It took Michael Jordan 15 years, six championships and 14 All-Star appearances to establish himself as the greatest basketball player of all time. Today, the franchise that bears his name celebrates 30 years by reflecting on the legacy of the man and the shoes, while setting the stage for its next chapter.
As time has passed, Jordan’s game continues to shine brighter and his achievements become all the more remarkable. The mythical moments of Jordan’s career, the double-nickel in New York and the last shot, have set the standard by which all other players are judged. Every year a new class of the game’s best players enters the league and illustrates the unassailability that acheivement.
While time can diminish memories and details eventually fade, epic moments are left to be passed generation to generation. Like a natural pearl, the beauty of achievement stands the test of time. The brand formed by these moments continues to evolve through innovation and style.
This year’s All-Star pinnacle performance collection, the Pearl Pack, draws inspiration from the pearl, in both color and design. For All-Star 2015, the pack features four premium performance shoes, the Jordan Super.Fly 3, Jordan Melo M11, Jordan CP3.VIII, and Air Jordan XX9.
Each shoe in the collection exemplifies elegance and sophistication, from intricate graphics to premium materials. A magnified pearl texture appears on each shoe’s upper, while white-based sheen and reflective threading bring the luminescence of the pearl to mind.
Jordan Super.Fly 3
The preferred shoe by Jordan athlete Blake Griffin, the Jordan Super.Fly 3 features a fused upper design, providing lightweight strength and support. The shoe also includes FlightPlate technology, which harnesses the energy of every step for explosive lift-off.
Jordan Melo M11 Pearl
The Jordan Melo M11 is Jordan Brand’s latest performance model, incorporating the brand’s pinnacle technology created for the basketball court: FlightPlate. On the shoe’s upper, a molded collar optimizes fit and enhances ankle support for Carmelo Anthony’s versatile game.
Jordan CP3.VIII
Inspired by the speed of flight, the Jordan CP3.VIII gives Chris Paul an on-court edge over opponents. The TPU chassis keep the foot contained for lateral support, while a lightweight no-sew upper provides breathability and durability.
Air Jordan XX9
The Air Jordan XX9, worn by high-flying Russell Westbrook, features a re-engineered FlightPlate technology that includes an additional tendril to improve heel-to-toe transitions. A performance woven upper is constructed to be incredibly light for superior flight.
The Jordan Pearl Pack will be available at select retail stores and Jordan.com on Feb. 7.
THE CELEBRATION BEGINS: ALL-STAR WEEKEND 2015
All-Star Weekend has always been a significant moment for the Jordan Brand, whether it was a great performance by Jordan, the release of the newest game shoe or simply a place where fans celebrated with the brand during one of the biggest sport moments of the year.
This year, Jordan Brand invites consumers to celebrate its 30th anniversary in New York City with experiences created specifically for All-Star Weekend. From Thursday, Feb. 12, to Monday, Feb. 16, Jordan Brand will open distinctive spaces for fans to join the celebration.
Pearl Pavilion, across from Penn Station, is the Jordan Brand immersive experience and pop-up store. It opens for the first time at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, and will feature a celebration of three decades of Jordan’s game-changing sneakers and iconic moments. Consumers can step into Jordan’s shoes to relive some of his greatest moments, sharpen their skills through a competitive trialing experience, and shop a curated collection of All-Star product drops.
In Brooklyn, Jordan will open 166 Flatbush, the ultimate sneaker boutique, with special edition product, customization and a variety of special guests, 166 Flatbush will be a can’t-miss experience for Jordan fans.
Consumers who want to learn more about the All-Star celebrations can follow @Jumpman23 on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Those who will be in New York for All-Star and want details on all Jordan activities, along with the chance to register for exclusive access and experiences can visit the Jordan Brand All-Star mobile site at Jordan.com/ASWNYC.
Stay tuned to News.Nike.com and @Jumpman23 for more details in the days to come.