Nike’s SB Dunk Low ‘Street Hawker’ Pays Yummy Tribute To Chinese Street Vendors
Image via Nike
Nike is set to release its ‘SB Dunk Low Street Hawker’ silhouette before the Chinese New Year.
The Nike SB Dunk Low edition, designed by Guangzhou artist Jason Deng, pays homage to Chinese street food vendors, cuisine, and culture through two distinctive designs on each side.
Image via Nike
Deng took inspiration from the dishes of six Chinese cities to design the footwear. The left sneaker is washed in light beige to note three flour-based dishes.
The suede on the top embodies the color and texture of green bean soup (Douzhi) from Beijing, which is also referenced in the donut patterns on the forefront.
Image via Nike
Meanwhile, the embossed suede on the lateral side signifies pita bread pieces, with the watercolor designs on the side nodding at a Xi’an specialty of mutton soup with a side of pita bread. The Swoosh branding is covered in brown to mirror the color of chopsticks.
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There are also hints of Shanghai’s plain noodles, also known as Yangchun noodles, from the fading watercolor on the lateral heel. A bold 10-cent copper coin is embroidered on the heel based on the dish.
Image via Nike
The left insole is covered in blue to represent the blue sky, portraying the traditional Chinese saying that people should treat food as their heaven. The blue lining on the left midsole also pays tribute to fine porcelain bowls.
On the right side, warmer tones reflect spicy to sweet notes on a Chinese menu. The metallic color on the right toebox is inspired by Chengdu hotpots, where dishes are cooked. The sides are plastered with chili-oil bubbles, while the silver Swoosh logo points to the metal hook utilized for hanging roast goose.
Image via Nike
The Ostrich leather on the side mimics crispy roasted goose skin, a popular meal in Guangzhou. The goose is often roasted with flame and lychee wood, reflected in the watercolor design around the eyelets.
The heel exemplifies a Taipei dessert with shaved ice and taro balls, while the insole aims to resemble a bench terrace used to grow rice paddies. The shoe’s collar lining portrays the color of meat dishes, and the yellow tone in the outsole illustrates cooking oils.
Image via Nike
Both shoes are emblazoned with Chinese calligraphy that stands for “food,” and the four colors on the laces are based on the four key seasonings in Chinese food: green for shallots, yellow for ginger, white for garlic, and black for black pepper.
Image via Nike
The Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Street Hawker’ edition is set to release 13 January 2021, ahead of the Chinese New Year, on SNKRS.
[via Highsnobiety, cover image via Nike]
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