Stéphane Ashpool Brings the Pigalle Basketball Court to Beijing
Along with the Pigalle x Nike Fall 2019 collection and Converse collab.
This past weekend, Beijing was filled to the brim with basketball action. Aside from the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, two other names in the sport — Nike and Pigalle — unveiled a brand new basketball court for the city. Taking the celebrated Parisian Pigalle court concept to the Chinese capital were three young and energetic members of the Pigalle team, led by Pigalle frontman Stéphane Ashpool.
Nike
Nike
This new court design takes on bright welcoming colors and the surface is made with Nike GRIND material, which roughly translates to 45,000 pairs of recycled sneakers. The 600 square meter court was also built with the emphasis on female players, player safety, and community building; on top of the Nike GRIND material lessening injuries due to its more forgiving characteristics, court booking hours will favor female players and teams.
“Our court in Paris birthed a community,” says Ashpool. “We transformed a parking lot into a place that has fostered a family and inspired people. All the subtle details that can make this magic happen were united. It was the best learning for me, and now it’s the right time to work in expending this scheme, staying organic, authentic and focused.”
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Ambrose Leung/Hypebeast
Unveiled in conjunction with the captivating court was Pigalle’s Fall 2019 collection with Nike. With the tagline “the power of sport to move the world forward,” the collection is a reminder of the power of sports, and how sports can connect people together while helping communities grow. The collection also makes use of Ashpool’s affinity for the ’90s, enlisting colors that are calming to the eyes. Each piece transitions effortlessly from court to the street, and was made to compliment the newly-built Pigalle basketball court.
Launching along with the apparel are two pairs of Converse Chuck 70. The Pigalle x Converse Chuck 70 feature textured gradient uppers, fuse film/canvas construction, bright hits of color, and “the power of music to move the world forward” printed at the heel.
Look for both the apparel and footwear to drop on November 7 on converse.com, nike.com, and selected stockists.
In other news, Giannis Antetokounmpo could receive a $247M USD supermax extension.
