As a sneaker enthusiast with a heart for philanthropy, last night’s unveiling of the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle XX Collection left me absolutely spellbound! Over 20 years, this incredible program has not only produced some of the most unique sneakers in the game but has also managed to raise an astounding $37 million USD for the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Last night saw the launch of the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle XX Collection, a significant event for both Nike and Oregon Health & Science University’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital as they commemorate 20 years of their innovative patient-designer program. This one-of-a-kind sneaker series has been guided by Nike volunteer product experts, giving a platform to 122 young designers over the years to redesign Nike shoes. Besides creating exciting new footwear, this project has managed to raise an impressive $37 million USD so far.
Yesterday, we got a comprehensive view of the projects put together by this year’s patient-designers. Today, we’re getting a sneak peek at an exclusive version of the Air Jordan 20, dubbed “Doernbecher Freestyle”, along with its matching apparel, which will be up for auction. The AJ20, originally launched in 2005, was designed as a tribute to the 20th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1 and the subsequent Air Jordan series. Now, it’s serving as the base for another 20th anniversary celebration, marked by the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle program.
In this instance, Mark Smith, a former VP of special projects at Nike Innovation and a long-term contributor to the Doernbecher Freestyle program, emerged from retirement to participate in creating a new pair. Smith played a crucial role in designing the original pattern that adorns the straps of the AJ20, serving as a tribute to Jordan’s enduring legacy. As Smith explains, “For the living tapestry of MJ, we aimed to make the collection feel like a dream state, where chronology fades and you’re guided down a path of significant memories. There’s no beginning or end; you traverse it on an individual level.” Drawing upon this distinctive approach once more, the intricate laser-etched graphics of this exclusive colorway display various symbols representing the hospital, therapy dogs, and the iconic red couch at Nike’s headquarters where early meetings for the program took place. Furthermore, the initials of all 122 patient-designers are included along with nods to the shoes they created. To learn more about Smith’s contributions to both the original AJ20 and this unique design, check out Nike’s recent web story.
Previously mentioned, the Air Jordan 20 comes with additional items such as a shoe box and wooden box adorned with a woven pattern. Also included are a black Tech Fleece Bomber jacket and a t-shirt. The bomber jacket has a Nike Doernbecher Freestyle logo on the chest and back, with the latter showing a character standing tall in a cape. The sleeves have unique designs; the left one commemorates the 20th anniversary of the program while the right one showcases various notable symbols. The t-shirt features blue themed graphics on the front, with the tapestry design taking center stage.
20 sets of Air Jordan 20 “Doernbecher Freestyle” shoes will be auctioned off by Sotheby’s, starting October 21 and ending October 30 at 12pm EDT. The funds raised will support Doernbecher, with the shoes expected to ship prior to January 2025.
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2024-10-19 18:26