The swoosh does the samba

We are a country of basketball lovers. Our icons, our adolescent crushes and youthful aspirations, our source of entertainment, and our exercise regimen all have something to do with that sport and the initials of its famous teams, like NBA, PBA, UAAP, NCAA, and PBL.

BBALL is big in the Philippines and it’s a phenomenon that’s encouraged by sport brand Nike. Nike and its signature swoosh has long provided footwear and sportswear inspired by its entourage of endorsers, basketball greats known by their initials: MJ (Michael Jordan), VC (Vince Carter), and KB (Kobe Bryant).

More than basketball fans, we are a country of fashion lovers. Filipinos love to dress up and flaunt their clothing choices as if they were meritorious deeds. Fashion, to the Philippines, is another sport – it can be competitive to some, requiring an admirable amount of passion and dedication, and it can be very exhilarating.

Nike, after mastering the intricacy of sports apparel, takes a look at clothing beyond the basketball arena. The brand has come up with a line that features more fashion—oriented designs. Called the Nike Active Collection, the line merges Nike vision and expertise with street—savvy style.

For their initial foray into streetwear and lifestyle fashion, Nike’s Active Collection for summer 2005 indulges in a culture that’s best known for its laid-back beach life, its sensual dances, soulful music, and proud sports heritage. Nike takes inspiration from Brazil, a country that has always been associated with fun and festivity. From the affecting lilts and turns of samba music, the energetic vibe of the Ipanema and Copacabana beaches in Rio de Janeiro, the dance—like martial art Capoeira, and the vibrant colors of the Carnivalé, Nike is taking the swoosh to newer style possibilities.

Nike technology provides the backbone for easy, Brazil—inspired laid-back pieces that can shift from stylish afternoon rendezvous to gym workout to fun beach jaunt. The idea is to make a statement and Nike doesn’t disappoint. Inspired by the lively and sensual samba, Nike’s summer 2005 "Active Collection" shows of lots of skin with micro—minis that come striped, pleated, printed or ruffled, terry cloth hot pants, funky logo mini tees, and sexy halter tops. The Capoeira inspiration is manifested in loose, flowing pants and asymmetric tops that promise easy mobility. Colors are taken from the green and yellow of the Brazilian flag mixed with brighter shades of orange, red, and purple.

The "Active Collection" was recently shown to members of the press at a recent gathering at the Embassy Club. Nike collaborated with recognized figures in the fashion industry to add more zest to the introduction. Fashion director Robby Carmona, makeup artist Xeng Zulueta, event specialist Tim Yap, photographer Victor Consunji, and stylist Charmaine Palermo put their own hip stylings into the new Nike wear, with each one giving a how—to—wear possibility to the Brazilian—inspired pieces. As the fashion show illustrates, with Nike, the possibilities are infinite.

* * *

Nike’s summer 2005 "Active Collection" is available at the Nike Attitude stores on the 2nd level of Eastwood Citywalk 2, the 5th level of Shangri—la Plaza Mall, and the Nike Store on the 2nd level of Robinsons Place, Bacolod.

Email comments to ana_kalaw@pldtdsl.net.ph