The Process: Gabe Nava continues his exploration of Total 90

When I heard the news and leaks of Nike bringing back pieces from their Total 90 era, I couldn’t help but think “we are so back”. For the past year and a half or so i have been on a collecting binge of all things Total 90 era gear and merchandise. From iconic kits, tracksuits, and training gear, if it came out between 2003-2009 I just need to have it.

To me, Nike Total 90 is more than just nostalgia of a particularly fun era of football. Looking back it truly felt like a creative leap into the future, with bold iconography, metalic colors, unorthodox and often asymmetrical designs, and of course the famous circle. You know the circle. It all just hits differently.

The inspiration of the shoot itself plays off of what I said about feeling futuristic while being somewhat nostalgic. I was heavily inspired by the skin tight, bold colored look of 80s athletic apparel along with the movements of yoga instructors. Something about yoga and the fluidity of it, reminded me of prime Ronaldinho and the fluidity of his style of play, which I wanted to try to incorporate here.