The Nike Air Max 1 "atmos Elephant" Creator Explains Why the Shoe Was Inspired by Bathing Elephants

With a bevy of 2017 Air Max Day releases being unveiled in the last few weeks, excitement for this year’s commemorative day is building amongst Air Max fans. But many only have their eyes on arguably one of the biggest releases this year the Nike Air Max 1 “atmos Elephant”. Part of the Jordan Max Pack, the shoe is Japanese sneaker retailer atmos’ second collaboration with Nike and was the winner of Nike’s “Air Max Vote Back” chosen by fans. atmos creative director Hirofumi Kojima recently shared his views on the design of the second collaboration, Air Max culture and expressed his love for Jordan Brand.

What does the Air Max 1 model mean for you? What does it mean for design and shoe culture?
The Air Max series means a lot for me because it sparked my interest in sneakers. The Air Max 1 is particularly very memorable. I think the Air Max 1 is a historic model, for atmos and shoe culture, it is truly an indispensable part of design and shoe culture.

What does Air Max mean to you in terms of technology and modern culture?
I hope the Air Max series will continue to make progress, displaying technological advancements and bringing more exciting products.

How did the 2007 collaboration come about? What was the inspiration?
I remember when I was working with the staff of Nike Japan, they wanted to do something crazy, to create an impact on the market. We happened to come across a pair of zebra retro Nike shoes, so I decided to use them as the design theme of the 2007 collaboration.

Why did you choose Elephant print this time around?
I have always admired Michael Jordan, as I grew up watching Jordan play for the Chicago Bulls. Although my first pair of Jordans were the 1994 “Chicago” Air Jordan 1s, the Air Jordan 3s were the first pair of shoes to use the Elephant print and are my personal favorite. Additionally, when we designed the Air Max 1 “atmos Elephant” we wanted to follow the safari theme we started in 2007, so this time around the shoe was inspired by elephants bathing in the water.

Is there anything that you want to add to the Air Max 1 “atmos Elephant” design wise?
I think they are already perfect! But if I could, I would like to use smooth leather instead of patent leather on the jade Swoosh.

Do you think the atmos Air Max 1 “atmos Elephant” will stay popular amongst fans over the years?
In my opinion, the Air Max x atmos series is successful because of the colors and materials we use, from the perspective of a sneakerhead the careful selection of colors and materials is what allows shoes to be elevated and sought after. Additionally, rather than utilizing a wide release we kept the shoes exclusive adding to the excitement around the model.

The atmos Air Max 1 “atmos Elephant” was voted to the return this year by fans, how did you feel when you heard the news?
It was certainly an honor for anyone, but to be honest, I did not realize how important it was until my colleagues and friends came to congratulate me. Which made me realize how much this exactly meant.

The atmos Jordan Max pack is set for a March 26 release at select global retailers which will be followed by the solo launch of the Nike Air Max 1 “atmos Elephant” March 18 via Nike SNKRS.

Let us know if you’ll be picking up the Nike “Air Max Vote Back” winner and head here to watch this artist paint a car to look like the Nike Air Max 1 “atmos Elephant.”