It’s the summer of sporty chic according to Nike and Jacquemus, who have just unveiled their latest collaboration. The campaign, which captures the city of Paris in anticipation of the upcoming Olympic Games, features a range of Nike athletes – think Serena Williams, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, and Beatriz Hatz – donning a fusion of sophisticated luxury and high-performance activewear.
The creative director of the eponymous French label, Simon Porte Jacquemus, reconceptualised ten men’s and womenswear pieces, including tracksuits, t-shirts, statement bras, and long skirts in his signature style – elegant, simplistic (but never boring), and timeless. For the brand’s third footwear style, the Nike x Jacquemus Air Max 1, Jacquemus once again combines his undeniable refinement with Nike’s rounded Air unit. The chunky sole and unpretentious design allows them to be worn in any capacity. Nodding to Jacquemus’ French roots, the collection can be found in a colour palette of red, white, blue, and silver. “I see the collection as a mix of sport, fashion and culture in the most beautiful city in the world, where Nike athletes will take center stage this summer,” Jacquemus says.
The Summer 2024 Nike x Jacquemus collection isn’t the first time these two iconic brands have collaborated. They first joined forces back in 2022, creating a debut collection that took inspiration from ‘90s Nike campaigns and integrated athleisure with Jacquemus’ signature elevated minimalism. A more recent partnership saw the design of 2023’s J Force 1 – a sneaker inspired by Nike’s classic Air Force 1. And, the Spring 2024 collection introduced the Le Swoosh bag – resembling Nike’s illustrious trademark swoosh symbol – which has gone on to become an irreplaceable addition, showing up in the summer collection in three new colours.
Alongside the collection, a short film and campaign titled ‘J’aime Paris’ features a cast consisting of Serena Williams, Juliette Binoche, Central Cee, and Lila Moss. As Jacquemus’ first directorial role, he showcases a beautiful melange of sport, fashion, and culture in the city’s most breathtaking spots. From global athletes to French icons to contemporary musicians and models, the short film highlights a wide variety of individuals, bringing them together to flaunt the impressive body of work.
The collection – and ongoing collaboration, for that matter – is a reimagination of fashion and sport’s relationship, creating and curating pieces that accommodate style in motion.
The Summer 2024 Nike x Jacquemus collection launches on July 10 at jacquemus.com and in-store and will be available on Nike platforms beginning July 23.
imagery. Nike x Jacquemus
words. Amber Louise