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In early 2021, Jordan Brand tapped Angelo Baque, the visionary behind Awake NY, to collaborate on a special edition of the Air Jordan 5. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, coinciding with Jordan Brand's 40th anniversary.
Baque, who launched his own label in 2012, approached the project with a sense of responsibility, while still infusing his unique style into the iconic sneaker. The Awake NY Air Jordan 5 deviates from the original in some ways, such as the addition of the Awake NY signature "A" on the sidewalls. However, it maintains a recognizable resemblance to the original, designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1990.
The Awake NY x Air Jordan 5 has been released in two colour combinations: 'Arctic Pink' and 'Black.' The pink pair features 'Fire Red' accents, the same shade as the original, adding a vibrant touch to the classic design. The uppers of the sneakers are made from full-grain tumbled leather, and the toebox receives a serving of suede.
Baque refused to stray too far from the silhouette's DNA and included the iconic reflective tongue in his design. The Awake NY version of the Air Jordan 5 also features the Awake NY signature "A" carved into the sidewalls, a subtle yet impactful detail that sets it apart from the original.
Awake NY, heavily inspired by the rich culture of New York City, has evolved from a passion project into a bona fide streetwear heavyweight. Celebrities such as LeBron James, Rihanna, and Gigi Hadid are fans of Awake NY's varsity jackets, further cementing its place in the fashion industry.
Baque's office is located in New York, where he started his career working at Nom de Guerre, a cult concept store, in 2003. He later became brand director at Supreme in 2006, before launching his own label.
When asked about the high standards set by Virgil Abloh's Off-White and Supreme's Air Jordan 5 collaborations, Baque acknowledged the big bars that have been set extremely high. However, he remained focused on creating a unique and respectful take on the Air Jordan 5, ensuring that the collaboration would stand out in its own right.
The Awake NY Air Jordan 5 is a testament to Baque's dedication to preserving the iconic silhouette's DNA, while still injecting his own creative vision. This collaboration is a must-have for any sneakerhead and a fitting tribute to Jordan Brand's 40th anniversary.
