The hype for sneaker culture is sweeping across the globe. You can find this excitement spreading from larger countries like the United States all the way to smaller ones like Japan. In fact, even India is experiencing a budding interest in all things kicks. This widespread love of sneakers has thankfully led to an increase in custom and concept designs inspired by various cultures and traditions. The world is brought to our feet through designs like the Air Jordan 1 “Thimphu” by Abhishek Choudhury.
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India-based designer Abhishek Choudhury was inspired to turn his travel adventures into beautiful Air Jordan 1 designs that reflect the unique cultures and traditions of the places he visits. Not only do you get unique customs using one of the most loved sneaker silhouettes in history, but you get a fascinating story that goes along with it.
Take, for instance, his design of the Air Jordan 1 “Thimphu”. This sneaker tells the story of Choudhury’s expedition to Bhutan’s capital city. This aesthetic is inspired by traditional Bhutanese men’s footwear called tshoglham. Generally, these vibrant, knee-length boots are worn for festivals and ceremonial events, and the stitched patterns and colours that are used are a way to tell the wearer’s social standing. Choudhury has made sure to weave an array of these details into his custom sneakers.
The base of this sneaker is cloaked in clean white fabric, echoing the lowest layer of the Bhutanese traditional footwear. Of course, the white is contrasted by plenty of colour on the overlays: vivid reds, deep greens, bold yellows, and calm blues.
Choudhury has also added important Bhutanese symbols (dragons, clouds, and florals) to the toe, tongue, collar, and heel counter. Even the iconic profile Swooshes get a fresh interpretation with these pattern details.
If you want to own a pair of these Air Jordan 1 “Thimphu” sneakers, you can contact Choudhury via Instagram.
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