Images: Nike

The Nike ‘All For 1’ Studio was created to highlight untold stories of six Chicago-based creatives who embody hard work and dedication but also to give back too. The Nike All For 1 experience was free and open to the public. Attendees were encouraged to donate two gently used or new pairs of athletic footwear for a complimentary Air Force 1 customization experience on-site. How cool was that? The pairs would be donated Kicks 4 the City a local non-profit organization that we talked about a few months ago. It was first come, first serve each day and the excitement around the event was dope; people creating and also giving back to those in need.

We introduced you guys to Kicks 4 the City when we attended an event a few months ago with Timberland. K4TC is charitable organization since 2012 has given more than 70,000 pairs of shoes to those in need. Even though their official shoe drive ended in November, they will have even more kicks to give with the amazing donations from the Nike All For 1 Studio.

As customization continues throughout the weekend, special panels were held with the six Unsung Heroes. There was everything from creating your own nail polish color with Pear Nova owner Rachel James, a dance studio session with Future Kingz, a discussion of women in menswear with Sara Merabet and Natallia Ryshtakova, a poetry session with Malcolm London and more.

We've tried our hand at a few Nike AF1 customizations in the past but I think this happened to be my most simpliest designs yet. The focus on this design session was on the black Nike AF1 low but since I have small feet I was given a white pair to create with. There were plenty of design options from leather laces, leather swooshes in primary colors, acrylic pant, markers, spray paint and more. I intially wanted to have swooshes sewn on but time didn't permit. I ended up coloring in my Nike logo black and adding in the silver metal plates with the swoosh on them. I also opted for white leather laces too. This design was extremely simple and will go with everything that I owned. But, some people got extremely creative and that's what it's all about.

To learn more about Kicks 4 the City and their initatives around the Chicagoland area visit www.kicks4thecity.org For more on Nike Chicagoand their upcoming events be sure to vist www.nike.com/chicago