Air in Bloom, 2026

Commemorating the magic of a first birthday

Nike Air Max 90 Toddler | Iridescent | 007

Created for my goddaughter Elaina’s first birthday, Air in Bloom celebrates two beautiful milestones: a flower’s first bloom and a child’s first steps. Using a toddler Nike Air Max 90 as the foundation, hand-sewn roses in soft blush, ivory, and dusty pink transform the sneaker into a miniature blooming garden. The florals begin at the toe and flow across the vamp, eyelets, side panels, and heel, creating the feeling of flowers growing naturally around the silhouette. Each bloom was individually placed to add depth, movement, and texture while preserving the recognizable lines of the Air Max 90.

The design is inspired by the idea that every child grows in their own time. Just as a garden slowly unfolds petal by petal, a child’s earliest years are filled with small moments that become meaningful milestones. The flowers symbolize growth, curiosity, beauty, and new beginnings, while the Air Max silhouette serves as a reminder of the journey ahead.

Created to commemorate Elaina turning one, Air in Bloom captures the magic of a first birthday and the countless first steps still to come.

Photos by Kevin Assié.