Nike Partners with Nigerian Customs Design Company Layerx to Champion Culture and Sustainability

Nike, the world’s leading supplier of athletic shoes, has joined forces with Nigerian customs design company Layerx in an exciting partnership aimed at promoting culture and environmental sustainability. This innovative collaboration is set to redefine the future of fashion and athletics by merging the best of both worlds.

At the core of this partnership lies a shared commitment to sustainability. Nike, a company increasingly focused on eco-conscious practices, is leveraging Layerx’s expertise in sustainable design and cultural insights. Together, they aspire to create products that not only excel in performance but also leave a minimal environmental footprint.

Layerx co-founder Gbadeyan Olaoluwa, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, expressed the brand’s unique approach. He stated, “Layerx stands out by offering customized Urban fashion items that celebrate culture, allowing individuals to wear their heritage proudly with our hand-painted shoes. Additionally, our brand is committed to advocating for sustainable practices and supporting initiatives that combat climate change, making our items not only visually stunning but also socially responsible.”

This collaboration is expected to introduce a line of products that celebrate diverse cultural influences from around the world. Three primary designs, namely ‘Jumps to Kicks,’ ‘Ant F1,’ and ‘Lagos Sketch,’ will be featured.

Artist and co-founder Gbenga Adeku shared the global aspirations of Layerx, stating, “Nigeria is a remarkable country with a marvellous culture. I believe we have some of the most resilient people. That’s why we chose Nike in the first place because the Nike story promotes ‘just do it,’ which means keep moving forward. It conveys the message that there are no roadblocks, no negativity, and nothing that can stop you, regardless of the circumstances. I think many Nigerians possess this spirit. We tend to persevere even when situations may not be favourable or when conditions seem to be against us. We find a way to overcome against all odds.”

Nike’s partnership with Layerx goes beyond a mere business collaboration; it signifies a strong commitment to a shared vision. By tapping into the rich cultural diversity and emphasizing sustainability, they aim to establish a new industry standard. Influencer collaborator Bolarinwa Yusuf, popularly known as ‘HorlarofLagos,’ emphasized the cultural impact of the initiative, stating, “Once people see the design, they are tempted to ask what inspired this, this looks nice. Then you can tell your story, and the person learns about your culture. You share a part of yourself with the other person. So we are trying to spread the culture globally, which is why we chose a global product and a global brand.”