Image: Sole Retriever

Union LA is back, continuing their long-running collaboration with Nike, returning to give the Air Jordan 1 a new look. However, rather than continuing down the same path the first Air Jordan 1s followed, the model has a new twist. Surfacing online recently, the pair has also been revealed to be a collaboration with another brand, Bephies Beauty Supply.

What you need to know

The first Jordan 1 Retro High Union Los Angeles collection was released back in 2018 to much acclaim. Released at a point where the Air Jordan 1s were the most sought-after sneakers, the sneakers ended up fetching prices well over €1,000, as well as making it onto many people’s sneaker of the year lists. The sneakers featured typical Jordan 1 color blocking, although with added stitching around the collar, above which the colorways change, along with the laces which also change mid-lace to a brand-new color scheme.

Not ditching the original design completely, Union’s latest Jordan 1 still seems to feature added stitching around the collar. This time with a blue thread. However, the entire silhouette rocks the same colors. The sneaker is dressed in a white and light grey leather upper. And yellow detailing is present on the exposed edges of the leather frame. Darker grey detailing is present on the swoosh and on the collar, and the laces are dark yellow. Whether the sneakers will release with another two lace options like Jordan 1s typically do is yet to be seen. The upper is then paired with a sail sole for an aged look, which matches the upper’s sail tongue. Up to this point, the model’s colorway resembles the Jordan 1 Retro AJKO Low SP Union. 

Image: Sole Retriever

The defining detail of the model however is the woven pattern which runs down the length of the sneaker. In doing so, splitting the top half of the upper from the rest of the sneaker. Whilst we have seen entire woven sneakers from Nike in the past, never have we seen a woven pattern incorporated into a sneaker like this.

So, we know about Union and their history, especially regarding their sneakers, but who is Bephies Beauty Supply? They’re a streetwear brand based in LA, also running an online store focussed on promoting women of color within fashion. The brand made headlines last year after collaborating with Jordan Brand to re-imagine the Air Jordan 7. But their collaboration with Union for their latest Jordan seems to be a family affair, as Bephies Beauty Supply founder Beth Birkett owns Union LA with her husband Chris Gibbs, who operates the store.

Image: Sole Retriever

When will the sneakers release?

Still some distance away, you can expect the Jordan 1 Retro High Union Los Angeles x Bephies Beauty Supply to release sometime during summer, likely in August. Whilst we’ve only got eyes on the one colorway for now, it is undisclosed whether there’s more to come. Upon release, the sneakers will become available to buy and sell here at WOOVIN. And, until then, find previous Union releases on our site now.

Image: Sole Retriever