NIKE
Panda Dunk
BRAND
NIKE SB
DESCRIPTION
In 2005, Jeff Staple, a prominent figure in sneaker culture, unveiled the Nike SB Dunk Low “NYC Pigeon,” a release that propelled sneakerhead culture into the mainstream spotlight. Over time, Staple ventured to Twitter, igniting fervor among fans by revealing discarded samples of the iconic shoe. Among these rejected designs, one in particular, labeled as rejected sample No. 1 and christened as “Panda,” elicited significant attention.
The inspiration behind the launch of the "Panda Pigeon" delves deep into Jeff Staple’s personal story. With roots in his family’s ownership of an import warehouse in Manhattan’s Chinatown, the visual essence of the shoe draws from the bustling yet captivating aesthetic of a time-honored Chinatown import shop. In producing the "Panda Pigeon," Staple aspires to infuse the essence of a collaborative endeavor, evoking the influence of diverse entities, spanning corporations, brands, distributors, and importers, all interwoven to create a compelling visual narrative.
ROLE
Director of Design
The project was picked up by all the major sneakerhead outlets, the shoes sold out almost instantly, and the special edition box was resold online for over $2K.
Leading up to release day an exclusive launch was held at sneakerhead store Extra Butter (NYC).
(In-Store Display)
(Extra Butter NYC)
(Window Display)
(Pros)
(Panda Stamp)
(Shipping Info)
(Staple Fans)
(Exclusive Panda Icon)
(Staple)
(Translucent sole with New York Post headlines from the documented riot from the original "Pigeon" Dunk's release)
