Take a Closer Look at the Sculptural Martine Rose x Nike Air Monarch
Find out how you can cop a pair, too.
Earlier this year, British designer Martine Rose was revealed as part of a select lineup tapped for exclusive collaborations with Nike. More recently, Rose’s collection was announced to be available for purchase on Craigslist and we also got to take a peek at the accompanying campaign, modelled of course by the Craigslist sellers. Now, we can finally get an up close look at the unique sneakers that are dropping as part of this anticipated collab – the reworked Nike Air Monarch.
Martine Rose has put her own, decidedly offbeat, spin on the OG dad sneaker. Inspired by both sports culture and athlete’s forms, as well as the sneaker lasts Nike have of athletes in the archives, the trainers take on an arty, sculptural silhouette that at first glance appears almost alien-like. The all-black upper features ultra-subtle details throughout, like the Swoosh and Martine Rose’s signature on the sidewalls that blend nearly seamlessly into the background. The Air Monarch’s signature details are present too, like the geometric stitching on the lateral and the minute slashes that fall around the tail of the Swoosh. There’s also tonal Air Monarch branding on the tongue and Air lettering on the heel, with the entire unit sitting atop a chunky, retro black midsole.
Ben Awin/HYPEBAE
Ben Awin/HYPEBAE
The standout details however, come in the form of the oversized bumps that protrude on the sidewalls and toe-box, giving the Air Monarchs an exaggerated, sci-fi shape thats quite unlike anything we’ve come across before. The only form of color on this pair in particular comes in the form of light pink hits on the lace hoops, heel tab and insole. For those who prefer their sneakers on the brighter side, the same silhouette is available in a fully pastel pink option and a white and navy iteration that’s similar to the Air Monarch’s trademark original colorway.
Get a close-up look at these show-stopping sneakers in the gallery above; you can try your luck at copping from the limited drop available on Craiglist or wait for the general release at retailers like Browns on January 15.
