Michael Lau is known as “The Godfather of Toy Figures”. His work with vinyl has bridged the gap between toys and art and has made the designer toy movement what it is today. The Hong Kong-based artist is also a master illustrator, which is the focus of his upcoming collaboration with Nike SB.
Dubbed by the artist as the “Salvator Michael”, a centerpiece character in his “COLLECT THEM ALL!” exhibition, this Nike SB Blazer Low takes great inspiration from the way paintings are created and displayed. The upper is made out of canvas, the most popular textile choice for painters. A line of industrial staples surround the midsole, similarly to how canvas is fastened to a wooden frame. The right shoe in the pair replaces a standard Nike branded heel tab with an art label marked with a red dot, just how labels on paintings are marked when the piece has been sold. Even the packaging features references to the art world — the shoes come in a wooden box secured with rubber straps, the same type of packaging used for fine art when it is being transported.
The “Salvator Michael” is set to release on August 18th at select retailers and nike.com. Take a look at all the art-centric details below.
