Coffee table Nike
Art publisher powerHouse Books has added a new title, "Sole Provider: 30 Years of Nike Basketball" to its autumn book list. This is an unusual example of a publisher embracing a branded sports image to come up with a limited edition, custom publication. Nevertheless, the book is about Nike’s commitment to basketball and probes how the firm’s sports shoe/sneaker beginnings launched it on the path to being a branded image that has now added apparel, sports equipment and designer accessories to its high-stepping stable. Upmarket footwear maker, Cole Haan, for example,is a Nike subsidiary.
The book is in hard cover with 1000 four-colourway photographs and illustrations showing how a functional sports shoe evolved into a fashion and cultural icon. Net profits from the book will go to community charities that foster sports awareness in kids.
