A Corteiz Air Max 95 is Coming

London is known for its gritty, deep-rooted, fashion scene that centres around streetwear placing the UK on the map as one of the key fashion capitals of the world. There is arguably no brand that encapsulates this deeply engrained culture better than Corteiz. 

Founded in 2017, the illusive founder who simply goes by the name ‘Clint’ has been able to formulate a brand grown from the grassroots with no outside funding into a global phenomenon, garnering a crowd of thousands of diehard fans swapping out their jackets for a Corteiz puffer during 'The Great Bolo Exchange', in addition to being worn by the likes of the Virgil Abloh and Drake. 

From simple print tee’s and all-over print joggers adorning the iconic Alcatraz and handwriting style logos to curating luxury leather jackets and gloves, Corteiz appears to be entering a new phase after just six years. 

What once had a cult following has now flourished into a key part of the UKs fashion heritage, one which could stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest brands from around the world. 

The aforementioned transition into the next stage of the brand became especially relevant on the 17th of January when, seemingly out of nowhere, the Nike and Corteiz logo was projected together on the front of Nike’s Oxford Circus flagship store. Soon after, a video of the projection was shared on the official CRTZ Instagram account showing a timelapse of the projection taking form with the simple caption stating: CORTEIZ x NIKE. RULESTHEWORLD.

As is to be expected, the clip was quickly shared confirming the forthcoming project between the two with fans immediately discussing what could be expected. Thankfully, the wait was quickly over with Clint posting images, as well as an in-hand video, of his upcoming Air Max 95.

Nike Air Max 95s, or ‘110s’ as they’re lovingly known in the UK, are a staple part of sneaker culture especially in London alongside the Air Max Plus (better known as the TN). In addition, seeing Clint wearing the OG Neon 95s on a regular occasion, the duo curating a pair only makes sense.

Opting for a tonal green colourway, the upper consists of the usual layered effect fans of the AM95 will expect. Evoking memories of the 2019 Supreme Air Max 95, premium green leather has been used featuring darker panelling on the bottom leading up to a lighter variant nearer the lacing system finished off with a dark green panel around the toe. Large netting can be found around the lacing with subtle Corteiz branding on the toe and heel, replacing the usual mini Swoosh. 

Sitting atop a black midsole, the yellow Air Unit allows for a pop of detail matching the branding throughout the upper. The tonal culmination is tied together with a green camo sock liner. For the packaging, Clint and Nike respectfully paid homage to the 95s origins with the OG beige and orange box simply featuring the duo's logos on the corner of the lid. 

Simple yet effective, much like Corteiz’s branding, it’s the message and meaning behind this collaboration that makes the it so special. We’ve become accustomed to seeing Nike collaborate with some of the biggest names in streetwear from Stüssy to OFF-White, but to see them work alongside a brand that has both global appeal while still feeling like a household name to those that have watched it grow means so much more to the immediate audience. 

At the time of writing, the Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 is expected to release at some point in March - perhaps Air Max Day? Time will tell. 

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