Nike

Michael Lau, known as the “godfather of designer toys,” is an important figure in the worldwide collectables scene. Originating from Hong Kong, Lau’s fame is largely due to his talents in illustration and toy design. His work has had a significant influence on toy manufacturers, street culture, as well as other artists and musicians. Lau held his first solo painting exhibition at the Pao Galleries of the Hong Kong Arts Centre in 1993.

This model, released in 2006 in a very limited production run, is based on Lau’s skateboarding comic strip, "Gardener." The sneakers pay homage to "Gardener," through the dark brown wood-like printed upper and the four “drill holes” on the ankles, representative of the holes found on a deck.  

The sneakers come in a beautifully finished walnut wood box, vinyl toy, extra pair of laces, and special mini accessories including a mini wooden hang tag, mini T-shirt, and shoe charms. The friends and family edition features a unique wood grain midsole, different from the official release. The wooden box also has lasered incisions made on the corner, and opens differently than the box from the pair’s retail release.