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words // Nick DePaula:
As the Houston Rockets returned home from a week-long road trip, PJ Tucker had a surprise in store for his teammates. The league’s reigning sneaker champ hosted the likes of James Harden and Chris Paul at the launch party for his first designer collaboration, a Rockets-themed take on the new Urchin Rocks silhouette from fashion brand Giuseppe Zanotti.
Held in the city’s River Oaks District, where a collection of luxury boutiques line the refined street mall, the Zanotti store was highlighted by a custom made locker for all fifteen Rockets players, each featuring a pair of PJ’s Urchin Rocks in their size. Yes — even a size 19 for center Zhou Qi.
“Sneakers for me are more than just an obsession, they’re a form of self-expression, a reflection of how I feel,” beamed Tucker. “I’ve always been a huge fan of Giuseppe and creating this sneaker with him has been a dream come true.”
The rich leather upper is accented by two zipper rows serving as lacing eyelets, while the 3D-molded scale midsole is certainly the model’s defining trait. The brand partnered with Tucker as he’s become known for his daring arena entry fits, with the collaboration available in limited quantities for $995, in-store at the Houston boutique, and online on their webstore.
“I’ve always been inspired by people who are passionate about fashion and style, whether musicians, actors or athletes,” says founder Giuseppe. “It was great fun to work with PJ on this special project.”
Check out PJ’s design below, and a look at the custom made lockers for each player.
