Taiwanese Mandopop king and cultural icon Jay Chou is once again striking a chord in the streetwear scene, as Nike teams up with his agency, PHANTACI, for an Air Max 95 collaboration. The three-way collaboration boasts a symphony of style, paying homage to Chou’s multifaceted artistry, especially his prowess with a six-string.

Known for “opening the vault” with Nike through their iconic 2009 “Grand Piano” Air Max 1, PHANTACI continues to push boundaries. This latest iteration of the beloved Air Max 95 is a masterclass in thematic design. Imagine lacing up a pair that looks like it just stepped out of a guitar case: a rich, woodgrain-textured upper mimics the polished body of a vintage instrument, while elastic security straps branch out from the lace loops, ingeniously crafted to resemble guitar strings.

And for the ultimate mic drop? Each pair comes complete with a custom Nike Air guitar pick hang-tag, solidifying this sneaker‘s place in the pantheon of culturally resonant collaborations. It’s a testament to Chou’s enduring influence, seamlessly blending his musical legacy with the timeless appeal of Nike’s streetwear staple.

For fans of C-pop, sneakerheads, and anyone who appreciates a narrative woven into their wardrobe, this PHANTACI x Nike Air Max 95 is a wearable anthem. While there hasn’t been an officially announced release date yet, we’re expecting the pair to drop before the year’s end.

Cover and all sneaker images via SneakerNews.