SKEPTA AIR MAX 97/BW SK
by Adriano Batista
Last summer, Skepta released his first collaborative sneaker with Nike, the Air Max 97 SK. Its design combined insight from the grime star’s local London scene with inspiration drawn from trips to Essaouira, Morocco. The London-born artist’s second Nike silhouette follows the theme of connected culture, this time drawing on his relationship to Paris (which was one of the first places he broke outside the UK) by bridging a gap between Paris and London.
Linked by train, the two cities stand among Europe’s style capitals (not to mention being actual capitals) and the Nike Air Max 97/BW SK ties them together through the tricolore reference but more discretely honors the Nike Air Max BW’s cultural cache in both places.
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Nike Air Max BW originally released in 1991. At the time, the shoe featured the largest visible Air bag, but because it was sandwiched between the release of the Air Max 90 and the Air Max 180, it has had a rather surreptitious rise to cult status. Though release was ultimately limited in the United States, the shoe profited from more liberal distribution in Western Europe.
There the Air Max BW found favor among a variety of subcultures. In France, particularly Paris, it was adopted by both the hip-hop community and among football supporters.
These various influences all play out in the Air Max 97/BW SK. Skepta describes the white base as “something fresh,” a simple explanation but also apt when talking about why the Big Window resonated in the first place. Add to that sharp, multi-layered references relating to love, music and romance, and the shoe becomes a symbol of the fusion of Parisian and Londoner culture.
An initial launch of the Air Max 97/BW SK will take place via SNEAKRS STASH in Paris on May 14. At that time, app users who find hidden locks (replicating those used in the design) around the city will open access to purchase. The full release of the shoe on May 19 will come through the following locations in Paris: Pigalle, The Broken Arm, Starcow, Shinzo, Acte 2, SNS and Footpatrol. Additionally, the Air Max 97/BW SK will be available digitally from SNEAKRS in Europe and SNKRS in Japan. Select retailers (including Patta, Très Bien, Concepts and more) will carry it globally.
Fumito Ganryu is the Designer Project at Pitti Uomo 94
Judit García-Talavera & Krizia Robustella
LACOSTE is back with a fresh global campaign for 2025, and this time it’s all about playing with legends, both the brand’s classic pieces and the influential people who wear them.
Levi’s® new Linen+Denim collection for SS25 solves the warm-weather denim dilemma by blending two classic fabrics into one breathable, lightweight solution.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights face growing threats, art becomes more than personal expression. It is an act of resistance.
This June, Pitti Uomo 108 turns its focus on fashion that values experimentation and a clear-eyed view of what comes next.
Aidan Scout captured by the lens of Michael Kai Young and styled by Shaun Marq, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
Built for relaxation, the clothes are designed with loose fits and lightweight fabrics, perfect for long, lazy days and warm evenings.
Emporio Armani and Our Legacy Workshop are back in business with their new collaboration: a Spring/Summer 2025 collection.
Earlier this year, four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel joined Swiss clothing brand Neumühle for a special lesson at a Swiss school. The topic? Circularity.
Stüssy unveiled the lookbook for its Summer 2025 collection, photographed by Antosh Cimoszko and styled by Landon Ebeling.
Born in Chuhuiv, a small town in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, Roman’s earliest memories are of wind, open fields, and the vastness above.
Teaming up with Ray-Ban, A$AP Rocky introduced the Wayfarer Puffer, a new take on sunglasses that mixes hip-hop energy with precision craftsmanship.
The festival has been a political statement, an artistic movement, and a safe space for imagining new narratives.
Australian eyewear brand Le Specs has joined forces with No Problemo for a first-time collaboration.
The move combines the strengths of both agencies, backed by The Independents group, which acquired Lucien Pagès in December 2024.
Vivobarefoot has unveiled the Tabi Gen 01, the world’s first fully custom 3D-printed barefoot sandal.
The well-known MET GALA has already taken place. Here are our favorite looks!
British fashion house Vivienne Westwood, creatively directed by Andreas Kronthaler, unveiled the lookbook for its Fall 2025 collection.
STWD by Pull&Bear is all about championing new talent and celebrating the fluid, shape-shifting energy of today’s youth.
For the event, PAF will stage a presentation designed specifically for Pitti’s international audience.
In the golden haze of Barcelona’s streets, La Melancolía and Rassvet converge in a collaboration that feels like a memory half-remembered.
Japanese footwear brand grounds is teaming up with Los Angeles boutique H. Lorenzo to re-release the SPIKE SNEAKERS, originally created in collaboration with Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck.
There are performances, and then there’s Maraña—an experience that defies easy categorization.
Summer in the city means heat, humidity, and the need for footwear that can keep up.
Valentin Leuzzi photographed and styled by Agustin Prieto, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
PUMA and ROMBAUT are back with the second installment of their “Levitation” collaboration, a shoe that doesn’t just sit on the ground but seems to float above it.
The Italian brand has unveiled its “Gucci Lido” campaign, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Aliocha Schneider, and David Jonsson, shot by photographer Jim Goldberg.
French fashion house Dior presents the latest capsule of its ‘Icons’ line for the Fall season, designed by Kim Jones.
MR PORTER’s latest High Summer campaign brings together 38 pieces designed for warm days and effortless style.
The first instalment of the “América” collection by Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría has arrived in stores.
Sheep Inc. has launched FIBREGEN™, a new kind of fabric that combines comfort with real environmental benefits.
