Nike Taiwan: The IAM1 Journey | Hypebeast

Offering a different perspective, Phalanx Studios were invited out the the Nike IAM1 Exhibition in Taiwan, putting their toy making efforts on display. Being in the street culture limelight for the past seven years, the collective preview another well thought out installation for this important event.

Interview with Phalanx Studios

Please introduce yourself and tell us how you connected with Nike on this IAM1 Exhibition?

We began making toy figures and promoting street fashion in Taiwan back in 2002. At the time street fashion was just like a baby, still in its growing stages. Nike always liked to promote local artists for their collaborative exhibitions and we were once of the lucky few. We have actually worked together several times and really appreciate Nike for providing us a platform to showcase our fantasy works.

What element of the AM1 was the basis of inspiration for your creation?

The visible air feature and air max cushion was definitely the basis of our inspiration. We tried to incorporate that vision into a fictional super hero character series – “The Invisible Power”.

How does your style translate to that of the AM1 silhouette and your ultimate concept?

Tracing back to our “The Invisible Power” concept, we translated that to the exhibition, seeing as our super hero was born in the 80s, much like the AM1.

His super powers include an ultra-hi vacuum power, tornado outbreak, shock wave, solid air, and smoke, all which can definitely relate to the AM1.

What is your role in this AM1 exhibition through Nike?

We always strive at promoting the scene as a whole, which includes the combination of toys, sneakers, and everything in between. Every figure we make is hand made and hold a certain exclusive factor, much like this exhibition. A toy is just a toy, but works like these, contemporary art works, are a form to showcase everything important in street fashion.

What’s your favorite Nike sneaker besides the AM1?

The Air Jordan stands out in my memory as playing an important role in Taiwan. The shoes were the best salesman to spread the word of Jordan’s awesome skills as well as Nike and the NBA. My first pair of Air Jordans were the VII, released for the Dream Team. In those times, when we were young, you would get a lot of respect from your friends for wearing a pair of sneakers like those.