Sneaker collaborations are a dime a dozen now. In fact, there are so many collabs dropping each week that it’s difficult to keep up at times. Yet, somehow, partnerships between creative people and footwear brands are still a huge driving force in the sneaker game. Although, since the late Virgil Abloh passed away, Jordan Brand has been challenged to find new partners that can bring big energy and attention to their lifestyle and retro releases. Until now, that challenge has plagued the recent releases from their current list of collabs but a new (and maybe familiar) partner has emerged with an incredible collab that will land this summer.
From her music to her fashion choices, Teyana Taylor is a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment by consistently pushing boundaries and captivating audiences. On the other hand, the Air Jordan 1 is an iconic sneaker that has left an indelible mark on sneaker culture that by most accounts is the gold standard of a sneaker. Yet, somehow, these two entities that seem to come from polar opposite sides of the spectrum, have teamed up for what could easily be the best sneaker collab of 2023.
Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Teyana Taylor emerged as a rising star in the entertainment industry. Taylor’s talent knows no bounds as she excels in various fields, including music, fashion, and entertainment. Having collaborated with numerous sneaker brands, including adidas and Reebok, Taylor’s connection to sneaker culture is as authentic as it gets. Not to mention, she has made a name for herself as a multifaceted creative force and her unique sense of style and fearless approach to self-expression have garnered attention worldwide that makes her the perfect collaborator for Jordan Brand. Add to that, the “A Rose From Harlem” theme of the shoe makes this collab even that much more significant.
One of the standout features of the Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 1 collaboration is the unique colorway and material choices. With a familiarity that feels similar to the Off-White collabs, the Teyana Taylor AJ1 uses a vibrant blend of “Chicago-esque” hues, complemented by premium materials that are beyond impressive at first glance. Additionally, special branding and personal touches, such as “A Rose From Harlem” branding and symbolic accouterments like the rose-inspired lace lock add a distinctive flair to the design. While the initial response to the Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 1 collaboration was met with mixed responses, as better photos of the collab have appeared, it’s apparent this has the potential to be the best Air Jordan 1 release of the year.
The Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 “A Rose From Harlem” is set to drop on June 1st and would make for a perfect addition to any Sneaker Throne.
