Posted on 9 Nov By Visionarism
NikeLab partners with Roundel for the second time and sees the cult classic Nike Air Zoom Spiridon revived with Transport for London’s typeface, Johnston 100, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The launch pays homage to the heritage of both by uniting them in one, unique modern design.
Initially released in ‘97, the Air Zoom Spiridon’s design was ahead of its time. As one of the first models to incorporate the Air Zoom system, it was lightweight, fast and propelled Nike running technology to prominence. Spiridon’s 1990s’ look created a cult following and made it as popular on the street as it was on the track.
In 1916, Edward Johnston’s font was introduced by London Transport to bring uniformity across the London city network. The clean simplicity of the lettering stood the test of time and its popularity continued throughout the last century. In 2016, its centenary year, the Johnston font was subtly updated to create Johnston 100 for the digital age and will be seen as part of the NikeLab x Roundel footwear collection.
The collaboration includes two contemporary colourways – white and navy, with the upper featuring the Johnston typeface – letters and numbers. The all-over print is a nod to the head-to-toe logo looks which were prevalent in 1990s London, the decade in which the style found its fame.
The new Spiridon features a striking side and mini swoosh in silver, to compliment the clean colour palette. 3M Reflective taping on the integrated lace system and modernised upper completes the fresh update.
The final stamp of approval comes from TfL’s celebrated London logo, the Roundel, which is embroidered on the tongue of each limited edition pair.
The NikeLab x Roundel Zoom Spiridon releases in two colourways on Wednesday 9 November at an exclusive pop-up in Charing Cross station, London, then select retailers, globally, later this year.
