The Drop: NikeLab x Martine Rose

It’s been hyped and it’s been a long time coming…

Nike has finally joined forces with cult menswear favourite Martine Rose to redefine traditional streetwear.

Martine has always been known for her unconventional approach to design and her anti-establishment aesthetic has sparked a new level of experimentation across the fashion industry. Martine often references her London upbringing in the brands designs, fusing culture and how we perceive masculinity. This collaboration with Nike celebrates the everyday people that challenge the ordinary and remain true to their individual style.

Using throwback silhouettes and bold retro colours, this collab takes a look back at the 90s, reworking the tracksuit, the football shirt and the classic Air Monarch sneaker. Referencing ‘seven-foot’ basketball players, the tracksuit is oversized but tailored to fit. Using pleats on the shoulders and legs, these retro zip track top and track pants explore athletic proportions. In contrast, the football shirt is reminiscent of Shearer and Giggs’ heyday, using a knit jacquard fabric and drawing inspiration from the subcultures that surround the game.

The Air Monarch sneaker is well known as the ‘dadcore’ cross trainer and unashamedly the king of comfort. Martine Rose has taken this shoe and distorted it to create a contemporary twist on a classic. Available in three colourways including patent leather Triple Black and Medium Pink and a timeless leather White/Navy, the Air Monarch features inserts that give it a unique deformity. Branding is at a minimum, with subtle Swoosh detail and Rose’s signature at the side. 

To present this exciting collaboration, Browns have created a bespoke installation inspired by the everyday at Browns East that will be on display until the 14th February. 

The NikeLab x Martine Rose collaboration is launching Saturday 12th January and will be available to purchase online at brownsfashion.com and Browns East. 

Words by Alexandra Oliver