The "Year of the Rabbit" holds a special place in the Chinese zodiac calendar, symbolising a year of prosperity, compassion, and creativity. In Chinese culture, each year is associated with a specific animal, and the rabbit represents a gentle and humble nature. For Nike, the "Year of the Rabbit" presented an opportunity to celebrate and honour this cultural tradition by crafting a limited-edition sneaker that embodies the essence of both the Air Force 1 legacy and the Year of the Rabbit symbolism.
Released in 2011 as part of Nike's Chinese New Year collection, the Nike Air Force 1 Supreme "Year of the Rabbit" instantly captured the attention of sneaker enthusiasts and art collectors alike. The shoe showcases a premium white leather upper, symbolising purity and new beginnings, also being inspired by a traditional milk cream-flavoured candy popular in China. The design incorporates intricate laser-etched detailing, featuring various elements related to the Year of the Rabbit.
Upon its release, the Nike Air Force 1 Supreme "Year of the Rabbit" didn't precisely garner immediate acclaim. Years later we have seen sneakerheads and collectors rushing to add this rare gem to their collections. It became a sought-after item not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for the deep cultural roots it represented.
Beyond its value as a collector's item, the "Year of the Rabbit" Air Force 1 serves as a testament to the power of art in sneaker culture. It exemplifies how a shoe can transcend its purpose and become a canvas for artistic expression, uniting people across cultures and borders through a shared appreciation for creativity and different traditions.
For January 2023, Nike is transferred the same colours and details to the Dunk Low
This Dunk Low features an upper made of a Light Grey suede base with White leather overlays. Chenille fabric Swooshes, Red on the lateral and Blue on the medial, highlight the shoe’s design. The sneaker’s Special details include a rabbit graphic on the insole and lateral heel. Each pair features a White midsole with a transparent outsole displaying the years 2011 and 2023 on the left and right shoes, respectively playing homage to the 2011 Air Force 1 release.
Both the Nike Air Force 1 Supreme ‘Year of the Rabbit’ and the Nike Dunk Low PRM ‘White Rabbit’ stand brilliant fusions of sneaker culture and artistic representation and are available at Story while stocks last.
