Following several successful collaborations, Union and Nike are back this year with avant-garde and visionary silhouettes reflecting the store's image. Led since 2009 by Chris Gibbs, it has introduced three new Nike Dunks Low included in a pack called the “Passport Pack” which retraces the storytelling of the store. Released in early 2022, we invite you to dive back into the history of Union LA to learn more about this label that influences sneaker culture.
Union: The Desire to Offer a New Vision of Streetwear
Founded in 1989 by Mary Ann and James Jebbia on the East Coast of the United States, specifically in New York, Union has gradually carved out a place in streetwear culture to become a label that brands compete to collaborate with.
Shortly after opening its store in New York, Chris Gibbs is hired as a store assistant and is quickly tasked with developing a second Union store based this time in Los Angeles before becoming the owner of Union LA in 2009, the only remaining address of the label.
Known by a handful of insiders, Union initially offers trendy items from the streetwear universe and gradually builds a store image that offers a curated selection of clothing. Indeed, the store advocates freedom and develops with the aim of providing its customers an option outside the mainstream of fashion.
Moreover, they are keen to host the creativity of new designers. One of the first brands to be hosted turns out to be Parachute, a Canadian clothing brand. This subsequently allows them to welcome promising designers mixed with high-end brands, which are found off the beaten path from around the world. This bold and promising vision will particularly interest the most influential brands for future collaborations.
Photo credits: Hypebeast
Union L.A x Nike: A Duo Embedded in Sneaker Culture
If Union x Nike is considered one of the biggest collaborations in sneaker culture, the two labels are not new to working together. Indeed, they teamed up on a first silhouette as early as 2005 and presented the Union x Nike Air Force 180 “Low Clerks Pack”. Remodeled and colored, this thus triggers a budding partnership and highlights the composition of the Nike Air Force from 1992 made famous by Charles Berkley, an NBA player in the Sixers franchise of Philadelphia.
Photo credits: Flight Club
A few years later, the store suddenly returns to reiterate a new collaboration with the sportswear brand. Thus, the two labels produce two Nike Dunks High inspired by the Tech Challenges and marked with the initials NYC and LA. These feature a remixed look with only 100 copies available for each silhouette. Released in limited quantities, the Union x Nike Dunks High Challenge Supreme quickly sold out and became hard to obtain.
Photo credits: Sneakernews
The excitement surrounding these first iterations with Nike begins to establish Union as a reference in streetwear and sneaker culture, so much so that Jordan lends his silhouette of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High which will accelerate the process and provoke multiplied enthusiasm. In 2018, Chris Gibbs and his team release the Union x Air Jordan 1 Retro High “Black Toe” which will also be available in a “Blue Toe” colorway. The frenzy among sneaker addicts for the iconic silhouette by Peeter Moore is such that it has become a must-cop since and has established this pack as a bestseller.
Photo credits: @ryan_graham (Instagram)
Following its success, the Californian label continued its momentum and turned to the flagship silhouette of Tinker Hatfield. This holds an important place in sneaker culture as it allowed the goat Michael Jordan to be crowned for the third consecutive time as the NBA's top scorer. Less popular than the Air Jordan 1 High, the Union x Air Jordan 4 “Off Noir” and the Union x Air Jordan 4 “Guava Ice” have, however, fallen victim to their success. Available in a black or colorful upper, these two trendy shapes allowed for a third composition called “Desert Moss” followed by a fourth, “Taupe Haze” introduced exclusively for the 30th anniversary of Union in 2021.
Photo credits: @unionlosangeles (Instagram)
Union x Nike Dunk Low Passport Pack: A Journey Around the World
Becoming one of Nike's hottest partners, Union Los Angeles this year includes the Nike Dunk Low in its range and unveils a complete pack that retraces the history of its store. Inspired by his many travels around the globe, Chris Gibbs immerses himself in global sneaker culture on three unique lowtops and imposes his own vision of streetwear.
UNION X NIKE DUNK LOW PASSPORT PACK “PISTACHIO”
Photo credits: Union
Announced through a short film and a slogan “Your ticket for a world tour”, the first destination is inspired by New York and retraces its origins with the first location that marked its storytelling. Unveiled with a light green upper topped with gray panels, the Union x Nike Dunk Low Passport Pack “Pistachio” is dressed in the metallic coating of the New York subway cars and displays a bold look. It comes with a UN/LA tag as well as the store's logo and is refined with impeccable finishes and a special box.
Released on February 11 at a price of €180 on Union, this first composition has impressed everyone with the talents of Chris Gibbs and his team.
Union x Nike Dunk Low Passport Pack "Pistachio"
I buy my pair!UNION X NIKE DUNK LOW PASSPORT PACK “COURT PURPLE”
Photo credits: @unionlosangeles (Instagram)
If the Passport Pack retraces the early steps of the store, it must include a silhouette inspired by the West Coast where Union is located, Los Angeles. Thus, the Union x Nike Dunk Low Passport Pack “Court Purple” features a purple upper topped with stunning panels in pristine white and yellow. In the colors of the Los Angeles Lakers, the lowtop is enveloped in the same elegant grid pattern as well as the UN/LA tag. Undoubtedly the most coveted colorway, the “Court Purple” is refined with numerous perfectly executed details that place it as a must-have.
Released on March 31 at a price of €180 on Union, it also had a second drop on April 7 at certain European retailers which allowed sneaker addicts to try their luck a second time.
Union x Nike Dunk Low Passport Pack "Court Purple"
I buy my pair!UNION X NIKE DUNK LOW PASSPORT PACK “ARGON”
Photo credits: @unionlosangeles (Instagram)
After crossing the territory of the USA, the last silhouette flies to Japan and more specifically to Tokyo. Indeed, the Union x Nike Dunk Low Passport Pack “Argon” is a nod to the Nike Dunk High CO.JP “Reverse City Attack” from 1999, released exclusively in Japan. To perfect this retro design, it is adorned with the same color palette and features a purple upper with sky blue panels and orange stitching. Made with pastel tones, this last iteration displays the grid pattern of the other two lowtops as well as the UN/LA tag and brings a final touch to the promising pack looking towards the future.
Released on March 31 at a price of €180 on Union, it also had a drop on SNKRS on April 7, much to the delight of the sneaker addict community who could try their luck on the app.
Union x Nike Dunk Low Passport Pack "Argon"
I buy my pair!The Passport Pack has created excitement and enthusiasm around this legendary collaboration between Union and Nike. Expect the store to still be present this year with Jumpman. Indeed, the Los Angeles shop intends to make a mark this year and announces two unique silhouettes on the Air Jordan 2.
Recently presented, the Union x Air Jordan 2 Retro SP “Grey Fog” will be accompanied by the Union x Air Jordan 2 Retro SP “Rattan” and will be released on April 15 at a price of €225 on Union. The “Grey Fog” colorway will also have a release on SNKRS on April 21, which is likely to please fans of the famous silhouette worn by Michael Jordan.
Photo credits: @unionlosangeles (Instagram)