In March 2016, HTM celebrates Air Max, adding new dimension to the elusive collaborative line. For the first time, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield and Mark Parker have each created a model that reflects their respective contributions to the longstanding partnership. Here, Parker breaks down the Nike Air Max Ultra M.
HTM represents the collaboration between fragment design founder Hiroshi Fujiwara, Nike Vice President of Creative Concepts Tinker Hatfield and NIKE, Inc. President & CEO Mark Parker. An acronym for the first initials of its three contributors, HTM explores new concepts in Nike design, often highlighting the latest technologies and hinting at future applications. Debuting in 2002, the collaboration has yielded 32 releases, from aesthetic updates of existing classics to the introduction of performance technologies, such as Nike Flyknit.
“I like products that communicate what they do very clearly. I love simple, stealth products too, but sometimes it’s fun to come up with something really bold and loud. With a name like Big Window, it’s pretty clear what the Air Max BW stands for” explains Parker.
“The BW upper has these hard, clean lines in the transitions of the upper. With a new technology like jacquard, I started playing with ways to create distinct areas in a softer way, using a gradient, pixelated effect. It still has the bold technology of the big window, but has a more organic tone in the upper,” he adds .
“On his inspiration from the past… I designed those three running shoes: the Vengeance, the Vortex and the Vector. If you look at the V-Series, it’s a classic shoe of that design era. You have the tip, eye stay, counter, back tab, vamp, Swoosh, midsole and outsole. Everything revolved around that formula,” concludes Mark. “So there are a few hints of that in this Air Max. It’s an ode to the classic cut and sew design language of the 1980s, executed in a modern way.“
The paneling pays tribute to the classic cut and sew designs of 1980s running shoes. The custom jacquard woven upper delivers a pixel effect. The lightweight, flexible ultra tooling provides increased comfort. Premium leather in the heel and tongue adds an element of luxury.
The Nike Air Max Ultra M will be available March 24 on nike.com/airmax and on Air Max Day at select retailers.
all images courtesy of Nike