Brandon Laskowski

Lebron James’ tour with Nike has went European. One look at the custom Nike Air Max Lebron VII from Parisian artists: Wu Yue and Stephane Ashpool already blow away anything an American or Chinese artist create earlier. Instead of just painted or markered on shoes the two artists created 3 pairs in three different colors with half of the shoes hand painted and the either half covered in velvet. However that “velvet” finish was given to the shoes is insane, you would think its fabric but then again it is seamlessly spread upon every curve of the shoes ankle area and midsole making it seem the velvet was sprayed on somehow. Mind you I’m pretty sure these started out white on white. Hmmm, time to research. More via Freshnessmag.com

After criss-crossing  the Middle Kingdom last week,  LeBron James started the European leg of his More Than A Game World TourAir Max LeBron VII (7). Created between 2 Parisian artists: Wu “Nyno” Yue, an acclaimed artist/animator known for his speed and unique application of Chinese ink in his works. The other being Stephane Ashpool, an unbounded art lover.  Nicknamed “The Mayor”, he tirelessly worked for the betterment of Parisian art scene through one of his various ventures – ViDA9, a production house in charge of several high fashion events, Pigalle, a storefront that doubles as exhibit space, Pain O Chokolat, an artist’s collective. with first stop last evening at the City of Lights, Paris.  As part of Nike Basketball’s initiative to highlight raising artists in each of the city LeBron visited, the Artist Series for Paris presented the NBA MVP with not 1 but 3 customized

In expressing the diversity and distinctiveness of Parisian neighborhoods, both artists decided early to work on 3 pairs, rather than 1. Taking symbolism from both the City of Paris and LeBron James, the artists deduced them into 3 colors – Red, for James’ flare and speed on the court as well as the neon lights in Pigalle, the “red light” district of Paris.  Black, the color of elegance and honor, James’ off the court persona. Also liken to dark alleys dotted across the Pigalle neighborhood. Finally, Green, the team color of James’ alma mater, Saint Vincent Saint Mary High School,  and the ever present youth movement within Paris daily life.  Each pair underwent a mix medium treatment.  Velvet application covered the last half of the footwear while illustrations, inspired by LeBron’s 6 personal credos, were imprinted with matte or glossy paint, and pencil.