Union LA x BBS x Air Jordan 1 | The Summer Of ’96

Teaming up for the collaboration of the Summer, Union LA x BBS x AJ1 present a textural rendition of the Air Jordan 1 High OG and Elevate High. 

This isn’t the first time that both brands have joined forces with the Air Jordan franchise. In fact, Union LA’s first Nike endeavour dates back to 2009, in the Union LA’s ’Clerk’s Pack’ Air Force 1. Based in New York, Union LA is an urban boutique specialising in men’s streetwear and fashion. Owned by founder Chris Gibbs, the brand has produced iterations like the Union LA x Jordan 1 ‘Storm Blue’, ‘Black Toe’ and Air Jordan 2 ‘Grey Fog’. Established by Beth Birkett in 2020, Bephie’s Beauty Supply (BBS) is a women’s streetwear label also based in LA. Championing WOC creatives by sharing their art, the brand takes pride in diversifying fashion culture. Just like Union LA, BBS has also dabbled in AJ collabs, like the BBS x WMNS Air Jordan 7 Retro ‘Seafoam’.

The collaborative ménage à trois at hand is born out of the relationship of Chris Gibbs & Elizabeth Gibbs (of BBS). Bringing a collective flair to the popular Jumpman models High OG and Elevate High, these iterations feel extra personable. Taking the title of “The Summer of ‘96”, the partnership refers to the start of their romantic relationship. Drawing visual inspiration from the ‘96 Nike Air Footscape Woven, the footwear sports a texturally hybrid design.

The Union LA x BBS x Air Jordan 1 High OG arrives in a full leather construction. Consisting of a warm palette of ‘Pale Vanilla’, ‘Wolf Grey’ and ‘Muslin’ hues, the sneaker’s silhouette is quite unlike anything we’ve seen before (bar the Footscape Woven, obviously). Proud of its origins, the shoe adorns branding from both parties. An “UN/LA” emblem takes place on the ankle, whilst “BBS” graces the back of the heel in a cursive stitching. Running through the upper is a woven construction, successfully conveying a retro feel that old-school sneakerheads are likely to love. Wrapping up the silhouette is a ‘Wolf Grey’ Swoosh, complemented by ‘University Gold’ lining on each panel. Seamlessly adding another layer of character to this adventurous iteration, we can safely say we’re obsessed.

Part two of “The Summer of ‘96” footwear collaboration takes shape in the AJ1 Elevate High. Bearing resemblance to its High OG counterpart, the iteration maintains the woven theme. Supported by a chunky ‘Sail’ midsole and rubber outsole, a retro feel is effortlessly curated. A ‘Kinetic Green’ Swoosh elegantly graces the lateral and medial sidewalls, whilst Air Jordan branding is flooded in an orange hue. Additionally, both kicks arrive in special edition packaging and an extra pair of laces for versatile styling. 

The Union LA x Bephie’s Beauty Supply x Air Jordan 1 High OG / Elevate High will drop on the 24TH AUGUST 2023 via NIKE SNKRS & SELECTED STOCKISTS, alongside both the Union LA and BBS websites. Stay locked on our socials @thedropdate for the latest sneaker updates and drops. 

Image Credits: Union LA & Bephie’s Beauty Supply