Nike N7 is celebrating its 10th anniversary by teaming up with Pendleton for a capsule inspired by Navajo storm prints. The pattern that features throughout was designed by Tracie Jackson, a Nike graphic designer who was taught how to weave Navajo rugs by her great-grandmother.
“My great-grandmother was still weaving right up until she passed at 92,” Jackson said in a press release. “My beginnings with looms, rugs and blankets all started with my grandmother. First, I learned by herding her sheep on her farm, then by carding and spinning the wool and finally working the loom. Without my great-grandmother, I wouldn’t have learned about my culture, and without my culture, I wouldn’t have been a designer. My family ties are what influence my native identity.”
The print can be seen most prominently on the 7 Generations blanket, but it also features throughout the Air Force 1, Air Jordan 8, Air Zoom Pegasus 36, Zoom Heritage, and Air Moc. Apparel includes hoodies, shirts, leggings, and joggers.
Ziz-zags in the storm pattern represent lightning, while the corner squares the four sacred mountains of the Navajo Nation. Each of the colors used are inspired by natural dyes used by the Navajo people.
N7 began with Nike making products specifically for the Native American community and expanded in 2009 to become available to the wilder public. Proceeds from the collections go to Native American and Aboriginal communities in the United States and Canada.
