Nike Base Fútbol
NASA Exosuit Sketch, Soccer Game on Palmito Base, Sucre, Colombia, NASA Exosuit (Click Images to Expand)
Before my interview at Nike, I was given a quick project to conceptualize a fútbol collection based on anything I wanted, leading me to create the Nike Base Fútbol collection. Inspired by the role of intramural soccer on military bases in spreading the sport globally, I designed the Nike Base Fútbol collection to embody camaraderie, cultural exchange, and athletic excellence. I aimed to integrate cultural elements from around the world, emphasizing unity and collaboration through bold patterns and cohesive color schemes. By incorporating cutting-edge Nike performance technology, I ensured the use of durable, breathable fabrics and ergonomic designs that reflect the endurance and agility of military athletes. To pay tribute to the historical significance of soccer in the military, I included vintage-inspired elements like classic camo prints and insignia details, highlighting the evolution of both military gear and soccer apparel.
Additionally, I designed playful, inspirational pieces for youth styles to acknowledge outreach and youth programs, celebrating the rich history, cultural diversity, and unwavering spirit of Fútbol within the military community and globally. I also delved into the concept of submersion, drawing from extensive research into navy submarines, deep-sea diving, and seamen's uniforms, as well as the pastime of Fútbol within the military. My primary inspirations came from navy uniforms and the advanced exo-suits used in deep-sea exploration. For the textural narrative, I was influenced by four distinct yet interconnected elements: Kazimir Malevich's The Black Square, navy camouflage, the shimmering surface of water, and the appearance of desert crackle. These diverse sources guided me in creating prints that embody both ambiguity and familiarity, capturing the essence of being submerged.
This mood board features images that delve into obscure, naturally coated surface textures, strengthened appearances, and the theory of omission. This refined simplicity ensures that every element serves a purpose and contributes to the collection's overall harmony. It explores the concept of a second skin, hidden competitiveness, and attitude while emphasizing protection and translucence. The board also touches on the daredevil mentality of a deep-sea diver and the fearlessness of submersion, highlighting its visual effects. The iceberg effect examines the elusiveness of an iceberg, drawing parallels to the hidden aspects of the military, much like fashion and design, where there's always more than meets the eye. Every fashion collection is rooted in schematics and technical work, which ultimately ends up in retail stores. This board highlights ideas of simplification and technical blueprints—all of which inspired my sketches for these military base fútbol concepts. (↑)
This mood board encapsulates a blend of texture, innovation, and sleek design elements. It draws inspiration from the textural explorations of Kazimir Malevich, the dynamic world of BRE Racing, and the classic yet modern aesthetics of the Datsun 510. Emphasizing stealth and built-in structure, the board integrates themes of structural minimalism and framework, merging the old with the new in a cyborg-like fusion. Influences range from NASA exo-suits and Navy stealth ships to tactical elements like pressure cavitating and wearable tech, embodying functionality and performance. With a focus on monitored performance, the design highlights strength and lightweight construction, incorporating reflective casting for enhanced low-light visibility, reminiscent of the iconic Nike soccer ball. These elements converge to inspire a military-themed fútbol concept that seamlessly blends tradition with cutting-edge technology. (↓)
(Click Images to Expand)
This overview showcases the training products designed for practice. I incorporated a subtle camouflage print pattern as a distinguishing feature of the collection. The short-sleeve jersey tops offer options like a reverse-entry pocket or a zip pocket on the left chest, potentially with a bonded tape closure. The crewneck sweatshirt features a slight V-neck and playful numbers on the left chest, along with a large number on the back, adding to the sporty-military-inspired feel. For both the pants and shorts, I included reverse entry and zip pockets on the left side as well as zip pockets at the center back for out-of-the-way storage. The shorts are paired with compression leggings. Both the pants and shirts feature camouflage waterproof details on the front paneling, which can be heat-embossed, subtle tonal prints, or reflective details for better visibility in low light.
Inspired by Sonya Dyakova's Paper Alphabet, I used her typeface to create the numbers on the back of the football jerseys. This typeface, originally designed for 'Sculpture Today' by Phaidon Press, involves cutting and folding paper into three-dimensional forms. This process, similar to fashion pattern making, captures the depth, surface, and shadows akin to garment design. I carefully crafted and arranged the numbers, enjoying their playful and dynamic quality.
I like to pull inspiration from things that are iconic and recognizable. Once seen by the general public, I feel like Sonya's work and number system could become an iconic language. This language not only speaks to flat patternmaking and papier-mâché but also aligns with the Nike brand, which is known for highlighting the work of artists through collaborations.
NASA Exosuit Sketch, Soccer Game on Palmito Base, Sucre, Colombia, NASA Exosuit (Click Images to Expand)
In this collection, my goal was to design training gear inspired by the bright yellow flight deck jerseys or float coats worn by military personnel during aircraft landing and launch operations. These jackets are known for their high visibility, and I wanted to bring a similar standout quality to the training tracksuits. The cutout window on the back of the jacket serves as a "float coat" window, allowing visibility of the wearer’s flotation device—a crucial safety feature. This design ensures that the status and condition of the flotation bladder can be easily checked without removing the jacket, adding an extra layer of security during flight deck operations. I believe details like this could become distinctive features if adopted in soccer apparel. Those familiar with military gear will recognize and appreciate these elements while introducing them to a new audience of footballers. Blending these lines creates a unique and standout design that sets these pieces apart.
During the ideation phase, I like to have brainstorming sketch sessions to explore different details that could potentially become distinctive elements in jackets, hoodies, long-sleeve T-shirts, and drill tops. I experiment with features such as strap closures, thumbhole openings, rib details, integrated gloves, and irregular-shaped cuffs. Drawing inspiration from stealthy combat mission gear, I also prioritize ergonomic designs. I believe in generating a plethora of ideas and then selecting the best ones, making the process a creative investigation. What's particularly exciting about this process is that it isn't confined to sleeve details; it can extend to pants or other garment features as well. This collaborative process becomes even more amazing when working with others and witnessing where their creative journeys take them.
I prefer sketching on tracing paper because it enables me to trace specific lines and details from other garments, facilitating their translation across different styles and quick reimagination. After completing the sketches, I scan them into the computer, vectorize them, and perhaps add color for presentation purposes. Starting on tracing paper helps capture my initial ideas and concepts as sketches. Over the years, I've amassed an extensive collection of various pocket and pant details, among others. This collection is invaluable as it prevents me from feeling like I'm starting from scratch with each new design. I'm also excited to revisit past ideas that may not have been previously used.