If you follow the custom sneaker scene, you have probably already seen the beautiful Nike “Lions Dance” Air Jordan 1 High Lux sneakers. This masterpiece, which splashed onto the scene in 2023, complements of renowned sneaker artist John Trottier, wowed us with its striking fusion of colours and luxurious materials. But little did we know, Trottier still had another ace up his sleeve, ready to dazzle us again in 2024 with a nuanced take on this exquisite sneaker design.
This version delivers the same captivating combination of premium satin and intricately hand-carved and painted leather that could easily belong in an Oriental art gallery. However, this pair’s colour scheme dips into a chic blend of black, red, and white, amplifying the sneakers’ sophistication and versatility and making them even more covetable.
The shoe starts with a black canvas toe cap and collar adorned with fluffy white cloud patterns delicately scattered across it. These patterns are beautifully echoed on the white satin toe box, tongue, eyelets, and quarter panels, all embroidered with identical puffy cloud-like motifs.
The shoe’s white colour scheme extends to the laces, curating a seamless and perfectly harmonised aesthetic. However, bright red highlights then kick in on the satin-clad mudguard and continue onto the iconic Nike Swoosh. But now it’s time to pause and drink in the extraordinary details on this iconic logo.
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The Swoosh is bathed in a stunning crimson red hue that is lined by a thick black trim. This trim is then dotted with crisp white decorative stitches for an even more detailed look. The crimson colour is then contrasted by a puffy white cloud design carved into the leather and outlined in dark black paint. These cloud details, also known as “Xiangyun“, are certainly a standout aspect of these kicks.
But the shoe’s real show-stopper is the breathtaking ‘Lions Dance’ depiction on the heel. Here, the leather is masterfully carved and coloured in white, red, and black, with hints of gold and orange, to create an awe-inspiring face of a lion-dance puppet. This emblem is steeped in centuries-old Chinese culture and is a frequent star of festive celebrations, including Chinese New Year. The puppet’s stunning detail, from the expressive eyes to the elaborate fur pattern, showcases Trottier’s unparalleled attention to detail.
Finally, the sneaker finishes with a crisp white midsole and a red outsole, perfectly complementing the look of this magnificent pair of sneakers. This sneaker is a genuine masterpiece capturing the spirit of Chinese heritage and custom. Too bad 2024 isn’t the Year of the Lion- although in all honesty no such zodiac sign actually exists.
Even still, if the “Lions Dance” Air Jordan 1 High Lux has piqued your interest, why not hop onto Trottier’s Instagram? Slide into his DMs to check availability and price. In the meantime, don’t forget to follow us for more magnificent custom sneaker concepts and unique designs.
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