After what seemed to be several first looks and detailed pictures we finally have some concrete information on what will be the most peculiar Air Jordan’s, Jordan Brand release. The Air Jordan V “3Lab5″ or all ‘Elephant Print” is currently being slated for a 9/21 release date with a retail price of $250. The whole story behind the “3Lab5” theme, the upcoming “Air Jordan Elements” collection has come to light and is rather interesting, check it out below.
THE ELEMENTS
Beginning with the 3Lab5, Jordan Brand’s latest premium collection is about claiming ownership of the design elements introduced, or in some cases popularized, by the Air Jordan line. Whether it be the Elephant print from the III, the Cement speckle from the IV, or patent leather on the XI, these thoughtful design touches have not only become icons of the Jordan heritage, but have also been “borrowed” by countless other brands since their original Air Jordan debut.
The Air Jordan Elements collection pinpoints these design milestones by creating a periodic table of elements based on each Jordan model’s contribution to the sneaker world. Each element is then assigned a corresponding number. For example, the Elephant (JB chemical compound “El”) featured on the 3Lab5 would be element number 3, because its origin was the Air Jordan III in 1988. The idea is to tell the story of each element by applying it to another classic Air Jordan model and shining a spotlight on its place in sneaker history. Element 3 has been showcased on the Air Jordan V, hence the designation 3Lab5.
THE AIR JORDAN PERIODIC TABLE OF ELEMENTS
As you’ve seen, the 3Lab5 features an embossed graphic on the leather behind the tongue displaying the actual Air Jordan periodic element for Elephant:
3 (Air Jordan III)
El (Elephant)
1988 (Release year).In addition to the element being featured on the shoe, Jordan Brand will be going the extra mile with special packaging that actually lays out the Air Jordan Periodic Table of Elements, so everyone can brush up on their sneaker history with a reminder of just who paved the way for so many longstanding trends and innovations. This concept will also serve as motivation for the designers working on each new yearly Air Jordan model to contribute a new element to the table and take its place among the others in sneaker immortality.
FUTURE OF THE AIR JORDAN ELEMENTS COLLECTION
How far through the list of the Air Jordan Elements this collection will go is yet to be determined, but we know for sure that the Elephant V will soon have company on the way. As you may have heard, the follow up to the 3Lab5 will be a 5Lab3 edition of the Air Jordan III. This version will pay tribute to the Reflective element,
derived from the tongue of the Air Jordan V. You can expect a healthy dose of reflective 3M on the upper and who knows what other surprises may be in store. You’ll have to be patient for your chance to get your hands on a pair of those IIIs, but the 3Lab5 will be here before you know it.
RELEASE INFO
Currently scheduled for a September 21st release, the 3Lab5 colorway of the Air Jordan V will carry a $250 pricetag when it hits select retailers in limited quantities.
