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Nike is adding another collaborator to its portfolio as a Nigo x Nike collaboration is in the works, according to Complex.
Nigo, the current artistic director for fashion house Kenzo and the founder of BAPE and Human Made, will work with the Swoosh for the first time in his prolific artistic and design career.
Both BAPE and Human Made have had a longstanding and extensive relationship with adidas. However, according to Complex, Nigo and adidas did not extend their contract.
In addition to BAPE’s ties with adidas, Nike and BAPE are currently undergoing a legal battle over the trademark design of the Nike Air Force 1 Low as Nike alleges that the BAPESTA (its AF1 lookalike) infringes on the design and is causing confusion in the marketplace.
A recent update in the Nike vs. BAPE lawsuit stated that “Nike’s in-house counsel and Nike’s V.P. of footwear flew to Japan twice to meet with BAPE’s leadership.” Nike reportedly followed up the meetings with a proposed licensing agreement along with an ask for the brand to stop producing BAPESTAs.
Although Nigo sold BAPE off in 2011 and stepped away from the company shortly after, the history of Nike, BAPE, and Nigo is worth noting ahead of the rumored Nigo x Nike collaboration slated for 2024.
Details of the Nigo x Nike collaboration have not been disclosed but we anticipate footwear and apparel to headline the collaborative effort between the Japanese designer and the Swoosh.
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