The days of shoe companies releasing regular shoes are dead and gone. Even as a sneakerhead, I am sort of tired of every pair of sneakers released being labeled as "exclusive." However, every now and then there is an actual story behind the release of a buzz worthy pair of kicks.
The Nike Qi Pao Pack featuring the women's Blazer mid and the women's Terminator low are being released for a reason. The designs were based on Chinese Qi Pao dresses (aka Cheongsams). Qi Pao dresses were introduced internationally at the 1933 World Expo. This year's World Expo is in Shanghai.
Easternized Footwear
Nike Women's Qi Pao Pack Channels Cheongsams
Trend Themes
1. Cultural-inspired Footwear - Shoe companies are designing footwear based on cultural clothing, like the Nike Qi Pao Pack based on the Chinese Qi Pao dress, providing a new avenue for cultural appreciation and brand differentiation.
2. Story-driven Fashion Releases - The release of footwear with a storyline behind it, like the Nike Qi Pao Pack inspired by the history of the Chinese Qi Pao dress, provides a unique marketing opportunity and a way to capture consumers' attention.
3. Global-event-inspired Design - Designs inspired by global events, like the Nike Qi Pao Pack based on the World Expo being held in Shanghai, allow companies to tap into a wider audience and create a connection with a specific event or culture.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can incorporate cultural inspirations and storytelling into their footwear designs, like the Nike Qi Pao Pack, to offer consumers a new level of appreciation for different cultures and attract consumers seeking unique and meaningful clothing.
2. Marketing - The marketing industry has the opportunity to utilize story-driven fashion releases, like the Nike Qi Pao Pack, to create buzz and capture consumers' attention through compelling narratives and meaningful designs.
3. Tourism - The tourism industry can use global-event-inspired designs, like the Nike Qi Pao Pack based on the World Expo being held in Shanghai, to promote events and cultures to potential travelers and generate interest in experiences beyond the typical tourist destinations.