WAY OF WADE: DAZZLE AND DISGUISE
One of the most elusive players in the league, Wade can attack, stop on a dime, make the right pass, or pull up for a jumper. His textbook pump fake fools defenders left and right. WW1 [British] naval ships did the exact same with their ‘razzle dazzle’ camouflage pattern painted to deceive other ships from being able to decipher the direction, distance, or the speed the ship was traveling.
To convey deception, initial concepts find the WoW2 line mirroring dress shoe silhouettes, from longer vamps to the architecture of the midsole. The outsole design relies heavily on the misleading, multi-directional Dazzle Camo pattern to provide specific function in designated areas.
Way of Wade 2 Low features a zig-zag pattern that acts as an eyestay, provides lateral support and forms a W from the side. In select color ways, Dazzle Camo makes it difficult to discern what’s material and what’s graphic print. Taken from the Heat jersey, an italicized No. 3 is displayed on the vamp.
The Way of Wade 2 highlights Dazzle Camo in a two-dimensional way whereas the WOW2 Low and WOW2 Encore explore the multi-directional pattern in 3D, resulting in faceted surfaces molded into the high quality leathers.
The WOW2 outsole brings out the versatility of Dazzle Camo. Primarily used to distract, the vorticist design actually serves as great traction as well, with lines being strategically placed to provide either deceleration, acceleration or flexibility.
Taking the story full circle, Li Ning wrapped a yacht with Dazzle Camo for Wade and his closest friends to celebrate his 32nd birthday in Miami. See video of the yacht being wrapped below.
Li Ning Way of Wade Razzle Dazzle Art Basel mural by INSA
Li Ning Way of Wade Design Team: Eric Miller (WoW Creative Director), Pete Bergeron (Graphics)
Li Ning Way of Wade 2 was released in 2013.