News shook Oxford Street and the fashion world on the evening of Tuesday, January 17, 2023. On the facade of the famous NikeTown building in London, the swoosh logo appeared alongside the Corteiz label, also known as CRTZ RTW on social media. So, what are Nike and the fast-rising British brand preparing?
Photo Credits: @clint419 (Instagram)
Corteiz took its first steps in the fashion world in 2017. The designer known as @clint419 on Instagram remains mysterious about the creation of his label, generating additional excitement among the public. This young brand quickly established itself in streetwear culture, impacting fashion by breaking certain codes. This is exactly what the brand's logo, "Rules The World," illustrates. It depicts the Alcatraz prison, which embodies rebellion against conventions and reflects the message the brand wants to convey. Corteiz promotes equality and represents minorities while striving to have a positive impact on its community.
When the famous Alcatraz logo and the swoosh were projected on the storefront, fans of both brands initially thought it was a new "guerilla" marketing technique, similar to the 99-cent cargo pants sale at Shepherd's Bush Market or the street event "Bolo Exchange," which consisted of attracting crowds to trade their old The North Face, Supreme jackets, etc., for Bolo jackets. After that, Clint decided to donate all the exchanged jackets to charitable organizations.
Photo Credits: @crtzrtw (Twitter)
Marketing stunt or real collaboration?
It could have been just another marketing tactic from the British brand, but it is indeed real, Nike and Clint confirmed it! This partnership is the biggest masterstroke CRTZ RTW has pulled off since its inception and will help the brand gain exposure. In fact, the Beaverton brand reacted quickly given the label's relative youth, positioning itself as a true springboard. Another factor that contributed to the London label's rise is the support from rappers such as Central Cee and Drake, as well as designers like the late Virgil Abloh, who endorsed it by wearing its creations.
What to expect?
We don't know what this collaboration has in store, but one thing is certain: this unexpected partnership, much like Jacquemus x Nike last year, will certainly be among the most talked-about of 2023! We can expect strong pieces in the capsule, including hoodies, t-shirts, tracksuits, and even balaclavas, which are very trendy right now. On the sneakers side, we hope to discover several new models reflecting the designer's vision, possibly featuring iconic silhouettes with a modern twist. Some rumors point to a Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95, a model the designer is very fond of and often seen wearing.
UPDATE January 30, 2023: Clint confirmed the upcoming release of the Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 by revealing its visuals. It will feature a green and yellow colorway, colors the designer frequently uses in his collections, with the Alcatraz logo embroidered on the tongue.
Photo Credits: @clint419 (Instagram)
We can also read under @clint419's post some speculation about a Corteiz x Nike pant that would feature the Brazilian football team logo. However, the brands have not confirmed this.
Photo Credits: @clint419 (Instagram)
Like the collection's content, the release date has not been revealed, but we hope it will be available during the month of March 2023.
UPDATE March 3, 2023: In a promotional spot published on Thursday, March 2 by Corteiz, two additional silhouettes were revealed alongside the Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 SP "Sequoia". So it appears there won't be just one Corteiz x Nike silhouette, but three!
Photo Credits: @crtz.rtw (Instagram)
Based on this first visual, the two silhouettes will feature a dark upper contrasted with touches of pink and blue. According to our information, the "Pink Beam" silhouette could also drop on March 25, 2023 on SNKRS.
UPDATE March 9, 2023: the Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 SP "Sequoia" will release on March 10, 2023 at 8 PM (French time) exclusively on the Corteiz website!
Stay tuned and download our app WhenToCop? to stay informed about what's coming!