EVENT: Nike Cortez 40th Anniversary

Last week on 17th May 2012 over 150 guests comprising of celebrities, style influencers and pop culture swarmed the Nike "Cortez 40/40 KL" celebration in Bangsar Baru in honour of the Cortez's 40th anniversary. Held at ultra swanky street-style haven, JUICE KL in popular suburb Bangsar, the "Cortez 40/40 KL" celebration was a feast for the city's hot, urban set as we commemorated the birth of the Nike Cortez at this exclusive event.

Didn't even realize how freakin' focused I look doing my own art on a paper Cortez. Hope I'll win the challenge and get my customized pair in 3D.

Ya' dig?

This Cortez matches my DIY neon stripped tailored pants.

Originally designed in 1972 by Nike's co-founder, Bill Bowerman, the Cortez was introduced as a lightweight flexible running shoe equipped with ample cushioning to sustain the 100 miles per week of athletes pounding the pavement, without restricting the foot. From that moment on, the Bowerman-designed running iron cast a rapidly moving shadow across the running world for decades to come and has since evolved to be considered  Nike's "most democratic sneaker" and its very first icon.

In paying homage to the Cortez's 40th anniversary, Nike created a special project dubbed 40/40. Five countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines invited eight artists per country to customize a pair of Cortez of their choice. Malaysia gathered some of the most creative minds for this inaugural project, Stephen Lau, Irman Hilmi (GRAFA), Bombshelter Studios, Dead Mojo, Nini Marini, Shieko Reto, Lynda Chean (Pink Tattoos) and May Chan unveiled their customized Cortezs at the event. Each shoe is an art piece, a creative expression of an icon and a representation of the artist's aesthetic & design philosophy. 

With the amazing & gorgeous Nini Marini, earlier in the day I stumbled upon her illustration for custom phone casings over at POPMYCASE. We chatted a lil and she was very nice, have seen photos of her before for Levi's Go Forth project and so on but have never met in person. Elated to have met in real life.

And also, been an avid follower of his witty urban delight writings in AKUTAKPEDULI, a lil intimidated to say hi but he was nice & charming. Irman Hilmi, Art Director, Brand Consultant & Grafa papa ;)

This super kawaii texturized Nike Cortez was done by Lynda Chean, owner of niche tattoo parlour Pink Tattoos tucked in Subang Jaya. She draws her inspiration from owls because she is said to be insanely obsessed with this amazing creatures! The execution and colors embodies her love for all things happy & quirky.

None other than Mizz Nina, second time meeting her. Lovely even just with light make-up ♥

Chatted with mon petite fairy, Joyce of KinkyBlueFairy. I once said when I grow up (we're basically the same age) I wanna be like her, wanna be just as successful and inspiring and working on things that I love, just like her... Slowly getting there, slowly..

Wanted to be one of the cool fierce kids who didn't smile in photos.... Didn't really went well that night. I look angry and I bet you already know this; frowning uses up to 37 muscles on your face and only 22 muscles is used if you smile. So smile baby smile!

MAYSAA scarf, H&M Varsity Jacket & TOPSHOP cuff from FRIENDLYFASHION (check out the contest I'm collaborating with them here), ZALORA scarf print top, DIY neon strip tailored pants, DIY leather clutch and CALAMAN heels.

Don't forget to bring home the chocolates ♥

An abundance of smooches & love for Naz the husband for accompanying me to the event that night and became my personal photographer ;)

TOPSHOP plastic necklace & my signature mirrored image ;)

More photos of the event here!

Again, don't forget to send in your collage of dream outfit from FRIENDLYFASHION & you might stand a chance to win those items. Details available here at CONTEST: Cheap & Chic.

Learn more about the SPORTS LUXE trend.