When a shoe like the Yeezy drops, it is a moment as memorable in Sneaker history as the very first time the Air Jordans saw the light of store displays. It deserves more than a poster in the window - it deserves a party!

So join us for the Air Yeezy Glow in the Dark Party, a special launch event hosted by GALLERY ON 4TH in collaboration with SHOWLOVE on the 4th of June 2009 from 19h00. Headlining the likes of DJs Milkshake, Dimplez, Master M and Vigi Lante it’s sure not to be a hushed affair.

Tickets will presale at the Gallery for R100 (only 300 available, so don’t take your time), but you could also win free tickets if you are one of the first to register as a member of Gallery on 4th. (Find the link in the left hand side bar.) And if you are already a member, you are automatically entered in to the lucky draw for free tickets!

Hope to see you there!

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Levi Maestro, trail blazing LA blogger and mastermind behind the online series of Maestro Knows shows, knows a thing or two about shoes – and a bit about skating too. In Episode 6, below, he revisits The Nike Air Yeezy – also the subject of his very first episode.

Maestro Knows - Episode 6 (Air Yeezy Skate) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

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After more than a year of rumours, speculation and anticipation, the most wanted shoe in recent memory finally drops in selected sneaker retailers – liberating news for most Sneakerheads who drooled over images of Mr. West rocking them at the Grammys, the Glow in the Dark tour and everywhere in between.

So, time for the details: This Visible Air Unit high top sneaker features a very simple, effective use of materials like perforated leather and patent leather. The embossed Y (for Yeezy, of course) on some panels and straps adds a high fashion touch to it, much like the Elephant pattern on Jordans. (And echoes the Y shaped lace loop on the puffed tongue perfectly.)

There are three colourways guaranteed to drop:

The Black/Pink colourway features an embossed Y leather heel, embossed patent leather strap and embossed eyerow. Add to that a good, padded ankle support on the top, all pink inner lining and an outsole that glows in the dark - for a shoe that raises not only eyebrows, but standards as well.

The Zen/Grey-Light Grey colourway features an embossed patent leather strap, an embossed suede toe wrap and a perforated leather toe box. Orange lining on the heel and sides, pink lining on the tongue and a glow in the dark outsole sets it apart.

The Net/Net features a plain patent leather light grey strap and an embossed suede toe wrap. It comes in an all pink inner lining with orange lining on the tongue and a glow in the dark swoosh to shine with the matching outsole.

Word is, these might be dropping at Gallery on 4th soon…

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When Nike Creative Director, Mark Smith, first got together with Kanye West in Nike’s Innovation Kitchen, they started off with a shared vision: to create a modern classic, an original Nike footwear style that would reflect Nike’s sporting past and rich design history, as well as West’s unique creative mix of the urban and the urbane.

A mutual sense of admiration also played its part. Says Smith of West: “He’s a natural designer—partnerships like this always enhance the creative experience and the end product.” And West responds: “Nike is such an important brand to me. Growing up, we looked forward to the release of new Nikes the way we would an album by our favourite artist. So the opportunity to collaborate on a design with Mark Smith and Nike Design has been a dream come true, and a great experience.”

Mirroring the design process followed with athletes, research and design was not limited to Nike’s Headquarters. With an almost obsessive focus on comfort during the whole development process, West provided critical feedback on how the shoe performed throughout the course of his 2-3 hour shows - where Sneakerheads also got their first tantalising peak at Air Yeezy prototypes.

You’re welcome. It’s showtime.

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His performance platform might be centre stage - as opposed to centre court - but anyone who’s seen a Kanye West show could attest that he is as much athlete as artist; an inspired choice for one of the most exciting releases in Nike’s 37 year history of athlete collaborations.

“I’ve been designing Nike’s in my sketch pad since the fourth grade,” says West (a.k.a. Yeezy, of course). “So to say I’ve been prepared for this would be an understatement.” As the son of an English professor and a Black Panther member, Kanye West seemed destined to side step mediocrity, and he has done so with almost excessive enthusiasm.

He has made his mark as producer, performer and resident fashion fundi of the Hip-Hop movement, understanding the power that lies in expression through appearance. His passion for art and design has in fact motivated him to announce in late 2008 that he plans to take a break from the music business to explore these interests - and the Nike Air Yeezy is a prime manifestation of the creative vision of this thoroughly modern Renaissance Man.

Watch this space for updates and more info on the Air Yeezy.

You’re welcome. It’s showtime.

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