Bordeaux. Fireberry. Wolf Grey. Metallic Gold.
It’s perhaps the highest profile Nike LeBron X yet, and certainly the most regal. Not for the colorway tag. No, you see, this shoe truly has royal heritage. The deep purple conveys it, the gold underscores. It has all the gentle grace of Kate Middleton without the topless unbecoming. This is the LeBron X+ “Crown Jewel”.
So really, what’s the story behind this X? Well, something almost of the tall tale variety but completely true.
From 1905 until 1985, the Great Star of Africa reigned as the largest diamond in the world. It was originally part of a 3,106.75-carat stone discovered in a Cullinan, South Africa mine and promptly handed over to the mine’s owner, Sir Thomas Cullinan. After that it was passed around a bit — purchased by the South African British colony Transvaal, given to King Edward VII as a b-day present, and eventually split through its defective spot into parts.
Ed 7 had both of the largest chunks, Cullinan I (530.4 carats) and II (317.4 carats) set; one into the Sceptre with the Cross, one into the Imperial State Crown. They’re still there as part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
That’s how the LeBron X+ “Crown Jewel” came to be. The plastic Lionhead lace lock — that only accompanies higher priced Nike+ X editions — is faceted to look like a diamond and is colored pink. This model also has the “Diamond Collection” tag which is only seen on two models thus far: the “USA” model and the “Crown Jewel”.
Nike LeBron X+ “Crown Jewel” will see an initial release this Saturday, September 22 at Nike Las Vegas, Nike Los Angeles, and Nike NYC. Retail is $270 for this special “Sport Pack” edition. You can Twitter #RSVP your pair @NikeLasVegas, @NikeLA, and @NikeNYC this Thursday, September 20.
This is the ONLY Lebron X colorway I don’t like
Are these mother*&^%$ really trying to connect these things with Africa?
SMGDH
Great execution on the Crown Jewel color/story.
Box and velvet shoe bags is sicck touch! i love this shoe color more after knowing the inspiration but i missed Nike RSVP and HOHraffle. Resellers gunna have big weekend! Tough shoe!