Author: Tom
Footpatrol: Hi Murray, we hope you and the team are well, thank you for having us. For those who aren’t aware, can you tell us a bit about the team and what it is you all do?
MA: Hello!
We’re Counterfeit Studio and we are architectural, product and spatial designers specialising in the design of brand spaces and places. Essentially we translate our clients brand into a physical expression for their customers or audiences to experience IRL. Whatever form that takes, be it the design of a building, an office, a store, a piece of furniture, or a sculpture etc.
FP: What are your earliest influences and memories of design? And what ultimately led to you opening your own studio?
MA: Two very different ends of the career spectrum.
I knew very little about design when I started my design degree, which was my first proper introduction to the field. I sort of stumbled into the course so was not at all informed about the industry, which I think helped me build a foundation for drawing influences from anywhere, not just the world of design. During the early to mid-nineties, before the era of the internet, I would collect The Face magazine. Like for many others, it was my window into the world, and The Face was great at capturing the myriad of weird and wonderful things happening at the time.
There would often be pieces about industrial designers or design trends mixed with fashion editorials that would catch my eye. Designers outside the fashion world were beginning to gain traction and celeb status, and the eclectic approach set by The Face became a precedent for the types of things I would gravitate towards. My references have since continued the same sort of eclectic approach—a mix of music, art, culture, fashion, media, design, and architecture.
Fast forward nearly 20 years to the start of Counterfeit around 2017. It had a fairly organic beginning. Over the years, I had the privilege of working at some amazing design agencies and, while I was fortunate enough to work for many of my dream clients and brands (including the previous iteration of FP in the Berwick Street location), I reached a point where I was considering the next chapter in my career.
I had been fortunate enough to establish lasting connections with great people who were client side along the way. Now and then, these people would come to me directly with projects that didn’t necessarily fit the mould of the design agency I was working for at the time (due to budget, scale, style etc), so I started to take on side projects. After a year or so, these evolved into larger briefs that could sustain not just me but also a team of designers. I quit my full-time job soon after to turn that into Counterfeit Studio.
FP: Can you describe the counterfeit style in 3 words?
MA: Why The Pigeonholes?
FP: Understandably each project will be different from space to space, but are there elements or design philosophies you’ll try to consistently keep in every brief?
MA: Well, as you say, one size never fits all. However, we have definitely developed some basic drivers along the way that help us add value for our clients. We summarise these as ‘Unify,’ ‘Simplify,’ and ‘Amplify’—three guiding principles that can be traced throughout our body of work. These principles are rooted in listening to people and achieving consensus, providing straightforward clarity, and understanding the benefits of turning up the volume.
FP: Some of our favourite works from you are of course Carhartt WIP, a client you’ve worked with on a few instals now. Can you tell us about the importance of developing relationships like this and what is it that keeps you dreaming big and pushing the boundaries store after store?
MA: They’re good ones, and a fantastic client. Arguably the success of a project hinges on the strength of a relationship between all the people involved, so developing relationships is a really crucial part of what we do. It comes down to growing trust over time. The guys at Carhartt WIP are testament to that. As we’ve gotten to know them better over the years, we’ve also gotten a much clearer understanding of what works and what doesn’t. So there’s much less time exploring ideas that aren’t right, and much more on making our responses sharper.
That’s probably part of what keeps us going – the unexplored potential and the opportunity to try something new and interesting.
FP: For those unaware, you’re responsible for both our London re-fit and Paris store designs. Can you tell us about the challenges [if any] from both these spaces during design/construction?
MA: There were a couple of main challenges: the compact size of the FP stores was as constricted as the build budgets. So a lot to cram in for a relatively modest cost. However, necessity is the mother of invention, and I believe that if it hadn’t been for those constraints, our responses might not have been as clean and eye-catching. I think that’s the sign of a good result—when a challenge has been transformed into a positive that defines a project.
FP: Are there any projects that really stand out for you or your team?
MA: Proud of all our projects, though both the Footpatrol projects were highlights! Also our latest work for Carhartt WIP in Melbourne seems to have had a lot of great responses. It’s easy to see why, there’s a lot of good elements to it which we are really happy with. It’s a good size, great mix of materials, the detail was expertly executed by the contractor and the logo sculpture is the icing on the cake.
FP: Are there any creative areas in which Counterfeit haven’t ventured yet? Or plan to do more in 2024 and beyond?
MA: We’re keen to do some work that’s less commercially driven and more a chance to express ourselves, so potentially some further self-initiated work this year. Also looking to do some work in the outdoor sector as there are lot’s of interesting newer brands coming through that are innovating and shaking up the marketplace. Ideally we’d like to capitalise on the success of our recent work in Australia and expand our network in APAC (Asia Pacific Region) so hopefully we’ll get some travel in.
FP: We usually ask if YOU were a shoe what would you be and why? But do you think its possible to describe Counterfeit in a single silhouette haha?
MA: Always a different rotation, although the rotation probably has a bit of or animal skin in there somewhere. A current personal favourite is the Mizuno Wave Mujin TL GTX or their Wave Rider Beta. As a killer older outlier brand, doing lovely new things that are too slept on – you could draw comparisons to where Counterfeit is.
FP: What piece of advice that you’ve received has stuck with you throughout your career and what would you pass on to the younger audience who are trying to get into the industry?
MA: Sure, although it’s probably more like anti-advice, but maybe that’s makes it more motivating.
I did work experience when I was probably about third year at college. I was there for about a week – it was an old school architects office. Suit and tie affair. The guy who ran it must have been in his 60’s and at the end of my time there he called me into his office for a debrief. He told me I held a pencil incorrectly, I couldn’t draw and I’d never be a designer. I was mortified! That has stuck with me to this day. It’s probably installed a lot of drive in me to prove him wrong in some way. I learned to use a computer instead, so his opinion was completely irrelevant anyway. Moral of the story is don’t listen to miserable old dinosaurs! Do the new thing they don’t understand yet.
FP: Thank you for taking the time to chat to us Murray, we look forward to seeing future works and hopefully in ways we can work together too. If there are any final shoutouts or words of wisdom, then the floor is now yours…
MA: Final words? Just to reiterate the point above I guess. Use your youth and energy to your advantage. It makes you more influential than you may realise. It’s healthy to be anti-establishment despite what they would have you believe. So doubt the default.
Shout out to the Core Counterfeit Crew: Sam Johnson and Roxy
Stone and our broader network of freelancers. You know who you are.
All the best, TEAMFP!
Make sure to check out more of their work over on their website and Instagram!
This week, we brought you the introduction of our newest platform ‘Ask TEAMFP’ which you’ll now able to find live on our website.
In an effort to bring you, the community closer to our team, over the next couple of weeks we’ll be introducing to you some of the team members that will be on hand to offer you in-depth looks into product, in-store sizing guidance and styling advice whilst also being able to offer you a greater insight into our local community.
This week, we meet Norvain. Born and raised in French Guiana. Norvain will talk about his influences, Paris, and his relationship to Footpatrol !
FP: To start things off, tell me a little bit about yourself and where you’re from?
Norvain: Hey! My name is Norvain Cajuste, I’m 23 years old. I was born & raised in French Guiana, but I’m Haitian. I grew up in a city called Kourou, not really known by everyone but we are important for spatial technology. I have a big family of 9 sisters & brothers, I left the house when I was 14 to live with one of my big brothers. So in 2014 I landed in the 92, Hauts-De-Seine, in city called Châtenay-Malabry, I went to high school there.
FP: When did you first realise you had a passion for trainers?
Norvain: I always had this link with trainers because it was a part of the journey, my mum used to sell shoes and clothes that she bought in Suriname in my neighbourhood. I remember the first time she bought me and my others sister the Nike Rift, we used to called it ‘Ninja’, I was so happy.
FP: How long have you been working for Footpatrol?
Norvain: It’s been 5 months now
FP: What do you like about working for Footpatrol/ being part of the Footpatrol community?
Norvain: Working at Footpatrol is another face of the retail I didn’t know, I like how we can sell products that we liked also it is more simple to give advice to the customers.
FP: How would you describe your style in three words?
Norvain: Relaxed , Easy & Fresh.
FP: Le Marais is a very lively society with a lot of cultural influence. What does Le Marais mean to you?
Norvain: Le Marais is the centre of Paris, is where I can link with all my friends from everywhere, where I can meet beautiful people.
FP: What’s your all-time favourite shoe?
Norvain: My all-time favourite shoe.. i will say the Yeezy Boots SS3 in black.
FP: What would you say are your top three favourite releases this year?
Norvain: My top release of this year:
-Air Force 1 West Indies
-Asics Gel-1130 Kobe/Copenhagen
-Ambush Air Adjust
FP: How would you describe your music taste? Any favourite music artists at the moment?
Norvain: My music is very versatile. My favourite artist at the moment is Kodak Black.
FP: As you know it is the 20th anniversary of Footpatrol, what is like being a part of the team on such a big landmark year?
Being a part of the team on big landmarks means a lot, it’s like celebrating my debut in the team & the other years we are going to see together, fingers crossed !
FP: What does great customer service mean to you?
Norvain: A good customer service is being aware of the customer demand and taste, the goal is to see the customer leaves the shop with a happy face and a brand new pair of shoes.
-To finish off, Is there anything that you would like to share with the Footpatrol community?
Don’t chase the hype shoes, wear what looks nice on you.
This week, we brought you the introduction of our newest platform ‘Ask TEAMFP’ which you’ll now able to find live on our website.
In an effort to bring you, the community closer to our team, over the next couple of weeks we’ll be introducing to you some of the team members that will be on hand to offer you in-depth looks into product, in-store sizing guidance and styling advice whilst also being able to offer you a greater insight into our local community.
This week, we meet Kevin. Born and raised in Paris suburbs, Kevin has worked for several years in the retail industry. Kevin will talk about his influences, Paris, and his relationship to Footpatrol !
FP: To start things off, tell me a little bit about yourself and where you’re from?
Kevin: My name is Kevin, I am 26 years old and I come from the suburbs of Paris (95). After several years in retail I landed at Footpatrol.
FP: When did you first realise you had a passion for trainers?
Kevin: Ever since I was little, I always saw my dad wearing Air Max 90. I thought it was cool, but as a soccer fan since I was little I used all my shoes for playing. It wasn’t until I was a senior in high school that a friend of mine would frequently talk to me about shoes and over time I became interested in them. As soon as I had a little money and after a few purchases, I realised that this was a world I was passionate about.
FP: How long have you been working for Footpatrol?
Kevin: For 9 months now. It seems like yesterday, time goes by so fast.
FP: What do you like about working for Footpatrol/ being part of the Footpatrol community?
Kevin: What I like about Footpatrol is the atmosphere that emerges from the shop: it has its own identity. It favours cultural exchanges linked to a common passion with the customers which can lead to discussions or meetings more than interesting.
FP: How would you describe your style in three words?
Kevin: Street / Mix of influences / Cosy (I like to be comfortable in what I wear)
FP: Le Marais is a very lively society with a lot of cultural influence. What does Le Marais mean to you?
Kevin: It represents the centre of Paris with its choice of stores, restaurants, museums and art galleries. It’s a district that I appreciate because you feel good there. If you have never been there before, I invite you to do it as soon as possible, this area is very lively.
FP: Where are your top three places to visit in Le Marais?
Kevin: Footpatrol of course (come and see us), the Perrotin galleries for the cultural side and the Place des Vosges if you want to relax a bit after visiting the whole area.
FP: What’s your all-time favourite shoe?
Kevin: The choice is complicated but I would say the Bapesta College Dropout, this pair is so iconic.
FP: What would you say are your top three favourite releases this year?
Kevin: I would say:
-Bapesta Jjjjound
-Air Max Sunder Comme des Garçons
-Asics Gel Kayano 14 Jjjjound
These are the 3 pairs that made my year, of course there are many other releases that I thought were cool, but I think these are my 3 favourites (for now).
FP: How would you describe your music taste? Any favourite music artists at the moment?
Kevin: My music taste is varied, I can really listen to anything. I can go from trap to jazz to pop to DMV. It all depends on my mood. The one I’m listening to the most at the moment is Autumn! I really like what he’s doing, second is Kanye (timeless, Donda is in my pantheon of best albums) and then Serane and Boofpaxkmooky who are very talented.
FP: As you know it is the 20th anniversary of Footpatrol, what is like being a part of the team on such a big landmark year?
Kevin: It’s an honour for me, I knew Footpatrol while walking in the Marais 3 years ago, I appreciated the atmosphere of the shop and I met Gabriel, aka Don Emotion, we exchanged and one thing leading to another he passed on his love for this brand.
FP: What does great customer service mean to you?
Kevin: Good customer service is an exchange between the customer and the salesperson: communication and good humour. The customer doesn’t just come to buy or see our products, he also comes for the team and the atmosphere in the shop. People like to come and we have to make sure that we maintain this image.
FP: Can you explain the benefits of the Ask Team FP service?
Kevin: It’s nice for the customer to have someone to talk to for any recommendations. However, being a small team in a small shop we have to keep our attention on it, it is enough that there is a rush in the shop and we can’t answer people because of lack of time. We need a Footpatrol customer service department dedicated to the website and the Ask service.
For our World Photography Competition in collaboration with Vault by Vans, we highlight our in-house photographers who take us through their love of photography, their favourite projects and their dream photoshoots… finishing things off with Erwan Demais.
We have extended the deadline of our World Photography Competition in collaboration with Vault by Vans, until Friday 30th September.
Footpatrol: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your role within Footpatrol?
Erwan: Hi, I’m Erwan, I’m 23 years old and I’m executive marketing and creative manager for Footpatrol Paris.
FP: What first drew you to the world of photography?
Erwan: It all starts from the day I helped on a photo shoot, ended up with the camera in my hand and since then I’ve never let it go.
FP: How do you visually express yourself via photography?
Erwan: It all depends on the context, I won’t have the same approach if it’s for leisure or if it’s for a client. When I shoot for myself I feel more free and I can really capture what I want. But in general I try to find a balance between the two.
FP: What would you class as your dream photoshoot?
Erwan: It doesn’t matter as long as the photo ends on a 40m scaffold. Or a shoot in space.
FP: Tell us about your camera set up, do you have anything on your wishlist?
Erwan: On the digital side I have a MarkIV and an R5 and on the film side I rotate between several but the one I use the most is my G2. The B1X pack has been on my wishlist for a while now and I’m going to snap it up….
Footpatrol: What’s been your favourite project you’ve worked on, Footpatrol or not?
Erwan: I think my biggest project at the moment is the adidas Speed Portal campaign with Benzema, that I was able to do with my friend @jeremie_masuka . It went around the world and all over Paris which is a great pride for me. We work on a lot of projects together, he’s someone I really like, who has always pulled me up and when we work together we are like one.
FP: Quick fire question… digital or film?
Erwan: I like both very much, they all have their advantages and disadvantages. The digital side allows me to edit the images as I want and the film side has a more authentic feel. But to make a choice I will say film because I have really developed my eye and my vision of how to take pictures. Look at the price of the Portra??? You have to think twice before taking a picture (laughing).
FP: How do you think this opportunity with Vans and Footpatrol helps the next generation?
Erwan: It’s so cool to be able to put the team forward, we all have different backgrounds and that’s what brings us together, everyone has their own vision. Many people influence me every day and I am proud to say that today I am the one who has this role and I am grateful to all the people who surround me and we are all together if I succeed we all succeed.
For our World Photography Competition in collaboration with Vault by Vans, we highlight our in-house photographers who take us through their love of photography, their favourite projects and their dream photoshoots… Kicking things off with Tancrède Mallet.
We have extended the deadline of our World Photography Competition in collaboration with Vault by Vans, until Friday 30th September.
Footpatrol: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your role within Footpatrol?
Tancrède: Hi My name is Tancrède, yeah it’s my real name… I’m 24 and I’m a creative photographer for Footpatrol Paris.
FP: What first drew you to the world of photography?
Tancrède: My parents always had a passion for photography whenever we went on vacation or small punctual family trips they were always bringing a camera with us, so pretty much since I was born I was with a camera in hands playing with those early shitty digital olympus. But it was only in 2015, that I ended up properly shooting. I really wanted to understand the process between the press of a button and the final picture. So I borrowed my mom’s first film camera that she had as a graduation gift and like that I learned through books and on field testing, the “magic” behind photography. And ever since I never stopped taking photos.
FP: How do you visually express yourself via photography?
Tancrède: I’m easily bored of my work and always up to test new things whether it’s gear or subjects related. So I wouldn’t say that I have one particular approach, but from what I know the only things that never bore me are seashores and portraits. It’s been years and I’m still trying to find my “aesthetic” but I’m getting closer, I know it.
FP: What would you class as your dream photoshoot?
Tancrède: I don’t have a “dream photoshoot” but I definitely would love to build a serie about the seashore across the world and their people.
FP: Tell us about your camera set up, do you have anything on your wishlist?
Tancrède: Over the years I’ve accumulated several cameras on the film side of things : Canon Ftb, Olympus Mju ii and the famous Leica M6 (I know I will have ennemies, but trust me it’s not worth the price). But My one true love is the Canon EOS 1N that shares the same EF lenses of my digital camera the Canon 5DS. My wishlist if I had an unlimited budget would be the Mamiya 7 ii or RZ67 on the film side because I’m dreaming of switching to Medium format. And on the digital side it would be the Hasselblad H6D because you can choose between a film or digital back, A.K.A the dream right ?.
Footpatrol: What’s been your favourite project you’ve worked on, Footpatrol or not?
Tancrède: I have joined Footpatrol for less than a year now so I don’t have a favourite FP project that I led but I’m looking for it. For now, my favorite project was my internship at SHOES-UP a French magazine where I had the chance to make my firsts professional shootings and do my first magazine cover which was a huge accomplishment at 20 years old.
FP: Quick fire question… digital or film?
Tancrède: Would be film, definitely film over digital, because that’s what I started with and it’s closer to the original process of photography. Also I like the fact that you are actually focussing on taking pictures and not on the result !!
FP: How do you think this opportunity with Vans and Footpatrol helps the next generation?
Tancrède: I’m glad that we could take this opportunity to use our channel to put people forward and encourage them to show their work that is sometimes kept secret ! We are all the sum of our influence in the end and if we can give inspiration or courage to other people it’s a win at the end of the day.
The British soundscape of rhythm and rock returns to their home soil to celebrate their 60th anniversary. Rich in history and paving their own way of musical ambition, London will see the return of The Rolling Stones. Returning to their sea of dedicated fans at their London-leg of the tour taking place in Hyde Park on the June 25th and the 3rd July 2022, followed by the Paris tour that will take place on the 23rd July 2022.
In-line with Footpatrol’s 20th anniversary and The Rolling Stones SIXTY Tour 2022, we dug deep into the archives to create a capsule collection inspired by the band’s legacy in Rock & Roll.
Our lively apparel capsule collection includes two tees exclusive to our London & Paris stores featuring The Rolling Stones ‘Access Guest’ graphic on the front chest accompanied with the iconic Tongue logo with the Great British & French flag embedded in the tongue, and a memorable photo of The Rolling Stones members.
The remaining designs make use of the much accumulated imagery taken of the band over the years. Finishing the collection is the Heather Grey athletic crew sweatshirt – taking inspiration from the Stones merchandise of the late 90’s, the word ‘CREW’ has been added creating a piece that’s fit for a member of the ‘Stones’ Tour Party. The dual-branded logo featuring The Rolling Stones Tongue graphic, and the Footpatrol scroll on the front chest completes the piece.
The Footpatrol for The Rolling Stones capsule collection is now available to shop online! (The Access graphic tees will be made exclusive to each store and also available online at footpatrol.com).
FP: Hi Lewis! Great to have you with us, how are you?
LS: Wassup! I am very well thank you for asking. Finally feels like summer is kicking off now so I am happy. Lots of things planned that require sunny weather!!
FP: For those that don’t know you, can you tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?
LS: I’m Lewis. I am a senior designer working in Soho and living in South London.
FP: Working at Hotel creative, we’ve seen a number of unique store fits and collaborative projects from you guys, can you tell us what has been one of your favourite projects that you have worked on? And do you have a dream project?
LS: Where do I start. I’ve been at Hotel Creative close to 7 1/2 years now so I’ve probably had creative input into quite a few of the projects that you would have seen.
A stand out project for me was the Nike D.O.U (Department Of Unimaginable’s) Los Angeles for Air Max Day 2018. There were a bunch of folks involved but myself and Francine, another senior designer at Hotel, led this project creatively. Hotel had already worked on the global creative direction, but we had to give it its own unique twist for L.A.
Hotel are known for the levels of detail that we layer into our story telling. We created an Air timeline “City Air Los Angeles” as defined by LA’s biggest Air Max lovers to display their favourite Nike Air Max, a curriculum workshop on the processes of design through to shoe design and most importantly a D.O.U van, that looked like something out of Ghostbusters, that drove around L.A promoting the space where all the action was happening.
**SPOILER** The most recent work to drop soon is for Arc’teryx. I’ve been helping design some consumer touchpoints for the new flagship store in Vancouver alongside their brand design team which has been amazing. Myself and the Hotel team got whisked to Canada for a 3 day immersion into the brand which was an incredible experience. A helicopter to the top of a mountain and a peep behind the curtain at Arc One (the design centre) is up there with 1 of the best experiences I’ve encountered.
FP: Talk to us about your progression and journey, how did you get to where you are today?
LS: Well, I now get paid for my passions and interests which is pretty mental. I used to wear my older brother’s trainers around the house when I was a kid. I remember he had a pair of JD exclusive AM95’s in navy suede with yellow accents. I also remember bugging my mum to buy me some AM90’s which I would wear on the walk to school and change into my school shoes at the gate haha.
I’ve always been more creative than academic. I ended up doing an art foundation course at Kingston, then going to Camberwell to complete a degree in Illustration. I worked in retail and as I stated earlier my passions and interests in trainers helped me get in the door at Hotel. I have my pal Matt to thank for suggesting talking to Mitch about a dream job, designing the cool shit goes into the windows and in-store for Nike, which paid off. Mitch took a punt on me and couldn’t be more thankful 🙂
FP: Looking around you have quite an eclectic mix of figurines, books and miscellaneous ‘bits and bobs’, tell us more about how you got into collecting and do they influence your work at HC in any way?
LS: I’ve always had a weird habit of collecting things. I can remember where everything is from that I own in my weird collection. It mainly started when I was at university. I attended a talk by set designer Anna Lomax and she had an insane collection of McDonalds ephemera. I started collecting weird art publications, squeaky dog toys and anything with a face (goobies).
My interests in the creative arts definitely directly feed into the work I do on a daily basis. I’m always making sure that I’m exposed to new art shows and trying to find more niche reference points to really push and progress my creative output.
Working in Soho I am spoilt for new art. It’s also refreshing to submerge yourself into retail to keep on top of the new new that’s always ever evolving.
Having knowledge is so vital in whatever field it’s in. If you can keep building this bank of knowledge (hopefully) it will be needed by someone.
FP: As we know, you love a bargain eBay find, what have been some of your cheapest steals?
LS: £14 DS Nike x HF Undercover tennis classics
£19 DS Nike initiator
£25 NikeLab Air Zoom Talaria mid volt Hi’s
The eBay watchlist always has something on it though…
FP: Lewis, thanks so much for spending the time with us today! Is there any piece of advice you would like to share with the Footpatrol friends and family to sign everything off?
LS: I appreciate you getting in contact and making this happen. A piece of advice an old university tutor told me was always stay true what interests you and your audience will find you. I still stick to this and don’t really give a f@@k what anybody else thinks. Safe!
Part of the Fearless series in 2019, Jordan Brand tapped Paris based fashion brand – Maison Château Rouge to add their version to the Air Jordan 1 Mid.
A success at that, Jordan Brand and MCR return with even bigger efforts, providing more than just one pair of footwear. Adding a 3-pack of footwear including the Air Jordan 2 and a capsule of apparel, this latest collaboration is represents the savoir-faire of the African artisans, empowers them on the continent and spread its aesthetics abroad.
In particular, the Air Jordan 2 shines a spotlight on heritage and community. Dressed in sail and orange hits which is nod to the SBB release, brogue detailing and see-saw edging bring sophistication, whilst the contrast stitching delivers an added pop. From ornate detailing that nods to the brand’s roots, to the “UNITED YOUTH INTERNATIONAL” and “CHICAGO DAKAR PARIS” on the tongues that celebrate the story of global youth culture, it bridges cultures while staying true to the AJ 2 look. Finally, to keep up the consistency, custom insoles are designed to bring the collaborative efforts together.
The ONLINE draw is live over on the Footpatrol app, CLICK HERE to download!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online draw, you will need to download the Footpatrol Launches app and complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until draw completion. Those successful will have their draw win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The draw is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
When it comes to ASICS, ASICS is a brand that lives and breathes movement. With ASICS meaning ‘Anima Sana In Corpore Sano’ (Latin for ‘Sound Mind in a Sound Body’, ASICS always find positivity in movement and is something they are always pushing as a brand.
With the latest conception from Kiko Kostadinov’s studio now here, we took the UB3-S Gel Nimbus 9 out on to the streets of London with the helping hand of flatland bmx rider, Jason Forde. This latest creation brings together both outdoor exploration with a heritage running feel and with a nature inspired colour palette running across the board, we bring these mixing of worlds together in fluid motion.
Take a closer look below where we catch up with Jason Forde and go for a spin.
Shop the ASICS US3-S GEL NIMBUS online here.
Footpatrol: Hi Jay, Hope you’re well, before we get into it, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Jason Forde: Hi my full name is Jason Forde I’m 45 years young and I’ve been riding flatland bmx seriously for 25 years. It started off as a hobby but now its a lifestyle. I compete in the pro category.
FP: What was it about flatland specifically that hooked you?
JF: It was The freedom of expression, You can do what you want, just free your mind and explore your way around the bike, I’m also a bit of a showoff and it’s something I can perform anytime anywhere, the flatter the better.
FP: “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” (a healthy mind in a healthy body) is the acronym for ASICS, id imagine both play a pivotal role in your sport? Can you tell us how you discipline yourself on these principles.
JF: Well I make sure to ride as much as possible as well as doing other sports. Before I ride i take a mental note of things I must try, Flatland requires alot of repetition “wax on wax off” I ride every day if I can, 1hr minimum or 6 to 8hrs on a good day but its good to let the body recover.
Flatland is like a martial arts to me, Ying yang it’s good for mind body and soul.
FP: We noticed you recently had some air time on TV, is flatland something you see emerging? Where would you like to see the sport go?
JF: It needs to recognised as sport its slowly getting there, I’ve appeared in more than one Hollywood movie, opened major events etc. I was running a flatland bmx school before covid struck, I also ran my own events company (1WMBMX) and performed in some iconic venues, the V&A being one of them, I would like to see more of the same but on a larger scale. I will continue to play my part and bring focus to the future success of flatland bmx. We deserve to be seen and respected.
FP: You also have your own bike parts correct? Can you tell us about that venture?
JF: Flatland bmx requires specific parts especially when you get to a professional level, every angle and millimeter can change the way a bike feels, I’ve encountered problems when sourcing the correct products for myself so I decided to use my knowledge as a rider and cycle mechanic to create my own products. So far I have created pegs Uk GRIP and now a freestyle stem I call the THR33.
FP: Thank you for being a part of this project with ourselves and ASICS, we would like to invite you to give any shoutouts or any words of wisdom for those who may be on the fence about flatland or any sport that requires the ASICS mentality.
JF: I would like to thank Asics/Footpatrol for giving me the opportunity to showcase my sport/artform and my words. Strive to be the best, nothing is out of reach if your hearts in it, don’t be afraid to ask for help, take chances and be original. If everyone is doing it then it’s probably easy. Big shout out to Mark Ward and Johann chan for all the support over the years on many different projects.
And to all my riders, KEEP THAT WHEEL UP.
You can find me TT @jayflatldn
Instagram @jay_flatldn for shows and demos @1wmbmx
Products @ukgrip and @thethreestem
For SS22, Jordan Brand are set to release their latest iteration of the iconic Air Jordan IV. With the AJIV ‘Red Thunder’ already setting 2022 away, this toned down release comes in perfect time for the summer season.
Heavily inspired by one of the original AJVIs – Military Blue, this silhouette utilises the same colour blocking. With white tumbled leather as the canvas, premium suede overlays are used for the toe area. With black and white mesh panelling for breathability, further black hits take on the wing tips and heel tabs. Jumpman logo on the tongue and heel.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
The London in-store draw is now closed!
All online draws are now housed over on the Footpatrol Launches App, CLICK HERE to download!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win. Within this email, winners will be given a set of dates in which they must collect their win from our London store. To collect, you will need to provide the winning email and a valid photographic government ID matching the winners name. NO ONE can collect on the winners behalf. Failure to provide this, or failure to collect within the given dates will mean failure to purchase your win.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will need to download the Footpatrol Launches app and complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
