Berlin-based illustrator Ruohan Wang lends her artistic eye toward three Nike silhouettes — the Air Force 1, the Blazer Mid ’77 and the Air Max 90 — in the second year of the collaborative Flyleather pack, which features Flyleather uppers made with at least 50% recycled leather fiber.
Through her patterns, the forward-thinking principles of circular design become fun, optimistic and hopeful. These classic silhouettes are the base for Ruohan’s swirling, aqueous blend of color and motion, resembling the earth’s natural forces — and the two-part balance that reflects Ruohan’s upbringing.
Born in China but raised and educated in Berlin, she connects to both places through the silhouette graphic and color treatments. On the Air Force 1 and the Blazer ’77, Chinese characters that mean “natural circulation” and “power and love” are printed on the midsoles. Meanwhile, the creative energy of Berlin is channeled through the vibrant palettes of the upper designs.
“The earth belongs to every person. Every culture is part of this global mission to protect it,” says Ruohan. “Given my Chinese background and my artistic training in Berlin, it felt right to present that motivation born out of many cultures.”
The Ruohan Wang Flyleather pack releases September 24 on nike.com, SNKRS, SNEAKRS and select retailers.
