Lu Xinjian collaborates with Nike on limited edition ZoomFly SP sneakers

Chinese artist Lu Xinjian has collaborated with Nike to create a limited edition of ZoomFly SP sneakers, designed for Olympic marathoner Eliud Kipchoge. The collaboration began in 2014 when Nike designer Colin Strandberg visited Xinjian's Shanghai studio and was inspired by his City DNA series. The project culminated in November 2018 at the opening of Nike House of Innovation in Shanghai, coordinated by design agent Ken Keflione. Xinjian created four patterns based on Shanghai's marathon route, incorporating landmarks like the Huangpu River and the Nike store. Only 300 pairs were produced, each unique due to a hydro-dipping technique called Hydrodrip, where sneakers were immersed in liquid paint. During the event, Xinjian performed live, and customers could customize their own pairs with staff assistance. Xinjian views the collaboration as a modern form of patronage, similar to historical church or royal sponsorship. He is currently working on a series depicting airports, exploring speed and dynamic elements of jet-age travel.