Okay...
So, as some of you already know and the others have probably figured out... Today was a pretty big day for Back to the Future fans... The launch of the NIKE "MyFly 2015" Hyperdunk sneakers. The world launch was @ UNDEFEATED in Santa Monica today and I was lucky enough to be part of it.
I hadn't been able to discuss it previously because of confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements but now that it's taken place, it's open season...
NIKE commissioned me and the BTTF Time Machine to not only show up for the launch but to drive NIKE spokesperson and NBA MVP Kobe Bryant to the event in the DeLorean. I'll warn you now... this post is going to be pic intensive...
We first staged @ a parking lot about a mile away where we did a photoshoot with Kobe and the sneaker... and they even had a "2015 dufflebag made for the event... super cool! They also gave me a pair of NIKE's and a t-shirt that was about 12 sizes too big. (I guess that's how the kids are wearing them these days?)
Then once time, Kobe climbed in (barely) and off to the event we went with two camera cars and a security van in tow... HOWEVER... if anyone's familiar with LA traffic @ 5pm on a weekday... that mile took about ten minutes. First off, let me just say... Kobe Bryant = AWESOME. I couldn't be less of a basketball fan, but this guy was top notch. He loved the car and nearly flipped out with excitement to see the hoverboard behind my seat. He was even more enamored with the idea of building the tumbler from "Batman Begins." I told him that was next. We talked about all sorts of things from us both being from the east coast and moving to LA to our favorite TV shows, (CSI Miami for Kobe)
Anyway, a few minutes pass and we make it to the event. Now, keep in mind. I've been in TV and film for about 12 years. I've been to some MAJOR events and movie premiers... Man, this SNEAKER release was the same thing if not even bigger... Press, cameras, fans and luckily security EVERYWHERE... Almost ran over three photographers just to pull up to the place.
Kobe gets out to a HUGE ovation from about 500 people lining both sides of the street and balconies above, (but not before graciously signing the DeLorean's passenger sun visor.) Of course I rode his coat tails and my exit continued the ovation...
Only 100 pairs of the "McFly 2015's" were sold. This was just the launch event... the shoes don't come out until later this month... and I'm hearing that they're limited to only 350 pairs worldwide. (Seems like a really small run... we'll see. Why not a limited run of 2015?) Anyway, because of the limited run, not even the NIKE people could buy them, so little old me was certainly SOL which SUCKED because I really, really wanted them. Even @ an MSRP of $240. I was planning on wearing them @ all the future DeLorean events. I mean... I figured that would probably be good for NIKE as well, right?
Oh well... I guess if the guy who actually brought Kobe there (IN the time machine no less) couldn't get a pair they really must be exclusive. And the truth is, I was actually really impressed that they wouldn't bend the rules for me. It honored the people who had actually been out in line for 27 hours and guaranteed their due. (btw... hours later there were already several pairs on eBay for over $1000 each. (40 pairs at last count. For anyone who's not a math expert, that's 40% of all sales from that event)
Oh well... the sneakers for anyone who hasn't seen them yet are actually really badass... (Oh... and if anyone anywhere has any way to get 'em... size 11, please.:) )
Perhaps the coolest part of these shoes is the inside... The sole inlay design is based on the hoverboard and beneath that is a little hidden gem... a flux capacitor. Nice!
That's about it. The event was awesome. Everyone was super cool and most importantly, their security was top notch! Keeping the car safe from the masses. Good stuff all around!
My only regret... not having the screen on the flux bands... one more day and it could've been done.
Oh well... :)