Nike reveals a new collection to celebrate the 2012, the year of the dragon, which symbolizes the power of natural forces in China.

Photo: The ‘Year of Dragon’ collection, by Nike

Nike creates dedicated Chinese zodiac collections for the 11th year in a row. This year, four iconic models—Air Force 1 Low Supreme, Air Jordan 2012, Nike Kobe Vii System Supreme And Nike Zoom KD IV, were redesigned to correspond to the dragon symbol.

The number of four echoes a Chinese idiom that ‘dragons rise out of four seas,’ conveying best wishes for the Chinese new year, says the official press release.

The Air Force 1 Low Supreme features a cloud-and-dragon pattern on the tongue and the dragon design on the black silk texture of the sides and upper. The Chinese character ‘Long’ (dragon) is placed on the counter, the suede panel on the midsole and the wax-finished shoelaces.

Air Jordan 2012 is associated with the Chinese believe that the dragon is a holy being, beyond the mundane world. As Michael Jordan seems to be the only equivalent to that transcendence in the basketball world, the shoes are designed to reflect this idea in full power. It features 9, a number that is a sign of power and achievements and is also a lucky number for Michael Jordan.

Kobe Bryant shoes celebrate Chinese Kung Fu. In memory of Kobe’s Italian roots and Kung Fu movies filmed in that country, the Nike Kobe Vii System Supreme are designed to feature  the signature three colors of Italy as well as the cushion printed with Kobe’s exclusive golden logo. Last year, Nike released the ‘Black Mamba’ movie celebrating the collection inspired by the athlete Bryant.

Nike Zoom KD IV is created to remind that Kevin Durant was born in the year of the dragon and boasts of a water dragon surrounding the KD logo on the counter highlights oriental association.

The collection is completed with the Nike Destroyer Jacket inspired by dragon robe. It has a woolen texture with black suede sleeves and decorated with dragon claws embroidered both in the lining and the back.

Photo: The Destroyer Jacket, by Nike