Nike and A Ma Maniére have teamed up yet again for the seasonal campaign Every Summer Tells a Story, a tribute to summer traditions in Black culture, which begins with “Act I: The Block” featuring Air Force 1 and Air Max 95 sneakers slated for release on June 27.
The first release of the campaign, which is one act within a broader cultural story, includes the A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 “White on White” and the A Ma Maniére x nike Air Max 95 “Diffused Taupe/Phantom.”
A Ma Maniére x Nike Every Summer Tells a Story campaign.
“Act I: The Block” is described as “a love letter celebrating the collective rhythm of movement, memory and joy.” This act acknowledges that the air-force-1 and air-max-95 have a rich history within the Black community, worn around the block before the silhouettes were globally famous and becoming summer staples in Black life.
A Ma Maniére x Nike Every Summer Tells a Story campaign.
Reinterpreting the influential sneaker Air Force 1 silhouette with “intentional design and quiet detail,” the Ma Maniére “White on White” iteration of the shoe features a premium white leather upper, smooth leather overlays and a low-key “A” monogram at the toe. Additional design details of the low-top sneaker include a stitched leather tongue, a padded jacquard monogram lining, a clean midsole, a translucent outsole, custom laser-etched lace dubraes and metal eyelets.
A Ma Maniére x Nike Every Summer Tells a Story campaign.
Exploring layering and texture, the A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Max 95 “Diffused Taupe/Phantom” sneaker is crafted with premium suede and smooth leather. Reflective 3M accents are featured as well as laser-etched signature A Ma Maniére branding at the heel and toe. A stitched suede patch adorns the tongue, while a jacquard satin lining and a cushioned monogram insole are featured inside the shoe. Additional flair is provided by mauve-tinted air units in the sneaker’s black composite foam midsole. Three alternate laces come with each pair, allowing for individualized styling.
A raffle will be held for both collaborative sneaker styles, with the window open to June 23 at 3 p.m. EST.
A Ma Maniére x Nike Every Summer Tells a Story campaign.
The campaign also includes the “Act I: The Block” film, which is “rooted in the heart of Atlanta” and features up-and-coming talent from the city, including Swavay, Baby Kia, Marco Plus, Jordan Bell, Champagne Trap and several local creatives. A description of the project reads in part, “The film honors the details that define a community, showing how the Air Force 1 and Air Max 95 are cultural staples passed through generations and the legacy carried in every step.”
Nike and A Ma Maniére, the latter of which is a part of James Whitner’s company The Whitaker Group, have collaborated on sneakers a myriad of times. For example, they have a third Air Jordan 4 sneaker slated to launch later this year, which is just one of the many silhouettes they’ve showcased together.