A Look Inside The Nike A.I.R. Event in Paris

For decades, Nike has been at the center of sports performance. With its latest initiative, the brand is hoping to take that influence to another level. A.I.R., an acronym standing for Athlete-Imagined Revolution, and also a nod to the brand’s Air technology, is Nike’s expansion of performance gear, looks at the past, present and future of movement. It was revealed for the first time in Paris this April during the Nike On Air experience.

Fashion and footwear are a pivotal part of supporting an athlete’s performance. So, as a fashion person (and former sports kid), exploring the future of performance wear is top of mind when thinking about the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Historically, sports like track and field and gymnastics pay close attention to the sartorial details of competition that other sports aren’t usually concerned with. Think of athletes like Florence Griffith Joyner who notably wore extravagant nails, makeup and hair in accompany to her one-legged bodysuits and sneakers.

At the A.I.R. event held at the Palais Brongniar, Nike showcased its never-before-seen products for their Olympic-bound and hopeful athletes.

Some of the 13 athletes that walked in the fashion presentation were gymnast Jordan Chiles, who will vie for a spot on team USA in late June at their trials. Another was track star Sha’Carri Richardson (a.k.a the fastest woman in the world), who will be competing in the Paris Olympics. Nike shared at the event that A.I.R. is represented by mind-bending, AI-explored, 3D-printed footwear produced by Nike’s innovation teams.

One of the unveilings during the experience was the sculpted Air unit in the new Pegasus Premium. The Pegasus Premium is set to contour to the natural profile of the foot and “carry a runner’s power through their transition from heel to toe.” Beyond the many footwear presentations, Nike also showcased the apparel their sponsored athletes will wear this summer.

Each athlete during the fashion show showed off two looks, their country’s team kit and then a more lifestyle look showing off their personalities. Chiles strutted into place wearing a matching blue set with a utilitarian style black jacket and matching black Nike sneakers. The event was backdropped by the currently evolving city. With construction scattered across different towns and signs being changed to include English, Paris is preparing for what will surely be a historic Olympic cycle.