The IronDog Chronicles

Whatever you do ‘Be True’…

The ‘Be True’ slogan was the message that etched into my thoughts this summer while working for Nike on the re-release of the Nike Dunk Collection for 2008.  Nike assembled a great team for developing the concepts for the Dunk story and I was more than happy to grab a few boards this summer for by centering upon the basketball historical aspects of the Dunk.

Check out the online content release here.  The Nike Dunk site is pretty tight and an easy to navigate package.  Have fun with uncovering the secrets…

With February 2008 and the earlier releases of the vintage collection of the original Dunks earlier this year, the second extension of the line was released around the globe on February 9th.

From my standpoint, they stayed ‘true’ to the original concept and they definitely emphasized the team aspect and creativity that people seek with the colors and the design of the dunk.  The concept of the line derived from Nike Design Director for Sport Culture, Jesse Leyva and Nike Global Brand Manager for Sport Culture, Darla Vaughn.

Both people are not only extremely hip on what’s hot in culture, but also are extremely passionate for the avid sneakerheads who rock Nike products.  For those that appreciate real retro stuff and preserving the ‘true’ essence of a vintage flair in their products, these two both instituted a high level of respect for the original relationship of the Dunk and college basketball…

And with this line, I think the message came out the right way for today’s world.  (P.S. Check out this interview with Jesse Leyva here from Sneaker Freaker…Good shout-out on the “Pearl”, Mr. Leyva.)

Here’s a shot of the ‘Be True Green’ shoe from the NYC City Pack that was released earlier this month.

 I’m a fan of the gum soles and like the cats from Cool Hunting, I respect the intricate details of the shoe.  You have to like the fact that they released the shoe with different color shoelaces and highlighted piping for respective cities listed here:

New York - Pine Green (pictured above)
Los Angeles - Orange Blaze (pictured left)
Sao Paulo (changed from Rio) - White
Tokyo - Red
Hong Kong - Varsity Royal
London - Varsity Purple
Paris - Varsity Maize

The unique and original color concept has moved from repping schools to avenues and alleys…I like that concept a lot.  (The colors stayed ‘true’ with ‘varsity’ maize, red, royal blue, and orange blaze.  I like the twist with thepurple and green calls.)  For courtmasters, you may look as slow as Artis Gilmore during his Celtic days, but for the street you’ll be more than ready to rip.

Be tuned for more…

Always Hardwood,

BD