ANTA KAI 1 “DA11AS”: An Homage to the Dallas Mavericks and the City’s Blues Heritage
Inspired by two disparate yet intertwined sources: its namesake’s home team and the city’s American blues tradition.
Since the ANTA KAI 1 debuted, Kyrie Irving and the Chinese sportswear brand have followed up with a plethora of colorways, including the Fluorescein Red “Love”, alongside his lifestyle offshoot, the ANTA KAI HÉLÀ Style Roots. More are in the pipeline leading to the eventuality of the ANTAI KAI 2, the latest one being the titular ANTA KAI 1 “DA11AS”.
About the ANTA KAI 1 “DA11AS”
This “DA11AS” (Dallas) colorway draws inspiration from two disparate yet intertwined sources: its namesake’s home team, the Dallas Mavericks, and the city’s profound pedigree within the American blues tradition. As a crucible of this paradigmatic American art form, Dallas has nurtured generations of exceptionally talented Black musicians who have composed, performed, and recorded some of the most quintessential blues tracks in history.
The pair is a poignant homage to Dallas’s time-honored blues scene, allowing each person to connect with the soulful charm of the genre and the very spirit of the city itself.
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The deep blue upper is a dual symbolic gesture. Firstly, it arrives dressed in the Mav’s signature colors. More profoundly, this azure hue also represents the very essence of blues music—its rich historical tapestry and its capacity to plumb the depths of human emotion. This somber yet evocative tone sets the stage for the design’s more nuanced elements.
The pink outsole is a delicate counterpoint to the deep blue. Its roseate hues act much like the gentle, melancholic notes that resonate deep within the listener’s heart, creating a tangible connection between the visual and auditory senses.
This juxtaposition of pink and deep blue is not merely a stylistic choice; however, it also visually alludes to the layered complexity inherent in blues melodies, mirroring the interplay of major and minor chords, of joy and sorrow.
Underfoot, the midsole’s pink-green gradient channels the fluid, ever-evolving nature of music. This transition captures the essence of improvisation and innovation that defines the blues, reflecting its dynamic and constantly reinventing character. It is a visual metaphor for how blues music flows, adapts, and continues to captivate audiences across generations—much like Kyrie Irving’s game on the hardwood.
Release Details
The ANTA KAI 1 “DA11AS” is available now at all ANTA stores and sg.anta.com, with an RRP of 169 SGD (~US$124).
Check out the ANTA KAI 1 “Love” as well, Kyrie Irving’s love letter to basketball and society. You can also head to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and browse the latest and greatest in sneakers, streetwear, and TCG.
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