Exclusive Look: Social Status x Nike Dunk ‘Chocolate Milk’ and ‘Strawberry Milk’ Release Info
Update: Pairs of the ‘Chocolate Milk’ colourway are scheduled to hit on September 17.
Streetwear and sneaker imprint have officially announced the release dates for their highly anticipated collaboration, and we’ve manage to get our hands on ’em ahead of the release! The highly anticipated collection is comprised of mouth-watering ‘Chocolate Milk’ and ‘Strawberry Milk’ colourways, which are inspired by the ‘joy in the struggle’. It’s a passion project that comes straight from the heart, as evidenced by all the intricate details. Peep our exclusive shots for the closer look!
The Strawberry and Chocolate flavours are represented by pink and brown colour schemes, respectively. The premium aesthetic is carried with a velour and leather build, and translucent Swooshes, while Social Status and Nike logos hit the tongue tags and insoles. Other neat details include a mini Swoosh on the toe, and an ingredients list on the medial side reading ‘Nike Sportswear, Social Status’. As you’d expect, each pair will come housed in deluxe co-branded packaging.
‘Beyond challenges and circumstances, the journey to Free Lunch is always a ride. This story isn’t unique, it’s one of many. There’s joy in the struggle,’ explains James Whitner, founder of Social Status.
It’s clear to see – these aren’t your ordinary Dunks. Even the shape isn’t a regular Dunk, but rather Social Status’ own interpretation of the iconic silhouette. The collaboration is just one part of a multi-faceted approach to giving back to the community. In fact, Social Status’ store in East Liberty, Pittsburgh, has been remodelled, and a community centre has been refurbished, opened, and staffed in owner Whitner’s old Mon-View Heights neighbourhood. The Free Lunch Program is the inspiration for this entire project.
Whitner himself benefited from the program as a child, so giving back to the underserved and underprivileged children, many of whom come from minority backgrounds, is a mission dear to his heart. While more more Social Status stores look set to follow East Liberty’s lead, the ‘Free Lunch’ Nike Dunks provide the springboard for the initiative, starting in Pittsburgh.
The ‘Free Lunch’ Dunks were launched alongside a beautifully shot, six-minute short film, which tells the story of three brothers on their way to get a free lunch. Directed by The Turner Bros, the production embodies the communal ethos Social Status was built on. The film can be viewed in full below.
The Social Status x Nike Dunk ‘Chocolate Milk’ will be available via two different options, kicking off with a local in-store raffle beginning on August 30 and ending on September 2. Consumers will be able to set an online appointment on either the Social Status, A Ma Maniére, APB or Prosper websites for an in-store government ID and size entry confirmation check at their selected local store. Pairs will then officially launch on September 4 via the , while supplies last. No walk-ins will be permitted, and appointments must be set on the website to validate the entry, limited to one per confirmed identity, size and appointment.
‘This approach will ensure local consumers from the communities served by the Whitaker Group retail banners are prioritised and given a fair opportunity to access the highly-coveted collaboration,’ explains Social Status.
The release of the ‘Strawberry Milk’ will follow on September 18.