Year of the Dragon Releases Has Everyone Fired Up

As Chinese New Year (CNY) approaches, there has been a surge in discussions surrounding special edition releases, with two particular pairs capturing the attention of many.

Image via Nike

The Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Year of the Dragon” was released on January 24th 2024 in selected regions and on February 6th 2024 in the UK.

Images reveal that designers selected culturally essenced colours representing the 2024 Chinese Zodiac Sign’s authority, prosperity and good luck. Beautiful details of oil green dragon scale-inspired overlays and a burgundy tone enhance the flat leather swoosh and laces, accompanied by gold accents on the heel. 

Although some may not be in favour of the colour choice, this pair still has heads turning.

Image via @shanghaisole

Saving the best for last, this Air Force 1 Low "Year of the Dragon" colourway exemplifies an extraordinary edition. Unfortunately, securing a pair may pose a challenge to most given it's rumoured to be a China-exclusive release on February 14th 2024.

Nevertheless, we can still appreciate the details woven into this design.

At first glance, the silk and threaded components gracefully drape the entire silhouette, covered in striking golden hues. The upper and midsole showcase intricate floral patterns embossed throughout. Additionally, a finely stitched dragon embellishes the quarter on the left side and what appears to be a rooster on the right, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic.

The combination of these detailed components results in a premium design exuding a sense of luxury. This isn't just an ordinary everyday shoe; it caters to an audience of collectors or individuals daring enough to make a bold statement, considering the difficulty in styling the shoes.

Is this elegantly executed silhouette worth the $365 or merely overhyped? All I know is Nike has outdone themselves with another spectacular Chinese New Year collection.