Syn Zhuang Wins Jordan Design Studio Contest

Beijing designer Syn Zhuang has won the inaugural Jordan Design Studio program with her reimagined Air Jordan 1. The contest, launched by Jordan Brand in July, challenged eight finalists from global cities to redesign the iconic silhouette. Zhuang's design was selected at Jordan's "The One" event in Shanghai on August 31.

The Winning Design Concept

Zhuang's concept was developed with mentors Yue Wu and Ji Ming. The program involved and mentored creatives from Seoul, Tokyo, Mexico City, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Beijing, and Shanghai, resulting in original design concepts inspired by themes of identity, community, heritage, ambition, and local culture. The most striking feature is a transformable suede collar that conceals the toe box and lacing system. When worn up, the collar reveals a backwards Swoosh, mirroring a perforated Swoosh on the shoe's lateral panel. Folding the collar down positions the upper Swoosh correctly. Zhuang retained the sole and heel panel from the original AJ1 to maintain its classic character, or what she calls the "soul" of the shoe.

Design Details and Philosophy

Zhuang focused on softening the toe. She explained she covered the toe fully and made it rounder, softer, and less sharp. She also kept the heel's subtle curve where two fabrics meet, describing it as carrying a hint of elegance, almost like a heel. Zhuang specifically designed for women. She noted that in today's streetwear context, for many girls, it's more of a daily piece - worn to work, on dates - yet it's still stiff, heavy, and sharp-toed. She wanted this shoe to offer a little sense of ease, clarifying this meant not laziness, not giving up, just a feeling that it's okay to loosen up and be yourself.

Redefining a Classic Silhouette

Zhuang's winning entry redefines versatility. Her goal was to make a classic silhouette accompany more people in everyday moments. She believes a classic does not have to be one fixed form. It can exist in different ways, to reach different people. Her design maintains the essence of the AJ1 while making it more versatile than ever before. The other finalists hailed from major creative hubs worldwide, but Zhuang's women-focused, adaptable take secured the top spot.