Sabrina Ionescu Drops Dimes and Kicks in Manila
Photo Source: Nike, Titan
WNBA champion Sabrina Ionescu is embarked on a headline-drawing Asia tour, with Manila as her inaugural stop. This visit not only marked a significant moment for women’s basketball but also celebrated the collaborative launch of the Nike Sabrina 2 x TITAN “Make Space” sneaker, designed by three talented Filipina artists.
Upon her arrival in Manila, Ionescu immediately expressed her enthusiasm on social media, stating, “Touched down in Manila for Part 1 of my Asia tour.”
Her itinerary included engaging with the local basketball community, participating in exhibition games, and inspiring the next generation of athletes. During one notable event at the Araneta Coliseum, she played alongside both male and female Filipino professionals, showcasing her skills and fostering camaraderie.
Her words and actions resonated with many, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities and spaces for women in sports, whose reach should not and will not be limited by gender.
The Filipina Designers Behind the Nike Sabrina 2 x TITAN “Make Space”
The Nike Sabrina 2 x Titan collaboration brought together three Filipina designers – Alex Papa, Aila Torre, and Lari Gazmen – to reimagine Sabrina Ionescu’s signature shoe with a design inspired by women’s basketball. The shoe features a neutral light bone base accented by purple, emerald, and blush tones, paying homage to Titan’s Show Her Love tournament, while seafoam elements represent Ionescu’s connection to the New York Liberty. Each designer played a vital role in shaping the sneaker’s aesthetic and technical elements, with Torre and Gazmen drawing from their past projects for Titan, and Papa leading the branding, typography, and color selection. Their combined expertise ensured the design remained authentic and meaningful to the basketball community.
For all three designers, working on this project was a dream come true, blending their personal passions for design and sports. Papa described it as a “lifetime dream” to work for Titan, while Torre saw it as the culmination of her lifelong love for creativity and basketball. Gazmen acknowledged the privilege of collaborating with Titan and Nike, emphasizing how rare and significant such an opportunity is for any designer. As they look ahead, all three expressed eagerness to take on future projects, hoping to push the boundaries of sportswear design and continue uplifting women’s basketball through their work.
Performance-wise, the shoe features a modified herringbone pattern, dubbed “S-traction,” offering athletes rapid changes in direction and enhanced agility on the court.
Global Release and Impact
The Nike Sabrina 2 x TITAN “Make Space” sneaker is set for a global release on March 22, 2025. It’s already out in TITAN and NBA Store locations. This collaboration not only highlights the fusion of sports and culture but also underscores the significance of representation in design. By involving Filipina designers in the creation process, the project amplifies diverse voices in the sports apparel industry.
Ionescu’s Manila tour and the “Make Space” sneaker serve as milestones in promoting women’s basketball and celebrating cultural diversity. They exemplify how sports can bridge communities, inspire future generations, and pave the way for a more inclusive future.
