A graffiti legend has reworked one of Nike’s classic silhouettes, making for a limited edition design that will surely go down in sneaker history books. STASH was born in Long Island, and is largely considered to be one of the top names in New York’s graffiti scene. In his early days, he exhibited alongside the likes of Keith Haring and Jean-Michael Basquiat. While his peers ascended into pop art stardom showing in the world’s most prestigious galleries, STASH kept it grassroots and continued to create where he started - on New York’s MTA subway cars. Eventually, he moved onto canvases, but his heart always stayed true to where he came from with his early work utilizing subway maps and of course - his signature graffiti aesthetic.

STASH’s legacy goes way beyond just subway walls or gallery canvases. He was a pioneer in integrating street art with streetwear, blurring the lines between fashion and art. Back in the day, STASH even had his own apparel line called Subware, and this was when graphic art on clothing was not necessarily so prevalent.

Having been in the trenches of streetwear for so long, STASH has a number of high-profile collaborations under his belt, and this is in no way his first time working with the Swoosh. In fact, STASH has probably worked with almost all of the top sportswear or streetwear brands in one way or another. Think - Reebok, Burton, Medicom Toy, G-SHOCK… This time around, STASH is making his mark on Nike’s Air Zoom Spiridon. Images of the collaboration first surfaced a few months ago, but we finally have the chance to get our hands on a pair.

The Spiridon was created in 1997 (although there was another Nike shoe called the Spiridon from 1984, these two have nothing but a name in common), and was one of the first sneakers to use Nike’s groundbreaking Zoom Air technology. A lightweight creation, the original iteration featured a Phylon midsole, Duralon forefoot and a mesh upper. Named after Spiridon Lewis - the first ever Olympic marathon winner in 1896 - the shoe was reissued in 2016 to much fanfare.

The STASH x Nike Air Zoom Spiridon collaboration sees the classic sneaker decked out in STASH’s signature hues of blue. Mixing textures such as mesh and suede, the shoe boasts STASH’s tag on its toe cap, where the mini Swoosh usually is. It also features STASH branding on the pull tab and a special insole. The shoe drop is now at JUICE Causeway Bay. 

Words / Helena Yeung