Who knew that sneakers could be controversial as they have been over the past weekend. Lil Nas X and MSCHF clothing brand must-have, as they collaborate on a black and red inferno (non-Nike collaboration) air max 97. The sneaker is a part of the rollout for the new music video “ Montero '' by Lil Nas X. At the beginning of the video, he says “ In life, we hide the parts of ourselves we don't want the world to see.” As the video progresses, he then ascends toward what seems to be heaven. As he climbs higher a pole appears and he grabs on to it. He then drops down the pole through a fiery volcano to whats depicted to be hell. As the gates open up he walks through and begins “ dancing with the devil. ” As he dances with the devil, the devil is pictured wearing the soon-to-be-dropped exclusive sneaker.
The controversy over the limited edition “ Satan Shoes ” begins as only 666 pairs are being made, having a hefty price tag of $1,018. With a bible scripture on it “ Luke 10:18 ” that reads about Satan's fall from heaven. Along with a pentagram pendant on the inner lace lock. The main issue that seems to arrive is that the bubble on the sole has a red fluid. It is said to be 66CC’s of red dye. Containing one drop of human blood given by the employees of MSCHF.
Ultimately this seems like MSCHF is a brand that seems to love to step up to the plate for controversy. After the response from their last air max 97 the “ Jesus shoes ” that contain 60 CC’s of water from the River Jordan that is then blessed. Creating the hypothetical idea that you are walking on Holy Water along with the scripture Matthew 14:25. Which is about the miracle of Jesus walking on water. With a steel crucifix on the inner lace lock of the sneaker and a red drop on the tongue representing the blood of Jesus. It seems they operate on both extreme ends of the spectrum. In terms of creative designs that rival each other, yet at the same time go hand in hand. Even though it is a Nike sneaker there are no rules against purchasing a sneaker and putting your design on it. Yet Nike has filed a lawsuit against the art collective. In complaints of backlash on social media of potential boycotts of the brand
Although a Nike spokesperson has come out over the weekend and said they are not directly linked to this collaboration. They have decided to publicly denounce the collaboration. This isn’t Nikes first “ Rodeo ” when it comes to sneaker controversy. After creating the Jordan brand with Michael Jordan, Nike created the Jordan 1. One of the first colorways was deemed the “ Banned 1’s. ” This was because in 1984 the NBA banned Michael Jordan from wearing the sneaker. . The colorway of black and red was “ non-regulation colors. '' It violated the “ 51% rule ” of keeping your sneaker 51% white to match uniforms. The sneaker itself was then deemed “noncourt wearable.” The NBA fined MJ $5,000 every time he stepped on the court with them. Nike did not mind picking up the hefty price tag for His Airness. This was just the beginning of Nike “ ruffling feathers ” of the industry.
Nike decided to support Colin Kaepernick and his kneeling during the National Anthem. They created an ad campaign standing with Kaepernick and backing his form of protest. A flux of mixed emotions and feelings surrounded the brand splitting consumer response down the middle. Between kneeling was a disrespect to the American flag and soldiers across the world. Or if it was just a way to express misalignment between America and their core values. Nike also created a “ 4th of July ” sneaker using the Betsy Ross flag on the heel of the sneaker. The flag is the U.S flag with thirteen stars in a circle representing the thirteen colonies, created during the American Revolution. The flag has been used as a representation and association with white supremacy groups and nationalist groups. It is a symbol of America's openly racist and slave-driven country for only a select group to enjoy. Nonetheless, Nike, MSCHF, and Lil Nas X are in for a whirlwind of media attention over the next few weeks.
What do you think about the collaboration? Is it just freedom of creative expression or can art go too far? Or do you not consider this art, maybe just outrage over a pair of sneakers? Let us know what you think about this/
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