Nike: Back for the Future

Remember how space-age the idea of having self-lacing Nike sneaks seemed in BTTF? Well we are now well and truly in the future and apparently they're not that space-aged. Nike have produced a pair which were relatively simple to make and the limited stock will go up for auction with all proceeds go to Michael J. Fox Parkinson Disease Foundation. Awesome.

Customize@ConverseOne

I came across this advertisement to design your very own pair of converse, which would be made and delivered within 4 weeks. I felt the need to try it out. 

Of course Nike - who as of 2003 have owned Converse - have had Nike I.D. for years so it is unsurprising that they would introduce the idea to the Chuck Taylor All Stars, Jack Purcells and the Skate shoes. 

Despite Nike doing a good job in mainly sticking to the Converse traditions, I do feel that the idea of designing your own pair goes against the grain a little. Converse throughout the decades, has been representative of so many youthful sub-cultures who used the shoe as a blank canvas for creativity: to draw on, to paint, to sew, to show your personality. It was the role of Nike sneaks to have slick, polished designs but Converse always represented the complete opposite. 

Perhaps it's just the teenager in me that isn't quite ready to accept that Converse "sold-out".

Nylon Nikeheads

Today I had the urge to wear my Nike Blazers to work and got a few compliments. Then tonight I came across this video on NYLON.com - a joint party between NYLON and Nike promoting their one-colour neon sneaks. Only available in Nike and Urban Outfitter stores in NYC and LA, unsurprisingly the shoes keep selling out.

Glastonbury '09.

So Kate Moss was a no-show but there were plenty of other fashionistas strutting their festival gear for the press to feast their camera lenses on. Here model Lily Donaldson sports Kate's normal rocky look with the summers fringing and those all important Ray-bans. Over the last few years, outfits have become a bit formulaic in the reign of Miss Moss but there are always exceptions such as singer VV Brown's colourful ensemble. 

Of course the wellies were still the most popular item of clothing despite the lack of rain along with the floral print jersey dresses pushed on the high street.  

One of my favourite looks here is one of the simplist: an American Apparel jumpsuit, hippy head band and (my faves) Nike sneakers. Makes a welcome change from the usual uniform.

Fit for a Sustainable Future

Day 2 of the Retail Week Conference kicked off with further discussion from Best Buy, Unilever and Argos.

However, it was a panel discussion about Corporate Social Responsibility that I was most intruiged by, particularly because of the companies involved. Jim Allaker (VP & General Manager of Nike UK & Ireland), Richard Gillies (Director of Plan A at M&S), Peter Marks (Chief Executive at The Co-operative Group), and David McCullough (Deputy Chief Executive of Oxfam GB).

The discussion began with how brands need to not lose focus of the strive for socially aware and sustainable production in the midst of a downturn. The Co-op is a brand that seems to lead the way in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).

Nike added that their new DNA is about sustainable performance and by 2011, all their shoes will have been made considering waste reduction, construction efficiency and using more environmentally friendly materials. I'm happy to see the importance Nike are now placing on CSR. Not bad for a company that for years seemed tainted with the reputation for turning a blind eye to appalling work ethics in their Asian production factories.

It wasn't until near the end that the "Clothes Exchange" between M&S's Plan A and Oxfam came up. 

I had already been aware of the campaign to reduce landfill waste, encouraging people to hand in their old, unwanted Marks and Spencer clothing to Oxfam in exchange for a £5 M&S voucher. I wasn't aware of it's success. 

Sir Stuart Rose has previously described the move as "a triple win - it's good for customers, good for people in developing countries and good for the environment." According to Richard Gillies, the success was also seen in M&S sales.