levels. Establishing healthy boundaries is essential to ensure that athletes can pursue their passions without compromising their well-being.
The vision extends beyond mere products; it focuses on expanding human potential, empowering athletes both mentally and physically. Kids of Immigrants prioritizes accessibility and affordability, ensuring high-quality sports gear is within reach for many. Sustainability is also key, as they strive for innovative practices that contribute to a healthier planet. Moreover, like Nike, they are committed to eco-friendly practices, aiming to reduce their environmental impact while delivering exceptional products.
Core values such as authenticity and innovation guide their operations, ensuring each product delivers exceptional performance. The brand aims to foster connectedness, creating a personal relationship with its customers. Ultimately, Kids of Immigrants seeks to unite the world through sport, promoting equality and health while engaging communities and enhancing lives through their impactful mission.
Nike Collaboration Overview
When Nike and Kids of Immigrants announced their collaboration on the Air Max SNDR sneakers, it marked a significant moment in the intersection of culture and athleticism. This partnership was unveiled at ComplexCon, held on November 16th and 17th, 2024, showcasing the sneakers at the Kids Of Immigrants' Together Gallery. The event also highlighted other Nike projects, including the Air Max 1000 and the Cactus Colosseum by Travis Scott.
To promote the collaboration, a short film directed by David Camarena was released, set in NYC and capturing the essence of resilience, diversity, and dreams within immigrant communities. The film featured real parents of the founders, emphasizing the brand's narrative and message of heritage. Through social media and the KOI website, the film resonated deeply with audiences. Additionally, the collaboration emphasizes creativity and cultural representation, reflecting KOI's mission to empower immigrant communities.
The Air Max SNDR sneakers come in two striking colorways: Persian Violet and Sundial. Exclusive releases were planned at Dover Street Market in LA and London, with a limited edition of 1,986 pairs to celebrate Air Max's first year. The sneakers became available on April 22nd, creating a buzz around this impactful collaboration.
Design Inspiration and Features
The design of the Air Max SNDR sneakers embodies a rich tapestry of cultural narratives and personal journeys, celebrating the resilience of immigrant families. Inspired by the beauty of a sunrise, these sneakers symbolize hope and new beginnings, reflecting the founders' experiences as kids of immigrants. You'll notice a vibrant palette, available in Persian Violet and Sundial, featuring soft pinks and blazing oranges that evoke the colors of dawn.
The materials used include breathable mesh uppers with premium leather overlays, ensuring both comfort and style. A custom TPU with grid lines signifies global connectivity, emphasizing unity and inclusivity. Instead of traditional laces, you’ll find an innovative zipper system, making these sneakers easy to wear while retaining a sleek look. Furthermore, the sneakers are designed for active use by kids, ensuring durability and comfort during play. The sneakers pair flawlessly with a variety of outfits, making them a versatile choice for kids who lead active lifestyles. To complete the look, consider pairing them with the best sweatpants for men 2024, designed with a stylish cut and comfortable fabric that allows for unrestricted movement. With these sneakers and the right attire, children can confidently express their individuality while staying comfortable throughout their day-to-day adventures.
With the iconic Air Max unit in the sole, you get superior cushioning, while the robust traction pattern on the outsole provides grip on various surfaces. Reflective accents enhance visibility, adding a layer of safety. Each pair tells a story of cultural heritage, featuring grid webbing that represents longitude and latitude lines, and the inscription "JUST DO IT. TOGETHER" on the sock liners, inviting a sense of community.
Release Dates and Details
Mark your calendars for November 29, 2024, as both the "Persian Violet" and "Sundial" colorways will drop exclusively through the EQL raffle on the Kids of Immigrants website. This initial release is your chance to grab these limited-edition sneakers, priced at $190 USD each.
It's important to note that any reports of a November 21 release are incorrect, so don't get caught off guard. The "Persian Violet" won't be available via SNKRS Pass, ensuring that the EQL raffle is your only option for this colorway initially.
Following the EQL raffle, the "Sundial" colorway will see a wider release on December 27, 2024, through the SNKRS app. Both colorways will also become available at select retailers after the initial drop, but quantities will be limited. The design of these shoes is inspired by the immigrant experience, highlighting the importance of staying connected with family.
When you receive your shoes, you'll notice the exclusive packaging — a nostalgic brown and orange shoebox, complete with a phone card insert. Sign up for future KOI release alerts by texting the number included, ensuring you stay in the loop for exciting future drops.
Cultural Significance of KOI
As you explore the Kids of Immigrants (KOI) brand, you'll quickly see how deeply intertwined their cultural significance is with their mission. Founded by Weleh Dennis and Daniel Buezo, both kids of immigrants, KOI embodies their diverse backgrounds and experiences. The brand's name itself reflects the founders' heritage, promoting inclusivity and unity among immigrant communities.
KOI's designs are a unique blend of streetwear and cultural identity themes, showcasing the richness of diverse narratives. Colors like "Persian Violet," inspired by the founders' roots, and gradient colorways evoke contemporary aesthetics while connecting to Y2K nostalgia. Each design element tells a story of cultural fusion, empowering the immigrant experience. This collaboration with Nike includes a Persian Violet colorway that highlights the significance of cultural representation in fashion.
Community Engagement and Impact
While engaging with the Kids of Immigrants (KOI) brand, you'll discover how their commitment to community engagement and impact resonates deeply with their mission. Co-founded by Weleh Dennis and Daniel Buezo, KOI embodies the spirit of immigrant stories, weaving cultural heritage into every initiative. By involving their parents in campaigns, they highlight the shared narratives of immigrant families, fostering a sense of belonging.
The collaboration with Nike on the Air Max SNDR sneakers showcases this ethos. Through events like ComplexCon and installations at Dover Street Market, KOI not only celebrates community but also emphasizes the importance of supporting friends and uplifting one another. Their short film, directed by David Camarena, captures the resilience of immigrant families, with New York City serving as a backdrop for these authentic stories. KOI's efforts parallel the 1.1M kids who gained access to sport through community initiatives, further highlighting the importance of inclusivity. By maintaining emotional alignment, KOI inspires individuals to recognize their personal well-being and the collective strength of their communities. Additionally, KOI's commitment to community health reflects the principles of culturally appropriate health services, promoting wellness among their diverse audience. Moreover, the importance of long-term financial planning can empower families to invest in their futures and support community initiatives.
KOI goes beyond fashion, participating in initiatives like Black Out The Ballot to encourage voter registration and financial empowerment. Their inclusive designs symbolize connectivity, reminding us that our roots matter. Ultimately, KOI's efforts create a ripple effect, empowering disenfranchised communities and celebrating the beauty of diversity.
Future of KOI and Nike
The future of Kids of Immigrants (KOI) and Nike looks incredibly promising, as their long-term partnership continues to evolve and inspire. You can expect future collaborations to celebrate immigrant experiences, staying true to KOI's core mission. The success of the Air Max Sunder collaboration sets the stage for innovative designs, with anticipation building for new colorways and styles.
As they explore advanced manufacturing techniques, like 3D printing and custom TPU overlays, KOI and Nike are set to revolutionize sneaker design. You'll see unique materials and functional details, such as zipper systems, enhancing both style and usability. Additionally, the previous successful partnership with Dover Street Market showcases their ability to create impactful collaborations.
When it comes to marketing, expect exclusive release channels through EQL raffles and SNKRS Pass, maximizing your access to limited editions. Special events like ComplexCon will further elevate the brand's presence in streetwear and fashion markets.
Their community-centric approach means a focus on heritage and empowerment, ensuring that each project resonates with a diverse audience. As KOI and Nike continue to grow, their collaborations will not only captivate sneaker enthusiasts but also amplify a message of unity and celebration of cultural roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Did KOI Choose Nike for Collaboration?
You'll find that KOI chose Nike for collaboration because of their shared values and commitment to community impact. Both founders admired Nike's influence and dedication to social causes. Initially, KOI caught Nike's attention through their "Support Your Friends" campaign, which highlighted immigrant experiences. By showcasing their brand's purpose-driven practices and engaging with Nike's community, KOI established a connection that ultimately led to a meaningful partnership focused on creativity and cultural representation.
What Other Products Does KOI Offer?
Kids of Immigrants offers a variety of products beyond collaborations. You'll find stylish apparel like T-shirts, hoodies, and handcrafted garments, designed to reflect cultural identity. Accessories include caps and hats, perfect for any outfit. Their footwear line features unique sneakers with custom designs, highlighting creativity and connection. Plus, they emphasize community-driven fashion with limited edition sports apparel that celebrates diversity. You'll love how each piece tells a story of resilience and unity.
Where Can I Learn More About Koi's Founders?
If you want to learn more about Kids of Immigrants' founders, Daniel Buezo and Weleh Dennis, check out their official website and social media profiles. They often share insights about their backgrounds and the brand's mission. You can also find interviews and features in fashion magazines and blogs that discuss their journey and inspirations. Engaging with their content will give you a deeper understanding of their vision and values.
How Can I Support Koi's Mission?
To support KOI's mission, you can start by purchasing their products, like their unique sneakers. Participate in community events and share their message on social media to spread awareness. You can also engage with immigrant-owned businesses they highlight and attend their events, like ComplexCon. By amplifying their vision of empowerment and creativity, you'll help foster a sense of unity and celebration of diverse cultures within your community. Together, you can make a difference!
Is KOI Planning More Collaborations in the Future?
You can expect KOI to pursue more collaborations in the future. Their strong brand reputation and history of successful partnerships position them well for innovative projects. With a focus on community and cultural representation, KOI's mission resonates with many potential collaborators. Their ongoing engagement in events like ComplexCon and commitment to creative storytelling further suggest they're actively seeking to expand their collaborative opportunities in the fashion and sneaker industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the collaboration between Kids of Immigrants and Nike showcases the power of community and creativity. You've seen how the founders' journey and brand values resonate with many, emphasizing cultural significance and engagement. As you look forward to future releases, remember that this partnership not only highlights innovative design but also uplifts immigrant stories. It's more than just a sneaker; it's a movement celebrating identity and resilience. You're part of something truly inspiring!
