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Nike has launched a nostalgic anime-inspired spot as part of its ongoing collaboration with prominent Japanese fashion designer Nigo.
The two-minute spot "Escape Force" shows the Kenzo artistic director as a gigantic robot, taking visual cues from the Japanese series "Super Sentai."
The latest efforts were made to promote the exclusive "Ranger Air Force 3" retro sneaker made by both the sports giant and the artist, also inspired by the decades-old superhero show.
The sneaker, which marks the first collaboration between the two, features a premium upper with various leathers and textiles, as well as a midsole foam that stays true to the original Air Force 3 model.
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Nigo spoke about the ongoing collaboration in a press release, calling the AF3 a "hidden masterpiece" that he remembered loving and that he really wanted to reintroduce its magnificence through his first work with Nike.
Meanwhile, Nike VP of Global Energy Marketing Leo Sandino-Taylor praised the artist for his dedication to his craft:
"Nigo’s thoughtfulness with his stories and the detail he brought to our first project together has reinvigorated the way we think about applying stories to our products."
He brought an unbelievable amount of depth to each creative element that allowed us to be very playful with how we executed his vision. He’s an absolute master of his craft."
By collaborating with renowned artists, Nike reinforces its position as a global powerhouse in the sports and lifestyle industry.
It's a sound brand marketing strategy that has helped the brand build its status over the decades.
Nike and Nigo Unite
The nearly one-minute spot kickstarts with a color-coded superhero team akin to "Super Sentai."
We then see Nigo wearing a Nike-branded varsity jacket controlling a gigantic robot from within a lab.
With eye-catching retro visuals, the superheroes man their robots, transform into animals, soar through the skies, and traverse the land and sea.
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The four robots then merge with Nigo's to transform into one giga robot, sporting Ranger AF3s in the process.
The advert ends with a hero shot of the entire team, closing with the "Nigo x Nike" logo.
Earlier this year, Nike and Wieden+Kennedy launched the star-studded "I Am A Bad Person" commercial, which was narrated by award-winning actor Willem Dafoe.
Editing by Katherine 'Makkie' Maclang
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