UPDATE August 3, 2023: Union Los Angeles has officially shared the release date and inspiration behind its new pair of Air Jordan 1s. In a message from Union Owner Chris Gibbs, he shares that the summer of 1996 inspired these designs. He and his wife, Beth, co-own Union and played a hand in the brand’s past collaboration hits. In addition to the summer of their meeting, 1996 represents an early era of what we now call streetwear. The pack, which is expected to release separately on August 24, includes an AJ1 High OG with a woven twist and a Bethy’s Beauty Supply WMNS AJ1 Elevate.
Union is preparing to drop its third Air Jordan 1 High, and the OG streetwear boutique is going in a different direction than its 2018 collab.
Leaked images show a tonal white take on the AJ1 that borrows heavily from the Nike Air Footscape Woven and includes Union co-owner Beth Gibbs’ Bethies Beauty Supply branding. Woven threads wrap around the entire sneaker, running beneath the Swoosh the below the toe cap and right back around the heel. Various shades of white dominate the kicks from upper to outsole, with yellow trim and exaggerated teal stitching carrying over from Union’s first AJ1s. Also returning is the “UN/LA” hang tag hanging from the Wings logo ankle strap.
The Air Footscape Woven, which originally launched at the tail end of the 2000s, is reportedly due for a revival this year. The inclusion of its signature motif is a pleasant surprise from Union, and we’ll be eagerly awaiting the rollout whenever it comes. Download the DROPS by SoleSavy app for updates on this drop and more.
UPDATE (4/25/2023): New images available courtesy of sameoldsneakers.
