Jordan Brand continues its celebration of a pivotal life moment on the Air Jordan 6.
In 2018, the Jumpman introduced a new series meant to celebrate crossing the stage into adulthood. The Air Jordan 11 ‘Cap and Gown’ was a hit on arrival. Not only did Jordan Brand release the fan favorite Air Jordan 11. They dressed the iconic sneaker in all black. The sneaker was sleek, with the patent leather as glossy as ever, as it contrasted with the black nubuck upper. The sneaker that was made for the court had already transitioned into formal wear by the time the Cap and Gown 11 released in 2018. The launch, though, signified Jordan Brand’s approval of the transition. Thus, it created a memorable cultural moment in more ways than one.
Jordan Brand continued the ‘Cap and Gown’ series the following year, in 2019, with the Air Jordan 13. The Air Jordan 13 picked up where the 11 left off. The material usage was about the same. That said, because of how natural the 11’s design language fit the theme, the 13 stood out, albeit in a good way. Patent leather has hardly ever appeared on the 13’s upper, but it stood out as the main upper material on the ‘Cap and Gowns’. The iconic cat eye was blacked- out with a Jumpan overlayed the number 23. All in all, the ‘Cap and Gown’ 13 was a welcomed addition to the line. Naturally, fans expected the line to continue. When graduation season rolled around in 2019, though, there was no ‘Cap and Gown’ Air Jordan retro in sight. That trend continued for the next half decade.
Now, five years since Jordan Brand’s last ‘Cap and Gown’ retro, the line is back. This time, it is with the Air Jordan 6. Though the Air Jordan 13 rendition was faithful to the Air Jordan 11, the Air Jordan 6 has carved its own lane.
So long to the patent leather as the sneaker comes in a premium nubuck upper. Subtle stripes of reflective material trace the upper-paneling- allowing the shoe to shine for the occasion. The ‘Cap and Gown’ 6 is just as sleek as its predecessors, all the while bringing something totally new to the table. This revival of the popular ‘Cap and Gown’ line is welcomed by Jordan fans everywhere. After all, graduation is a pivotal moment in human existence. Of course, there should be an Air Jordan retro to celebrate the occasion.
You can grab the Air Jordan 6 ‘ Cap and Gown’ via Nike and participating Air Jordan Brand partners like Foot Locker.
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Studio shots courtesy of DTLR
