Interview: Chris Gibbs Talks Union x Nike Dunk Low ‘Passport Pack’

There aren’t many Nike collaborators who have the opportunity to do what Union Los Angeles has done in recent years. A familiar partner to the brand, Union has had ties with the Swoosh since the early 2000s, but it wasn’t until 2018’s Air Jordan 1 that a new generation of sneaker enthusiasts started to realize the store’s impact. The chopped-and-screwed Jordan 1s gave Union a new context in today’s hype-driven climate. Ever since, the Chris Gibbs-owned store has been full throttle with its special makeups, dropping a duo of Air Jordan 4s in 2020 and two follow-up Jordan 4 colorways in 2021 for Union’s 30th anniversary. And Gibbs and company aren’t letting up yet.

Next up from Union are three colorways of the Nike Dunk Low in a “Passport Pack” theme inspired by Gibbs’ global hunts for rare sneakers and streetwear during the 2000s. The first of the bunch, a play on the Europe-exclusive Pistachio Dunk High from 2003, releases today exclusively from Union Los Angeles and via a special New York City pop-up. Two more colors will follow in March, and all three retail for $150 apiece. 

In a one-on-one with Gibbs ahead of today’s release, he explained how his store’s latest Nike collaboration came to fruition, how it was originally intended to launch last year as part of Union’s 30th anniversary releases, and the “happy mistake” of stumbling onto the Dunk Low’s tearaway ripstop material. The Union owner also hinted at what’s to come later this year including more Air Jordan and Nike projects. The conversation, lightly edited for clarity, appears below.