A legacy takes flight.
The legacy of the African diaspora and Nike’s iconic Air technology come together in the launch of the new Air Max RK61: a dress shoe silhouette that bridges heritage, craft and innovation in a design that evokes shared memories of travel.
This new sneaker is a collaboration with Air Afrique, a Paris-based collective founded by four multidisciplinary creatives. Named after the original Air Afrique airline’s flight code, RK, and its founding year, 1961, the silhouette pays tribute to the historic airline’s legacy of connecting West African nations and the diaspora.
“The notion of Air is deeply connected to our history: Air Afrique, the airline itself, took to the skies to transcend cultures and newly independent African people,” says Ahmadou-Bamba Thiam, a member of the Air Afrique collective.
Drawing inspiration from the classic Air Max SNDR and timeless moccasin styles, the RK61 channels elegance through a refined upper paired with the comfort of Nike’s Air Max technology. The silhouette comes to life through a campaign that includes former Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba, Malian singer and composer Oumou Sangaré, Ivorian athlete Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith and a former employee of the airline.
The Air Max RK61 will be available globally on 9 October via SNKRS and selected retail partners.
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike.
