NikeLab has partnered with designer and Givenchy's creative director Riccardo Tisci to disrupt the traditional notion of training footwear and apparel.
As part of its Summer of Sport celebration, the NikeLab x RT: Training Redefined collection features bold new silhouettes and graphics, and embodies the coming together of Tisci'ss creative vision with Nike's innovative materials and sport knowledge.
"This collection represents an entirely new way of thinking for Riccardo," says NikeLab Senior Design Director Jarrett Reynolds.
"It is engineered for performance, which is unfamiliar territory for him. But that’s the beauty of collaboration — we can help bring Riccardo into the world of sport performance, which is our expertise. On the other hand, Riccardo’s vision pushed our design to a place we wouldn’t have arrived at on our own."
Inspired by athletes training for the Summer Olympics, the collection employs Nike performance technologies such as Dri-FIT and Flyknit. In addition, the modern silhouettes provide new performance solutions.
For example, the NikeLab Kaleidoscope Dri-FIT 2-in-1 Short x RT blends the performance of full-length tights with the styling of shorts. Despite the two layers, the garment features just one waistband for a zero-distraction feel.
NikeLab x RT: Training Redefined will release in two unique capsule collections with strikingly different aesthetics.
The first features a signature Tisci black and white color palette.
The second is highlighted by a unique juxtaposition of floral and kaleidoscope prints. The floral print includes flowers from Oregon, the home of Nike; Taranto, Italy, the home of Tisci; and Rio de Janeiro, the host of the 2016 Olympics. Other subtle nods to Tisci in the floral print include stars and skulls. The kaleidoscope print provides an edgy, geometrical counter to its neighboring pattern.
The NikeLab x RT: Training Redefined collection will arrive in July 2016, with a second release scheduled the following month. Sign up at nike.com/nikelab to be notified when the collection goes on sale.
