Behind The Scenes : Taking It From the Streets: Nike Gets in Gear for Fall

With the same funk and flair of ready-to-wear runway parades, the folks at Nike previewed their fall ’93 line at NikeTown in Triangle Square, Costa Mesa.

What will the physically fit don for fall? The choice is theirs.

The idea that everything is open to personal interpretation threaded through the collections. Bold colors of purple, turquoise, red, blue and orange combined with the sweat gear standard--heather gray--and cool black.

Many of the selections shown--and the way they were shown--drew generously from street influences: the hip-hop culture, loose-fitting urban wear and MTV. Mesh detailing--a favorite staple of nightclub wardrobes--showed up on bodysuits. The athletic wear maker even dared accessorizing outfits with non-Nike beanies, skullcaps and thigh-high stockings.

Among old favorites such as Nike’s signature Air Jordan, F.I.T. and Elite lines, the Oregon-based company introduces two new “fitness concepts” for fall--TBC (Total Body Conditioning) and RunWalk.

TBC attempts to “redefine” women’s fitness with a new aerobic activity and, of course, apparel and footwear to match. RunWalk does the same for men.

Another category Nike has focused on is athletic wear specifically designed for a sport. The Sport Fundamentals collection features clothes that are “versatile” and “authentic.”

Gee, isn’t that what they’ve been making all along?

The fall collection will be available at the end of July.