As written on our feature about Nike Cortez before, the shoe is said to be the significant aspect to the success of Nike, both technical and commercially. Born in the year 1972, Nike Cortez is the first sneaker that comes with Nike's famous logo, the Swoosh. To commemorate the global iconic running shoe, this year Nike celebrates the 40th anniversary of Nike Cortez by initiating the Cortez 40/40 campaign. The campaign has bring out 40 artists across South East Asia (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Phillipines and Thailand) where each of 'em has to create a distinctive works of art on the shoe. 

Took place at Soleplay, Nike collaborated with 8 groups and individuals from Indonesia, where each of them telling both the history and impression of the Cortez by reinterpreting the sneaker's distinct style. The artists are Kandura, Darbotz, Ykha Amelz, TUTU, Ardo Ardhana, Nina Nikicio, Nsane5 and Studio1212. 

Click on those little arrows below the thumbnails to view all of the customized Cortez, and click these little numbers below to see the details from each artists.

Photos by M.Killian and C.Ibrahim

Kandura

A group of 4 designers and artist who has a strong enthusiasm for ceramics. They are using two materials which is terra-cotta and knitted yarn for their version of Cortez. The result is brilliant, you wouldn't know that the cortez is made from terra-cotta. In addition, the colors are pretty unique. 

Darbotz

You must be quite familiar with this one. Darbotz is a renowned grafitti artists with his iconic monster "cumi" signature. He cut out the leather swoosh and simply changed it with a graphic swoosh to give the dynamic feeling. The customization isn't just on the sneaker, but at the box as well. He incorporated his "cumi" signature on the box. 

Ykha Amelz

An illustrator and graphic designer who possesses an impressive portfolio with her signature illustration style. Titled "I Melt With You", her concept is a balance between a comfortable running shoe and the person who wears it. She also made extra sheets below the shoe to add the peaceful image of the Cortez. 

Ardo Ardhana

An art director and founder of Else Press publishing. His creation is named "Fossus". Fossus means "having been dug up", and this is what his creation's all about. Using carved solid wood and covered with a splash of resin, the piece is re-introducing and features the Cortez' original shape to the newer layer of generation.

TUTU

He is known as one of the pioneer in the Indonesian graffiti scene with his intricate and colorful designs. To him, what's important on a footwear is concept, design and function. He always prefer to wear sneakers than other footwear. To his creation, he incorporate "Still Boogie" on the shoe, to remind us that after 40 years, the Cortez is still putting style into function. 

Nina Nikicio

A well known fashion designer who has an incredible range of acknowledgements. She named her creation "Super Furry Animal". She wanted to do something unexpected for this exhibition. She transform the original cortez into monster's feet; soft, furry and glassy nails. 

Nsane5

A graffiti artist who is respected for his innovation of lettering and also known as the co-founder of MASE CREW, Indonesia's most prolific graffiti team. Nsane named his creation "Concrete Jungle", inspired from Bob Marley's song of the same name. "Concrete Jungle" also depicts the hardships, the confusion, the darkness, and the recognition to found freedom. He incorporates safari pattern on the swoosh, he did custom tag, and made a special wood box complete with shoe care kit. 

Studio1212

A creative agency which consists of a collective of creative individuals who share the same vision and mission. Titled "In the Flesh", their creation pays homage to the Cortez's graceful 40 year journey. Every wrinkle of the skin is like rings of a tree, holding in every fold and minute detail the wisdom and experience that only a fruitful life can bring. In the Flesh acknowledge the sneaker's maturity that perhaps most overlook.