The Nou Project is a unique sneaker label conceived in 2017 by Saudi-born Nour Al Tamimi and co-designed with Lebanese Basma Chidiac. For their first collection of limited-edition sneakers, the design duo collaborated with three emerging artists – Nydia Lilian from Mexico, James Rawson from the UK, and Saudi Arabian Rex Chouk – to transform blank sneakers, which are developed using recyclable rubber, into wearable art. Based in New York, Dubai, and London, Chidiac and Al Tamimi have just returned from China, where they spent two weeks wrapping up their latest collection. Here, the footwear aficionados take us on a tour of the second largest country in Asia, sharing their favorite moments, from visiting Zaha Hadid’s Opera House in Guangzhou to authentic Chinese dumplings at the TaiKoo Hui Mall, and a Shanghai Disneyland trip. See the intricacies of some of Asia’s most bustling cities (and a sneak peek of their new collection) in the gallery ahead.
The Nou Project’s Tour of China: From Guangzhou to Shanghai
“The Zaha Hadid Opera House in Guangzhou is an outstanding masterpiece. It is located close to the Canton Tower, which used to be the tallest building in the world before the Burj Khalifa.”
Photo: The Nou Project
“10 Corso Como in Shanghai is a five-floor store of wonders. This location includes a café, patisserie, lounge, restaurant, and gallery.”
Photo: The Nou Project
“A trip to China is not complete without some dumplings cooked to perfection at Din Tai Fung at the TaiKoo Hui Mall.”
Photo: The Nou Project
“After long meetings at the factory, we made some changes to the design on the spot and were able to test everything almost instantly.”
Photo: The Nou Project
“We’ve worked hard with our suppliers to make these one-of-a-kind equilateral boxes.”
Photo: The Nou Project
“We loved visiting Shanghai Disneyland and couldn’t resist buying these cute caps.”
Photo: The Nou Project
“In Shanghai, we stayed at a boutique hotel called The Indigo, that offers great service and amazing views of the Bund.”
Photo: The Nou Project
“We were amazed with the rich greenery in China, and the vastness of such places as the Daxi Keng, a magical mountain in Jiangmen where you can hike and bike.”
Photo: The Nou Project
“Our custom-made TNP screen for printing. We use gold foil and paint to add the logo to the leather by hand.”
Photo: The Nou Project
“We loved walking around the streets of Hong Kong, with surprises on every corner, such as this colorful mural of what looks like Miranda on Hollywood Road. Artist come forth.”
Photo: The Nou Project
“This is Soho in Hong Kong. It carries some resemblance to other Sohos in the world, with busy streets and shops everywhere. The main difference is that it rests on hills and carries the longest escalators in the world.”
Photo: The Nou Project
