AIR NIGO

Nigo x Nike: The “Escape Force” Collaboration and its Complicated History.

Renowned streetwear icon Nigo is no stranger to the world of high fashion and global sneaker culture. From founding *A Bathing Ape (BAPE)* to his influential role at *KENZO*, Nigo has consistently pushed the boundaries of style and pop culture. Now, his latest collaboration with Nike, dubbed “Escape Force,” marks another milestone in his storied career.

However, this isn’t Nigo's first run-in with Nike. In fact, the two have a complex history that involves more than just creative partnerships — it’s a relationship also marked by legal battles over intellectual property rights and sneaker designs.This article dives into the significance of the “Escape Force” collaboration and revisits Nigo’s past legal troubles with Nike, offering insight into how the two eventually found common ground.

Nigo’s new “Escape Force” collection with Nike is already generating major buzz in the sneaker and streetwear communities. Known for his sharp sense of nostalgia mixed with futuristic elements, Nigo has drawn inspiration from Nike’s iconic 1980s “Air Force” lineage while adding his own signature Japanese flair onto it.

The collection reflects Nigo’s eclectic design philosophy, combining retro vibes with a modern twist. Think bold colorways, vintage-inspired silhouettes, and unique logos that blend Nike’s sportswear heritage with street-ready aesthetics. The "Escape Force" moniker hints at themes of freedom, individuality, and breaking away from the constraints of conventional sneaker design. Each shoe in the collection serves as both a tribute to Nike’s legacy and a reflection of Nigo’s innovative approach to style.

For longtime Nigo fans, this collaboration feels like a natural extension of his brand, especially given his deep-rooted influence on sneaker culture. Nigo was instrumental in popularizing collectible, limited-edition sneakers during his tenure at BAPE, which helped turn sneakers into symbols of status and artistic expression.

Despite the celebratory tone of the “Escape Force” collaboration, Nigo’s relationship with Nike hasn’t always been so harmonious. In fact, their history is fraught with legal battles that have shaped how brands navigate intellectual property in the fashion and footwear industry.

At the heart of the tension between Nigo and Nike lies the *BAPE STA*, one of BAPE’s most famous sneaker designs. Released in the early 2000s, the BAPE STA bears an undeniable resemblance to Nike’s Air Force 1, from the overall silhouette to the paneling. The only major difference is BAPE’s star logo, replacing Nike’s swoosh.

This similarity didn’t go unnoticed by Nike. In 2009, Nike filed a lawsuit against BAPE, accusing the brand of infringing on its Air Force 1 design. The case was one of the earliest and most prominent legal disputes over sneaker design copyrights. While the exact details of the settlement remain private, BAPE continued to produce the BAPE STA with subtle modifications. Over time, the sneaker became a symbol of the intersection between streetwear and high fashion, further solidifying Nigo’s legacy in sneaker culture despite the legal hurdles.

Nike, however, seemingly softened its stance on Nigo as the years passed. Both parties grew to understand the value of each other’s influence within sneaker culture. Nigo’s visionary approach and mass appeal couldn’t be ignored, while Nike’s unparalleled reach and resources made them an ideal partner for future collaborations.

The transition from courtroom rivals to collaborators isn’t uncommon in the fashion world, but what changed in the case of Nigo and Nike?

For one, the sneaker landscape has evolved considerably since the early 2000s. Today, the notion of collaboration is key in driving both brand relevance and innovation. Nike has increasingly embraced collaborations with designers who were once on the periphery, such as Virgil Abloh with Off-White and Travis Scott. In this context, Nigo’s inclusion feels like a natural progression, especially given his immense influence on sneaker culture.

Moreover, Nigo’s ability to merge streetwear with high fashion has gained even greater significance in a world where the lines between these industries are increasingly blurred. The global shift towards street-style dominance in luxury fashion likely prompted Nike to rethink its relationship with the designer, realizing that a partnership with Nigo could be mutually beneficial.

Nigo’s collaboration with Nike for the “Escape Force” collection is more than just another sneaker drop, it’s a symbol of how far the fashion world has come in navigating intellectual property and creative innovation. Despite their past legal disputes, Nigo and Nike have found common ground, forging a partnership that draws from both their legacies to create something fresh and exciting for today’s consumers.

As sneaker culture continues to evolve, collaborations like this one remind us of the delicate balance between competition and creativity, it’s those very tensions that lead to the most iconic designs.

Sources: Flightclub , Interview Mag , HumanMade