Yesterday we previewed the 166 Flatbush space. Today, meet the Jordan Brand Pearl Pavilion.
After entering the space, we were presented a history lesson by two of the eldest Jordan Team members, the awe-inspiring tandem of Tinker Hatfield and Howard H. White. Many of you know Tinker — he has crafted twenty of the twenty-nine Air Jordans. But not many know Howard, better known as H, too well. H is a long cohort of Michael Jordan, with MJ at every pivotal moment of his career. Tinker and H walked us through some of the most iconic moments of Michael’s career, and discussed how they tied in with the brand.
Next we were on the move, seeing the history of Air Jordan in all white with tinted blue accents on certain models.
From there, you go through the current brand message of Jordan, “I am not Michael, I am Jordan.” Seeing each Jordan athlete in an iconic pose was was a brilliant way of connecting past, present and future.
As you move through that section, you arrive at a long and hallway that drives home just the brand’s special history. There are briefcases that appeared to be floating, set up as individual time capsules for each moment of every shoe. It was a stunning presentation that combined artifacts from the Nike archives with digital video of Michael creating the moment that made each capsule significant.
I loved seeing Tinker’s original sketches up close. His pen work is so beautiful and precise. Incredibly inspiring.
This was my first time seeing the Air Jordan IV sketches in person and they are just as beautiful as the III sketches. What I love about these is how Tinker illustrates the IV’s innovation by bringing the breathable tech mesh to the quarter and vamp area of the shoe.
I really love the new title of “Poison,” as opposed to the ever-popular “Flu Game.”
From there you absorb the Brand’s inclusiveness by having a photo taken of you with the “I am not Michael, I am Jordan” slogan.
Next you go down a hallway that features some of the most iconic and poetic images to ever be photographed of Michael Jordan. Those photos were all shot by one man, Walter Iooss Jr. Walter has a long and very storied career, but he is best known for his work with Michael.
The final part of the experience is about recreating Michael’s defining moments. The brand constructed an interactive LED court.You can recreate Michael’s game winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship or recreate his title-winner against the Utah Jazz in 1998.
From there I finished my day up at the Jason Markk cleaning area. I had to leave the Pavilion with fresh kicks. And you should too! Go check out the space located directly across form Madison Square Garden while it’s open for All-Star Weekend.
