Official Imagery of Nike's SB Blazer Low “Salvator Michael”

Nike has provided an official look at its upcoming Michael Lau-inspired SB Blazer Lows, dubbed “Salvator Michael”, launching in conjunction with the artist’s “COLLECT THEM ALL!” exhibition currently on view in Shanghai after a successful showing in NYC. The artistic take on the classic Blazer Low silhouette features small details referencing both Lau’s work and art production.

The Nike SB Blazer Low “Salvator Michael” is primarily made out of canvas, perhaps the most popular conventional textile to paint on. Each piece of fabric is cut at a different angle, providing unique pattern variations in contrast to Lau’s typically clean style. Continuing the material theme, industrial staples line the shoe’s midsole, a nod to the technique of stapling a completed canvas painting to its wooden frame. A heel tab design mimicking a lot card represents art auctions, while the artist’s signature on the shoe and wood crate box packaging signify the shoes as a work of art.

No stranger to Nike collaborations, the Hong Kong-based multidisciplinary artist has worked closely with the sportswear brand since 2006, producing goods that commemorated 2011’s “JUST DONE IT” exhibition and a pair of Blazer Highs for BMX Bejing in 2009. Lau also previously joined with Puma on its cheerful “Sample Suede” collection.

The Nike SB Blazer Low “Salvator Michael” releases August 18 on Nike.com with a launch event in Shanghai paying tribute to the late Sandy Bodecker (organized by Concepts China and Fly). Nike has also stated that proceeds of the shoes will benefit China’s skateboarding community in the near future. In the meantime, visit Lau’s “COLLECT THEM ALL!” exhibition at Christie’s Shanghai location until September 12.

In addition to the Nike SB Blazer Low “Salvator Michael,” there’s plenty of other Chinese-indebted footwear dropping this week.