Syn Zhuang Wins Jordan Design Studio Contest
Beijing designer Syn Zhuang won the inaugural Jordan Design Studio program by reimagining the Air Jordan 1. Her versatile, women-focused design features a transformable suede collar and a softer toe box for comfortable everyday wear.
Beijing designer Syn Zhuang has been announced as the winner of the first Jordan Design Studio program. Her winning entry reimagines the classic Air Jordan 1 silhouette for versatility and comfort, with a particular focus on female wearers.
Program Overview
Jordan Brand launched the global design initiative in July. It invited creatives from eight major cities to reinterpret the AJ1. Mentors guided the participants, with themes of identity, community, heritage, ambition, and local culture inspiring the concepts. The final selection was made at Jordan's The One event in Shanghai on August 31, where Zhuang's design was chosen from eight finalists.
Key Design Features
The most striking feature of Zhuang's design is a transformable suede collar. This collar can conceal the toe box and lacing system. When worn upright, it reveals a backwards Swoosh that mirrors a perforated Swoosh on the shoe's lateral panel. Folding the collar down returns the upper Swoosh to its traditional orientation.
Zhuang shared details on her personal Instagram. She wrote that she kept the heel, which carries a hint of elegance. She covered the toe fully and made it rounder, softer, and less sharp. She retained the original sole and heel panel to maintain the shoe's classic character, which she called its soul.
Focus on Female Wearers
Zhuang explicitly designed with women in mind. She explained that in today's streetwear context, for many girls, it's more of a daily piece, yet it's still stiff, heavy, and sharp-toed.
Her goal was to create a version that fits modern, everyday life. She said she started thinking that if a shoe is truly classic, it should be able to accompany more people in more everyday moments. That's how the idea came: take the original AJ1 and remake it so it feels right for girls too. She described her aim as offering a little sense of ease and a feeling that it's okay to loosen up and be yourself.
Finalist Cities
The program's eight finalist cities were Seoul, Tokyo, Mexico City, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Collaboration and Concept
Zhuang developed her winning design in collaboration with mentors Yue Wu and Ji Ming. Her concept redefines a classic for daily wear.
