Jordan 3 Retro SP x A Ma Maniére

In 2021, luxury fashion boutique A Ma Maniére teamed up with Jordan Brand to create a unique version of the Air Jordan 3. The decision to reimagine this classic 80s basketball trainer was made by the owner of the luxury fashion boutique, James Whitner, as its story is deeply personal to him. Growing up, it was the first Jordan sneaker his mother bought for Whitner and his brothers, and through putting his own mark on the iconic model, he hoped to honour both her and women in general. As such, he designed it to blend classic elements with elegant details in a colour scheme that would appeal to women without alienating men. The result was a classy colourway filled with hidden messages to tell a powerful story in a subtle way. To accompany its release, Whitner produced a short film depicting black women working a series of hard jobs as an homage to those like his own mother who sacrificed so much for her family. The movie and the sneaker share the title “Raised By Women” and show a profound appreciation for all women and what they do to raise their children.

This Jordan 3 Retro x A Ma Maniére collaboration elevates the look of the iconic 80s design with luxurious elements and classy details. Premium tumbled leather coats the upper in an elegant shade of white, and Medium Grey suede panelling accents the toe and heel. Pieces of this plush material can also be found around the collar and the laces, while cream-coloured TPU forms the varied eyelets that secure the laces in place. The AJ3’s trademark exaggerated heel tab comes in a cloudy shade of beige, and grey Nike Air branding has been embossed across it, giving it the same captivating style as the original. Soft comfort is provided inside by the quilted satin lining, which surrounds Violet Ore insoles with mismatched logos – Jordan’s Jumpman on the left and the A Ma Maniére “A” on the right. These recognisable symbols have also been thickly embroidered into each tongue in a stylish homage to both brands. Alongside the visible Air unit in the heel, a band of sturdy polyurethane encircles the back of the foot in the same deep shade of purple as that seen on the insole, the colour also showing up on certain elements of the grippy rubber outsole. On top of its refined appearance, this sneaker conceals a number of secretive messages that hint at the inspiration behind its creation. Hidden on the reverse of the heel tabs are the phrases “all we have is each other” and “you have to get comfortable walking alone”, while the words “Work Harder” have been printed more overtly on the lace tips as a reminder of the effort required to design and craft a stylish sneaker with such powerful storytelling elements.