Nike Air Footscape Woven

Featuring Paola & Ousmane

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After making its debut over 25 years ago, it’s clear to see why the Nike Air Footscape has become a standout in today's world of sneakers. This unique silhouette was originally released back in 1996 and was designed by Nike employee Toren ‘Tory’ Orzeck with the goal of creating a running shoe that directly correlated to the human foot. Equipped with stand-out features such as an advanced ergonomic fit, a signature off-centre orthopaedic lacing system and a futuristic aesthetic, the Nike Air Footscape has managed to create its very own lane in the footwear industry due to its vast versatility, revolutionizing the way that we think about sneakers.

To celebrate the return of the Footscape, we interviewed two up-and-coming Parisian designers about their approach to design, their relationship with their community and the Footscape resonance.

Nike ->

SNS : Please introduce yourself. Who are you? What are you doing for a living? What have you been working on lately?​

Paola : My name is Paola, I’m 23 years old, and I run a clothing brand. I recently completed my bachelor’s degree in marketing. Lately, I’ve been working on finalizing my latest collection, which is set to be released in December.​

Ousmane : I’m Ousmane, I’m 22. I used to work for a PR agency and recently graduated. Now I’m fully focused on my brand, Abela023, which I founded in 2021. I am now working with my partner in crime, my big brother. The last work that we did was a campaign called « Omo Oba », inspired by our football passion and our roots.​

SNS : How did your designer journey started?​

Ousmane : Designing clothes started because of a friend I met at school. We both liked dressing up and had this attraction to clothes, so we decided to work on a brand. Unfortunately, we didn't have the same universe, so it didn't work out, but during that experience, I got a taste for it and continued with my own project, and when it matured, I went for it. The next step for me is to understand the intricate essence of the clothes, from sewing to scaling my brand.

Paola : My journey as a designer began at a young age, as I've had a deep passion for fashion from the start. I was influenced by my family, who had a strong appreciation for the fashion industry and even worked in it themselves. To support my interests, I started creating sketches to earn money and fund exhibitions, often collaborating with my friend Elie Mael. Last year, I took a significant step in my journey by launching my own brand, thanks to the encouragement of a close friend who was inspired by some of the clothing I had previously created.​

SNS : What is the most challenging aspect in your design life? ​

Paola : The most challenging aspect in my design life is achieving 100% self-satisfaction and being able to create the clothing I envision despite the constraints and limitations that often come with the creative process.

SNS : What is your relationship with Sneakersnstuff?

Ousmane : Sneakersnstuff was the first store where I really started buying clothes and sneakers on my own. It's where I took part in my first raffles and won my first Jordans. I've won several there. I've always had a great attraction for sneakers. I wasn't a big collector, but when I had some, I always liked to have the pair that made the difference, the one that's hard to find, the one that's hard to style if you don't use your creativity.

SNS : How would you define your style, and how is this important to you?​

Ousmane : My style is really versatile, with everything being dependent on my mood, sometimes it’s streetwear, sometimes it's really classy, sometimes effortless, sometimes really dark, I have my periods. One thing is for sure, I don't set any limits and with creativity, you can put almost anything on and transform normal into beautiful.​

Paola : I find it challenging to define my style because I’m quite versatile, but what’s most important to me is feeling comfortable. The way I dress often reflects my mood, and that’s significant to me, simply because it’s a reflection of who I am.​

SNS : How does the Footscape Woven resonate with you? How would you style it?​

Paola : The Footscape Woven resonates with me as a somewhat wild pair of shoes. I would style it similarly to my outfit today. I think it’s cool to embrace a very feminine style and wear them to break that conventional look.​

Tell us about the different materials of the shoe— do they take you back to something in particular? ​ Ousmane : The asymmetrical braiding on the pair fascinates me because it's not a detail common to other pairs, and I find it adds a certain character.​

SNS : Living in a moving city, how is mobility important for you in a product?​

Ousmane : I do a lot of work in the city and travel all over the Paris to do so, most of the time by public transport, so it's essential for me to have a pair of ultra-comfortable shoes to fill my days.​

SNS : How does community resonate with your own journey? ​

Ousmane : Building a community is a crucial matter. These are the first people who will give you feedback and allow you to create an echo. Community members are the first to understand you, to have expectations from you, and who are eager to see you progress.​

Paola : The community plays an essential role in my career, because I do everything with my friends. Their advice and inspiration are invaluable to me. I listen carefully to their advice and am often inspired by it. My community is incredible, and we work together to make our dreams come true.​

SNS : What is your own message when it comes down to community through fashion?

Ousmane : I'd say don't set yourself any limits, let your creativity speak for itself, take less notice of the way people look at you, and you'll be more assertive,​

Paola : My message regarding community through fashion is that through my clothing, which is inspired by this very idea, you can see a reflection of my community. Fashion serves as a powerful means to express, connect, and celebrate the values and diversity that define us. ​

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