Store to Store: A Ma Maniere
The A Ma Maniére brand has reached massive commercial success in recent years, thanks to its clean Jordan collaborations that have the whole world hunting. As with a lot of collaborative releases, the store behind it has a rich history. First opening in 2014 in Atlanta, the stores later expanded to Houston and Washington D.C., establishing themselves as one of the most influential and forward-thinking retail destinations in the county. The stores form part of James Whitner's long list of 18 retail spaces across the US that include the well-known Social Status, as well as APB and Prosper.
All of James' work falls under his "The Whitaker Group", which is guided by a sense of community support, whether it's APB, Social Status, their non-profit project or the luxurious A Ma Maniére. James was also the guest on the latest Complex Sneaker podcast where he debuts his upcoming Air Jordan 12 - watch it here.
A Ma Maniére is a French translation of "My Way", with each store embodying the idea that individuals are influenced by their culture. The boutiques are designed to represent and inspire a fashion-forward clientele deeply-rooted within their community. This fashion-forward, high-end aesthetic is beautifully expressed in their collaborations with Jordan and Nike. Let's get into it!
A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 'Cold-Wash'
Displaying the brand's love for multi-textural materials, the 2019 release 'Hand Wash Cold' presented a predominantly jet black Air Force 1 Low and High accented by a frosted suede Swoosh. Tumbled leather provides contrast against the soft-touch upper, which features a perforated pattern applied throughout. This was the start of A Ma Maniére's relationship with Nike and Jordan.
A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 3 'Raised By Women'
The best release of 2021 to most, the Air Jordan 3 from A Ma Maniére was an instant grail the first time it leaked. This release also introduced the brand to the most commercial sneaker collectors and meant every collaboration after this point was carefully watched by the whole sneaker world. The pair was dressed in a White, Medium Grey, and Violet Ore colour with White tumbled leather, Grey suede, and other premium materials. What made the shoe so popular was the colour and materials, combined with a vintage aesthetic like a Yellowed midsole and eyelets. Quilted lining inside completes the ultra-luxurious AJ3 - something we haven't seen since the Air Jordan 2 with Just Don.
A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 1
Following the massive Air Jordan 3 release in 2021, A Ma Maniére brought the same vibes through for the Air Jordan 1. The pair was inspired by the realities of daily life in Black communities, released as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity and a testament to the power of unity. The pair arrived in a Sail and Burgundy Crush colour scheme, with a premium reptilian finish in Burgundy Crush on the collars and Swooshes. The quilted liners returned, with a quote from MJ beneath the ankle flap that reads, “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them” along with his signature. Burgundy laces and rubber outsole atop a Sail midsole and special tag on the insoles that reads, “Airness by A Ma Maniere for Air Jordan” completes the design.
A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 2
That brings up to 2022, when Jordan Brand is partnering with a host of stores to roll Jordan 2 releases. Of course, A Ma Maniére had to get involved. The pair featured similar colours and materials to the previous Jordan 1 drop. The original AJ2 was always designed with a higher sense of luxury—made in Italy, which fits perfectly with the brand's vision. A Ma Maniére crafted a new design language - showing restraint in its detailing while also pushing the silhouette's elegant heritage further. Replacing the premium-leather upper and faux-lizard skins with a Sail all-over suede upper, A Ma Maniére covered the AJ2 in vintage detailing with a modern luxury touch. And that lizard-skin print from the OG? It's textured onto the black midsole now. The pack is also accompanied by luxury apparel including hoodies, cargo pants, shorts, parka jackets, tees and trousers.
