CONCEPTS X NIKE KYRIE 5 "IKHET"

KYRIE IRVING TAPS CONCEPTS FOR AN ALL-SEEING COLLABORATION RELEASING DECEMBER 25.

Cambridge, MA (December 21, 2018) - World-renowned lifestyle brand, Concepts, adds another chapter to their long-standing relationship with Nike, with their take on Kyrie Irving's latest signature sneaker. Releasing on Christmas Day, the KYRIE 5 "Ikhet" pays homage to Irving's deep fascination with ancient Egypt's culture, and the mysterious construction of the pyramids. This sneaker features design references to the original appearance of the Sphinx and Kyrie's own "all-seeing eye" Hamsa tattoo.

The connection between Irving and his new collaborative partners — who have been defining Boston’s streetwear scene since 1996 — held an emotive tie before there was a proximity. Irving’s embrace of Nike SB, past and present, is well known. Prior special-editions of his signature line have paid respect to favored SB colorways, and last year, Concepts’ famed Lobster motif graced versions of the KYRIE 4.

“These guys are unbelievable creatives. What I love is that Concepts has always identified specific cultural touchpoints and pushed things that make them their own,” says Irving.

With Irving, the Concepts idea draws from the all-seeing eye within the athlete’s Hamsa hand tattoo. Rather than replicate it (given that the tattoo is a major theme of the KYRIE 5 heel counter and box), Creative Director, Deon Point decided to dig into the history of Egypt’s ancient pyramids. “I found out the mortar used remains a mystery to scientists — they still can't figure how it stuck together, but it's some of the strongest stuff ever made. I learned that the limestone glowing in the sun made the pyramids glow brighter than a diamond," he says.

These facts, figures and myths combine in the Concepts x KYRIE 5 Ikhet to form an intriguing play of color and modeling. They give dimension to the shoe’s distinctive flytrap lacing, which is imbued with the type of nuances Point and team are known for.

The Concepts x KYRIE 5 Ikhet launches on Christmas Day at the TD Garden Pro Shop at 4:15PM and CNCPTS.COM at tipoff of the Boston Celtics game (5:30PM). Sizes 8-12, 13, 14 will be available for $130, complete with exclusive Concepts packaging.

On Location Photography Credit: Aqib Anwar