Nike has taken on a massive 10 day, 37 artist We Are Cultivator initiative including these Haitian Revolution inspired React Element 55.
August 14 1791 Saint-Dominique slaves rose up against their Colonial government and in 1804 Haiti became the first Black Republic. Creator Ruth Jean-Marie Erford uses this as inspiration for her Nike By You LE React Element 55 “Uprising.”
“August is when it all started. These are meant to be revolutionary–they’re a restarting, a rebellion, a reminder of the power of a thought,” says the Brooklyn by way of Haiti freelance writer Ruth Erford.
Get into the look…
The colorway is a tribute to the revolutionary soldiers and the original flag for the State of Haiti. Deep Navy Blue and Velvet Red upper made with textile and synthetic leather. An Aged Gold lateral Swoosh pulls the eye up toward the Neon Green collar, sockliner, insole and as well as the text “august” at the top of the tongue.
Additionally, a matching Gold Swoosh is found on the TPU heel clip. Both Velvet Red tongue and laces are a hint of heritage performance runners. Black rubber nodules on the mid and outsoles complete the look with great grip and effortless ease.
Velvet Red reappears on the taping and the Deep Navy zigzag stitching brings everything together victoriously. “I know what’s possible because of the Haitian Revolution. I’m grateful for the audacity of my ancestors”–Erford.
Undoubtedly, Nike React technology blends a balance between classic design and future innovation much like how Ruth breathes new life into a victorious history. Durable traction combines a high quality look with everyday wearability.
What IS Cultivator?
In short, NBY x Cultivator gives U.S. based creative people a bold new way to tell their stories — on a pair of Nike sneakers. And you don’t have to be a designer to have your story told. Collections are inspired by art, music, nature, culture and social causes just like the “Uprising.”
To top it all off, NBY x Cultivator gives creators a piece of the profit for every pair that is sold. A portion of the profits for this React Element will be donated to Erford’s organization The August Project.
“The cause that inspires my work is the alleviation of poverty in Haiti. This is why I founded my start-up philanthropy”–Erford.
As of writing this article, the LE “Uprising” is the first of the 37 sneakers to sell out retailed for $140. Looking for a similar silhouette or colorway? Check out “Pay Us” by Ellen Ford, “Help Her” by Leslie, MDC-683 by TayoJR or Paraba (Parrot) by Charlene; all of which retail at $140.
The line is available until November 10th exclusively at Nike.com. Be sure to keep it locked here for more of the latest sneaker news. https://www.nike.com/nikebyyou/community/
