If there’s one thing sneaker folks of different tastes might agree on, it’s that not all collaborations are created equal. There are great collabs that unite the collaborating brands’ unique design philosophies in one standout item, and then there are those that take the lazy route by slapping two logos together and call it a day. Japan-based streetwear brand FPAR recently teamed up with Nike SB to release a collaboration that is anything but lazy; quite contrarily, the two brands have reimagined the Dunk High Pro beyond any reasonable expectations. FPAR head Tetsu Nishiyama, who is also the founder of the coveted streetwear brand WTAPS, envisioned a black/anthracite version of the classic Nike shoe that changes the original quite substantially: standing out the most is the revamped tongue (including a lace protector) that was inspired by the Jordan 6. The Swoosh, on the other hand, draws from the Jordan 5 and is split in half – one part leather, one part plastic mesh. Small writings are embroidered throughout the shoe (“Don’t follow me” and “I’m lost too” on the Swooshs, “Trust no one” on the inside of the tongue). Furthermore, on the heel, you’ll find a custom pull-tab with FPAR branding and a modeled Swoosh beneath FPAR lettering. Just in case you’ve wondered what the heck FPAR stands for: it’s short for Forty Percent Against Rights, indicating the company’s philosophy that any work altered by at least 40% is unburdened by copyright. We don’t know exactly how FPAR’s measuring method works, or how it squares up with existing copyright laws, but there you go. You can buy the Nike SB x FPAR Dunk High Pro at our webshop and our store in Frankfurt. It will be available from 12 noon (in store) and 6 pm (online) on November 2nd.
