Nike Blazer Hi and matching Vinyl Toy created by Michael Lau
This exposure came full circle last week in Beijing during Nike's BMX Celebration, where the China Kit was unveiled. The kit, which features a custom Nike Blazer, encompasses as much of China as it does the 40 year legacy of BMX. Lau's vision of mixing elements of BMX onto the Blazer seem almost perfect in design. "I wanted to use the Blazer ... because it was more old school and [I] naturally thought of the name plate at the back of the shoe." Lau points out the Blazer's heel cap shape that almost perfectly mimics a BMX nameplate. "It was a natural connection."
Many other subtle elements in the design of the Blazer continue this mix, including five venting points in the shape of the five stars on the Chinese flag, the leather lace lock made to resemble a BMX top-tube pad, and the yellow arrowed detail that passes from the foot base across the lower to resemble the dirt tracks where BMX racing occurs. "Everything synced together," states Lau.
Michael Lau
But the Blazer is really only the start of the full package. The box looks like a mudbrick carved out from a BMX track. The vinyl figure, done in the Lau’s iconic style features a BMX rider resplendent in the China BMX Kit and helmet. The nameplate, which brings elements of his earlier work, is woodgrain in view and prominently features the "Beijing 08" mark.
Mr. Lau seems pleased that the "spirit" of BMX and China will stand proud on August 8th when the Olympic Games officially open in Beijing.
