23 Jun 2025

Nike x THE/STUDIO

1. About the Client

Nike stands as one of the most iconic and influential brands in the world of sportswear, known not only for its cutting-edge athletic gear but also for its deep cultural footprint. As a longtime supporter and sponsor of the Olympic Games, Nike plays a pivotal role in outfitting world-class athletes, elevating their performance through innovation and design. The brand’s legacy is built on more than product—Nike embodies storytelling, inspiration, and community through every campaign and collaboration.

For the Olympic Games, Nike often goes beyond traditional sponsorship, creating immersive and emotional experiences for athletes that that align with global moments. These experiences help unify diverse teams under a shared identity and athletes with tools to express who they are—both on and off the podium. The collaboration with THE/STUDIO is a reflection of this vision.

2. Client Needs

In preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games, Nike sought a creative and emotionally resonant way to connect with the athletes they sponsor. Beyond performance gear, they envisioned a product that would serve as a symbol of pride, recognition, and unity—something memorable, portable, and instantly meaningful. The product had to align with the Olympic spirit while offering a fresh way for athletes to celebrate their heritage, team identity, and personal journey.

They needed a high-quality, customizable item that could be distributed directly to athletes on-site, serve as a collectible, and function as a wearable piece of storytelling. The solution had to meet strict timelines, accommodate high-volume production, and be delivered flawlessly ahead of the event. Above all, the product needed to resonate—both emotionally and visually—with a global, multicultural audience of elite competitors.

3. Our Solution

Working hand-in-hand with Nike’s creative and brand experience teams, THE/STUDIO proposed a series of embroidered patches—designed to capture identity, spirit, and individuality in a compact, tactile form. We guided Nike through design iterations focused on color, texture, and placement, ensuring the final patches were not only striking, but also functional and durable across a range of use cases. These weren’t just patches—they were micro-badges of honor.

Each patch was created using premium threads and intricate embroidery techniques that met Nike’s exacting quality standards. Our streamlined sampling process allowed Nike to review and refine designs quickly, and our global production infrastructure ensured we could manufacture and ship thousands of units on schedule. From concept to final stitch, every detail was managed with precision and urgency—bringing the vision to life, one patch at a time.

4. Final Outcome

The custom patches were unveiled through a pop-up experience curated by Nike at the Olympic venue. The space became an attraction in itself—serving as both a brand engagement zone and a cultural landmark within the Olympic village. Athletes visited the pop-up to receive their patches, interact with Nike’s brand story, and take take part in a shared moment of celebration and connection. The atmosphere was energetic, vibrant, and purposeful.

At the heart of it all were the patches—gifted to athletes as a token of recognition and also made available for purchase by select teams and fans. Worn on hats, jackets, bags, and uniforms, the patches became a symbol of team spirit and individual pride. They offered athletes a way to represent their countries and achievements, and to trade and share with others—creating small but meaningful exchanges between nations. THE/STUDIO’s execution ensured that every patch, every box, and every touchpoint met Nike’s elevated brand expectations.

5. Results

The collaboration proved to be a massive success. Thousands of embroidered patches were produced and distributed in record time, earning praise from athletes, coaches, and media outlets alike. Social media buzz amplified the activation, as athletes proudly showcased their patches online, generating organic brand visibility and excitement around Nike’s presence at the Games. For many, these patches became treasured keepsakes—marking a historic moment in their careers.

Nike succeeded in creating a highly personal and shareable touchpoint that resonated far beyond the competition. By partnering with THE/STUDIO, they were able to execute a logistically complex project with speed, accuracy, and creative impact. This project exemplifies how small-scale custom products can deliver large-scale emotional value—especially when every detail is aligned with the brand, the story, and the people who wear it.