The 80s and 90s were decades that genuinely delighted us with an array of stylish and technologically advanced vehicles, whether they roamed the streets, sailed the seas, or took to the skies. Among these legendary designs, the Airwolf helicopter was an unforgettable standout, with its cutting-edge aesthetics becoming a recognisable icon of the era. This celebrated design has found a revival in the Airwolf Jordan 11 sneakers, which we will be delving into, but only after we take a moment to reminisce about the brilliant Airwolf helicopter.
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Many might be surprised to discover that the unforgettable helicopter we admired on the television screen back in the 80s, Airwolf, was actually a popular civilian helicopter of the era called a Bell 222. As expected, the Airwolf wasn’t just any average Bell 222. A unique lick of paint and a set of high-tech modifications transformed it into a symbol of futuristic finesse. The credit for this visual transformation goes primarily to Andrew Probert, a talented designer whose portfolio also boasts the 1979 movie version of the starship Enterprise, among other prominent works.
This transformation was far from trivial and indeed played an integral role in sculpting the quintessential look of Airwolf. The blend of futuristic aesthetic design and it’s imagined performance features solidified it as an iconic emblem of the 1980s pop culture. Fast forward to the current times, and the Airwolf legacy lives on, transitioning into a new era through our reinterpretation – the Airwolf Jordan 11 sneaker concept.
Once again, our leading designer, Jarrod Saunders, has beautifully incorporated aspects of our favourite 80s military helicopter, Airwolf, into this striking Jordan 11 concept sneaker. But the inspiration behind this unique sneaker doesn’t end with the helicopter alone. Saunders has cleverly extracted elements from the show’s opening sequence to craft the beautiful colour scheme of the shoe.
An excellent example of the meticulous design of this sneaker is the stunning black patent leather mudguard that wraps the lower portion of the shoe. This feature is a tribute to the iconic helicopter’s remarkably sleek black upper half. Echoing this sleek aesthetic, a nubuck fabric adorns the tongue and upper portion of the shoe, showcasing a slightly lighter shade of black.
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With its vivid red decorative stitching boldly matching the laces and lace tabs, the upper segment of the Airwolf Jordan 11 sneaker truly comes to life. This striking design is a delightful homage to the Airwolf logo familiar to fans from the opening sequences of the first three seasons. Not only does this injection of red energise the sneaker’s upper part, but it also subtly graces the underside, peeking through the outsole’s traction patterns.
However, this Airwolf Jordan 11 concept design certainly doesn’t skimp on details. Another eye-catching element is the ‘Airwolf’ tag, hanging from the striking red laces of the sneaker. This tag showcases the renowned high-speed aircraft from the beloved 1980s TV show, the ideal complement to this Air Jordan 11 sneaker. Another unmissable feature is the bold ‘Airwolf’ lettering adorning the sneaker’s lace tabs, amplified by its striking black colour.
Finally, to emulate the Airwolf’s underbelly and the attire worn by its pilots, the sneakers sport a semi-transparent grey outsole. This darker shade is smartly offset by a contrasting pure white midsole, bringing harmony to the overall design and wrapping up this concept in a sleek, well-balanced fashion.
Don’t you love it when nostalgic characters from the past are reimagined in the form of beautiful sneaker designs? It’s the perfect blend of old and new, bringing back fond memories while adding a fresh and stylish twist. It’s hard to imagine a better source of inspiration than the golden era of the 80s and 90s pop culture, particularly given that this vibrant period served as the creative muse for the striking design of these Airwolf Jordan 11 sneakers.
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