The custom Lexus UX tires inspired by John Elliott x Nike AF1 shoe

 

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota, is creating the ultimate homage to urban style: tires inspired by classic, street-style sneakers.

“Sole of the Lexus UX” is a new breed of tires that, like the crossover itself, are inspired by and designed for the city. Lexus partners with streetwear designer John Elliott to create bespoke tires on first-ever UX. The tires reimagine the classic silhouette of Elliott’s sneaker, embodying the spirit of clean, purposeful, and modern design.

Revealed at Elliott’s New York Fashion Week after-party, the collaboration features an all-white UX with custom tire details inspired by Elliott’s design, including white on white layers, double-stitched leather and a stepped metal air valve evocative of his stacked metal lace tip.

“We were excited to merge the streetwear narrative and design cues of our Air Force 1 with a brand like Lexus. We’re thankful they’ve allowed us to use this moment to celebrate the arts and to bring extra energy to our take on a classic,” said John Elliott.

“It’s fun to partner with brands that typically live outside the fashion community because it allows us to evolve and continue to push our own boundaries.”

At the event, Elliott showcased unique iterations of the John Elliott x Nike AF1 by artists Actual Source, Hassan Rahim, Matt McCormick, and Yung Jake — all pioneers in their respective fields. Using the John Elliott x Nike AF1 as their canvases, these one-of-a-kind custom sneakers were auctioned off at the event with all proceeds benefiting Inner-City Arts, an organization based in downtown Los Angeles with a mission to provide access to arts education for LA’s most underserved youth. The Lexus UX was displayed alongside four artists’ renditions of the John Elliott x Nike AF1, a nod to the spirit of collaboration.

Toyota Motor North America reported January 2019 sales of 156,021 vehicles, a decrease of 6.6 percent from January 2018 on a volume basis. With the same number of selling days year over year, sales were down 6.6 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota division posted January sales of 138,601 units, down 7.1 percent on a volume and DSR basis. Lexus posted January sales of 17,420 vehicles, down 2.8 percent on a volume and a DSR basis.

To see Lexus curent portfolio you can visit the Chicago Auto Show 2019 (Feb. 9-18). Debuting at the show include the 2019 Lexus NX F SPORT Black Line Special Edition and LC 500 Inspiration Series. Also featured in the 15,500 square-foot display include the 2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition and LC Convertible Concept, which were both unveiled in Detroit last month.