Hijacking Paris Couture Week with the spectacular immersive performance ‘Goddess Awakening’ is far from the end of Parris Goebel's longstanding relationship with Nike. This week, Goebel and Nike unveiled an iteration of the Low Dunk - an intensive labour of love.
The New Zealand-reared, world-renowned choreographer and multi-hyphenate, responsible for Rihanna’s red-hot Emmy-nominated Super Bowl performance in February, wanted to encapsulate unbridled confidence and the importance of sisterhood through her design. It is her footwear debut. ‘I was so honoured when Nike came to me with this opportunity because I only danced in Nike growing up,’ said Goebel of the union on the eve of the release. A Dunk Low loyalist, the dancer confessed to often relegating other trainer styles to the back of her wardrobe, in favour of her collection of Dunks. ‘I’ve always loved the Nike Dunk; it’s always been my sneaker of choice when I’m dancing. I go through phases where certain ones are my favourite. I’ll wear the same pair for a few days in a row and play around with how I style it throughout the week.’
Equal parts nostalgic and fierce, the choreographer simply wanted to ‘create something special for dancers’ that wouldn’t feel out of place whether in an open-plan office or on the dance floor of an underground rave in the heart of Soho. ‘Dancers want to communicate and tell a story with their look, not just through movement. It was important to both me and the team at Nike to design something that invites women to feel like they can be themselves; I want women to feel the collective power of sisterhood in action and know that they’re not alone in her experiences.’ To ensure Goebel met her goal, the design’s silhouette – which includes a glossy finish and ochre and metallic accents – features all the hallmarks of the signature shoe but with the inclusion of malleable midsoles and a plush tongue.
Typically, the priority of a trainer made for dancers is agility – but also perhaps something more subtle. While Goebel adhered to the former requirement, she called for a more emotional, vibrant style as a permanent ode to dancers across the globe: inscribed within the trainer is ‘5678’, a nod to universal counts used within the dance sphere. Another detail is a crystal-festooned dubrae (the signature Nike metal plate affixed to the laces). ‘Dancers love to express themselves through colour. We’re fearless in the way we dress and never shy away from adding a pop to stand out.’ Vital to the partnership was the revamp of the iconic Nike swoosh, an element that speaks to Goebel’s self-proclaimed ‘energetic’ spirit. A dance-inspired logo sits on the tongue of the trainer in place of the traditional swoosh.
The magneta and turquoise colour scheme is explained with a quick scroll through the dancer’s Instagram. It reveals garments littered with an array of the two hues, and whimsical prints courtesy of Marine Serre, AMBUSH and Theophilio, alongside audacious footwear, much like Nike offering. 'I selected colours that reflect my personality and world,' explains Goebel. 'Pink and turquoise are colours that you’ll see throughout my house and wardrobe. Plus, I integrated a dance-inspired interpretation of the Nike swoosh logo on the tongue.'
The Nike Dunk Low Parris Goebel Quick Strike will be available to shop from October 24 at nike.com.
