Presenting the sixth in the artist series of More Than a Game custom sneakers, local artist Sic gave James an uniquely designed pair of Air Max LeBron VII shoes represnting the city of Shanghai. Sic is a leading Chinese graffiti artist who started her work on buses and police cars before moving on to commercial and worldwide events. She has participated in several projects with Nike in the past. For this collaboration, Sic was asked to design a one-of-a-kind shoe that represents Shanghai, choosing to focus on one of LeBron’s pillars – Family. Sic began with a “Shi Ku Gate”, iconic in Shanghai’s neighborhoods and community life. People who reside in these communities live, work and socialize together. Most doorknobs in these communities are embossed with a lion head, which has been placed on the heel of the shoe. This symbolizes prestige and status, while also representing LeBron.
| From LeBron 7 |
Additionally, Sic also included iconic landmarks from the city of Shanghai. Nanjing Road represents the east side of town which is known for its traditions, hence “Old Shanghai”. The Bund and China Exhibition Hall represent the east side of town which is more metropolitan, symbolizing the present and future of Shanghai. “Overall, my design is inspired by the beauty of Old Shanghai and New Shanghai. Or in other words, the integration of a modern, traditional China,” says Sic. The artist also pays homage to two places that are an important part of LeBron’s community. On the shoe collar are the words Akron, LeBron’s hometown, and SVSM, his high-school, two important places that helped shape who LeBron is today.