It’s no surprise that artistry and athleticism walk side by side in most compelling cultures today. However, when two iconic figures come together to produce unique works of art, it’s truly a special moment in time to remember. “Game-changing” would be the best way to describe these two individuals, both have stood the test of time and defined themselves by their unique skill, hard work and perseverance to make a major impact on the modern world. For the first time ever, world-renowned artist KAWS and All-Star NBA legend Michael Jordan come together for the Jordan collaboration of the year. This 2017, the Air Jordan IV Retro “KAWS” pulls no punches with the luxury treatment that’ll please both sides of the spectrum.

KAWS A.K.A. Brian Donelly began his craft as a graffiti artist in his hometown of Jersey City. Choosing the moniker KAWS was easy for Brian, as the flow and shape of the letters K-A-W-S merged naturally together in his artwork. The name stuck and after his move to Brooklyn, New York in 1996, so began his work in “subvertising” ads found in bus shelters and billboards across the big apple. His guerilla-style tactics of reworking painted and print advertisements lead him to develop his own unique characters like the Companion character along with Chum and Bendy. These reworked characters with a resemblance to the Michelin Man & Mickey Mouse became recurring designs in his artworks onward. In 1999, KAWS produced his first vinyl toy with Japanese toy & streetwear brand Bounty Hunter. His popularity overseas grew and he later developed his original clothing label titled OriginalFake. Further collaborations with brands such as Undercover, DC Shoes, A Bathing Ape, Supreme, Vans, Uniqlo and Nike resulted with instant success. Now, Air Jordan is ready to work with this impressive individual. KAWS and his creations have swept through numerous art exhibits, store fronts and side streets worldwide leaving his lucky spectators captivated and wanting more from the world of KAWS. It only seems like a matter of time before working with one of the all-time greats.

The Air Jordan 4 Retro “KAWS” is the first ever collaborative project between the Jordan Brand and KAWS that takes the retro sneaker design past a simple colourway to an experimental approach. The sneaker silhouette is covered with premium grey suede with the mesh accents replaced for grey hairy suede panels to match the colour choice of the KAWS Companion. To showcase his artwork, the KAWS trademark hands are embroidered throughout the upper with pinpoint precision. At the tongue we see a debossed jumpman on the front with both KAWS and Air Jordan leather debossed tags on the inside. At the heel patch, the signature KAWS “XX” appear with the debossed “AIR” beneath signify the unity. The pair has leather lining and features a new KAWS graphic print along sock liner. The details don’t stop there, beneath the luxurious upper is the suede lined polyurethane midsole with Air-Sole cushioning at the heel and forefoot. The translucent rubber outsole glows in the dark with the KAWS hand graphic panel inside. There’s more. The pair comes with a customized shoebox featuring the signature KAWS companion hands all-over print throughout the entire box with the KAWS “XX” on top. The suede keychain, tissue paper and dust bag also receive the full artist treatment.