Nike and Jordan Brand have announced their latest exclusive sneaker, paying homage to a patient at the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon (located near the birthplace of Nike). Nike and Jordan Brand have been working in collaboration with OHSU and releasing these sneakers in commemoration of particular patients for years. All proceeds of the sneaker sales are donated directly back to the Children's Hospital.
The DB-5 is the latest instalment in the Doernbecher series, commemorating basketball and baseball athlete Isaac Arzate who passed away from a heart attack during his rehabilitation. Arzate was chosen by Nike and JB after doctors discovered a serious abnormality affecting his heart.
While in rehabilitation, he sketched designs for the sneaker which are inspired by his athletic experiences and passion for sport. The final design was made using Arzate's sketches and a poem he wrote before his passing. These words and images have been added to the sneaker via glow-in-the-dark and black light capabilities.
The Doernbecher 5 is set to launch September 14th and will be released very exclusively at the Nike Store.
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Trend Themes
1. Commemorative Sneakers - Creating commemorative sneakers as a way to honor important causes and individuals.
2. Charitable Partnerships - Partnering with charitable organizations to donate proceeds from sales of specialty products.
3. Collaborative Design - Incorporating designs from individuals with special connections to a cause or organization in product design.
Industry Implications
1. Sportswear - The sportswear industry can create commemorative products that uniquely honor important causes or individuals.
2. Nonprofit - Nonprofit organizations can partner with companies to create limited edition products that donate a portion or all proceeds to a cause.
3. Healthcare - Hospitals and healthcare organizations can work with brands to create specialty products that honor individuals and raise awareness for important causes.