As we inch closer and closer to NBA All-Star Weekend, Nike’s multi-sneaker All-Star Collection will continue to unravel. Within the past couple of weeks, Nike released the highly-anticipated, nine-sneaker “LA” series which included a Kobe VI and two Hyperfuse Lows inspired by East LA, Orange County and Hollywood. Next up, we will receive the 2011 NBA All-Star Signature Collection which features a lenticular-laced Kobe VI, LeBron 8 V2 and a Zoom KD III.

We recently caught up with Nike Graphic Designer Erick Goto, the brilliant mind behind all of these special creations. Goto discussed the origin of the “LA” series, what each one means to him personally, and the connection between LA and the newly-developed lenticular material. He also touched on the significance of the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse Low and his reaction on seeing his creation on Conan O’Brien. Check out our 1 on 1 with Nike Graphic Designer Erick Goto, along with detailed photos of the LA Series and the 2011 NBA All-Star Signature Collection.

Nice Kicks: With limitless sources of inspiration across the Los Angeles area, how did you narrow it down to just three sources of inspiration for the theme? What really inspired your idea of creating a three-part, Los Angeles series?

Erick Goto: The project was pretty much briefed that way to me, but I understand why. These three regions of SoCal are pretty distinct. Each has their own flavor and attitude, and their stories provided good points of distinction for each pack in the collection. It was more so my job to pin-point what made each so different. I did my research in various visual styles and trends that spoke about each area differently.

Nice Kicks: In detail, how does each one of the color schemes pay tribute to the respective areas of Los Angeles?

Erick Goto: The “East LA” Kobe VI was a real tribute to the Dodgers fitted that almost everyone I know owns. We used ‘Drenched Blue’ to literally drench the shoe in a deeper-than-normal royal. The “OC” Kobe VI was definitely a tip of the hat to the surf-and-skate world that is huge out there. They’re not afraid of color! Plus, we wanted to switch it up from the neutrals. We have a lot of those coming in the future. The “Hollywood” Kobe VI was inspired by the original 3D glasses in red and blue.

“Each has their own flavor and attitude, and their stories provided good points of distinction for each pack in the collection.” – Erick Goto

Nice Kicks: It seems as if the “3D” Nike Zoom Kobe VI has garnered the most attention out of those three. How did it feel to see your creation in Kobe’s hands on the Conan O’ Brien Show?

Erick Goto: Man, that was a trip! I couldn’t have been more surprised, overwhelmed or happy to see it on that show. Conan is my favorite late night television host!

Nice Kicks: We read somewhere that you took cues from the movie industry when creating these special colorways for the LA Series and the All-Star Collection. Are they any specific movies or movie industry elements that inspired you?

Erick Goto: Of course, the Hollywood version is a throwback to 3D movies and how they first started. We used the anaglyphic red and blue 3D because that’s the type of 3D we all grew up with. With the All-Star Collection, it was more about creating visual effect on a static product. There was something cool in the way lenticular tricks the eyes.

Click here to page two of our 1 on 1 with Nike Graphic Designer Erick Goto.