POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Pair of 'Zvezdochka' shoes designed by Marc Newson for Nike

Object No. 2005/194/1

London-based Australian designer, Marc Newson (born Sydney, 1963) designed these 'Zvezdochka' sports shoes in 2004 for the global sports company, Nike. Consisting of sock-like, rubber soled inner shoes and plastic outer layers, they are styled upon the contemporary footwear of Russian cosmonauts. Newson conceived of this idea during a visit to the Russian Space Agency where he first saw the cosmonauts' 'really cool boots' (interview with D. Neustein in 'Making His Marc', Pol Oxygen, Issue 12, 2005). Acknowledging this Russian influence, he named the shoes after the dog that travelled into space in 1961 aboard Sputnik 10. Like many of Newson's design concepts, such as the Lockheed Lounge of 1986, the Event Horizon table of 1992 and the Kelvin 40 (K-40) concept jet of 1995, the sports shoe reflects a long-term interest in space travel and the aeronautical industry. Newson believes that this field 'is behind the technological development of design; in terms of materials, software and production' (interview with D. Neustein in 'Making His Marc', Pol Oxygen, Issue 12, 2005). Nike launched the Zvezdochka shoe in November 2005 at the New York design store, Moss. This product represents one of many collaborations between Newson and international companies that include Cappellini, Magis and Flos in Italy, Iitalla in Finland and Idée in Japan.

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Summary

Object Statement

Shoes (pair), 'Zvezdochka', unisex, rubber / plastic / synthetic mesh, designed by Marc Newson, London, England, made by Nike, Korea, 2004

Physical Description

Shoes, pair,unisex, 'Zvezdochka', rubber / plastic / synthetic mesh, designed by Marc Newson for Nike, made in Korea, 2004 A pair of American size nine sports shoes consisting of three layers in rubber, plastic and synthetic mesh. The left shoe consists of an outer layer in black rubber with a series of holes perforating the shoe upper, and a sole with circular indentations forming the tread. In the base is a removable inner sole in moulded black plastic. Inside the outer layer is a sock-like insert in grey mesh. A coloured cardboard label is attached to the outer ankle with a plastic tag. The right shoe consists of an outer layer in black rubber with a series of holes perforating the shoe upper, and a sole with circular indentations forming the tread. In the base is a removable inner sole in moulded black plastic. Inside the outer layer is a sock-like insert in grey mesh. A black and white adhesive label is attached to the base of the insert, and an embossed silver button is fastened to the outer ankle.

DIMENSIONS

Height

115 mm

Width

105 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

London-based Australian designer, Marc Newson (born Sydney, 1963), designed these 'Zvezdochka' sports shoes in 2004 for the global sports company, Nike. Consisting of sock-like, rubber-soled inner shoes and plastic outer layers, they are styled upon the footwear of Russian cosmonauts. Marc Newson graduated from the Sydney College of the Arts in 1984 and staged his first solo exhibition in 1986, unveiling the 'Lockheed Lounge' (then called 'LC1') that later became an icon of contemporary design. In the late 1980s Newson moved to Japan and launched his international career, forming alliances with distinguished companies that include Idée, Iitala, Flos and Alessi. Since then, he has become one of the world's most accomplished and influential designers, experimenting with materials and products and exploring interests in popular culture, sci-fi, wave forms and aerodynamics. Global sports company, Nike, was established in Oregon, USA, in 1962 to cater to local college students. Initially, it imported well-made and inexpensive sports shoes from Japan though soon began to manufacture its own range by improving on existing designs. The company is now the largest manufacturer and retailer of sports wear in the world.

HISTORY

Notes

Nike Australia donated this pair of 'Zvezdochka' sports shoes to the Powerhouse Museum in May 2005.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Nike Australia, 2005

Acquisition Date

12 September 2005

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