In 2012 Kevin Durant and Nike immortalized the life of his late Aunt Pearl – who passed away due to lung cancer – through an annual tribute via his signature footwear line. Staring with his fourth signature silhouette, the Aunt Pearl collection has crafted some of the most well-received and detailed colorways of Durant’s roster of Nike-branded footwear. As his ensemble of silhouettes continues to receive the retro treatment, the Nike Zoom KD 3 now expands the heartfelt collection.
Initially announced to be in the works all the way back in February, a first look at the pair denounces the former color blocking in favor of a uniform “Medium Soft Pink” upper. A pearlescent finish gleams across the cancer ribbon tongue tabs and upper overlays, crafting further motifs to his beloved late aunt. The ballistic knit mid-foot panel and mesh tongue are color-matched in the supple pastel hue as a more striking set of “Lotus Pink” shades compliments the laces and collar lining.
The pale white profile swooshes and semi-translucent outsoles inject an added layer of neutrality to the cotton candy-dipped real estate. Elsewhere, the collection’s synonymous appearance of Aunt Pearl’s name appears along the medial side of the tongue in delicate cursive handwriting while the heel counter’s Kay Yow Cancer Fund dials honor the collection’s commitment toward funding cancer research.
The Nike Zoom KD 3 “Aunt Pearl” is expected to release this holiday season for a retail price of $130. In the meantime, the pair can be seen in first-look imagery below.
Photos: bingcarpenter24601