For Nigel Sylvester, BMX isn’t just a sport — it’s a language, a way to tell stories in motion.

The Queens-born rider has built a career on reimagining what’s possible on two wheels, using his bike not just to land tricks, but to move ideas. Those ideas stretch beyond the skatepark into fashion, design, and culture, where his influence is unmistakable. As his ninth sneaker collaboration with Jordan Brand, Better with Time, drops on August 16th, I sat down with Nigel to unpack the intersections of his mediums and the relentless pursuit of creative evolution.

“BMX and fashion go hand in hand,” he says matter-of-factly. “What I’m wearing is just as important as the tricks. The bike puts my style in motion.” That interplay between movement and clothing is central to his work, whether he’s designing apparel, curating content, or lacing up his latest sneaker collab. Fashion, he believes, is a gateway into BMX for those who’ve never touched a bike — a jersey, a pair of pants, a detail that sparks curiosity — each can lead someone deeper into the culture. “Someone might not ride a BMX bike,” he explains, “but they could wear a BMX-inspired jersey, style it their way, and suddenly they’re curious about the culture.” Conversely, a young rider might see a BMX-influenced piece and begin to think more intentionally about how he wants to dress himself — style becoming a bridge between worlds.

That philosophy helped shape his long-standing relationship with Nike, which began with global campaigns that introduced him to a wider audience.

“Before Nike, no one saw me outside the BMX context. Then they said, ‘Let’s style you and show the world you can dress and look good in clothes.’ That was huge for me.” By the time he signed with Jordan Brand in 2021, he was already an experienced collaborator, having designed Air Force 1s, Dunks, and even a Jordan 1 prior to the deal. This month, he’s releasing his ninth shoe with Jordan — the Better with Time AJ1 Low — a follow-up to his groundbreaking 2017 AJ1 High. The original was modeled after his own beat-up AJ1 Shadows, complete with replicated scuffs and wear marks, making it the first pre-distressed shoe in Jordan history. The new version keeps the storytelling alive, adding reflective 3M elements as a nod to bike safety gear. “The AJ1 is a shoe that looks better the more it’s worn,” he says.

“That concept is so relatable and applies to so many things — denim, vintage cars, friendships, even my relationship with Jordan. It’s literally better with time.” The packaging also carries the narrative forward, with a distressed “Bike Air” logo replacing the iconic Nike Air — a subtle but significant stamp of his identity. “Nike and Jordan Brand are very protective over these iconic and time-proven marks. So for them to allow me the opportunity to adjust the classic Nike Air logo to Bike Air — that meant a lot,” he says.

His creative fuel comes from everywhere: music, his peers, but most of all, his mother.

“She immigrated from Grenada to the U.S. to build a life, raised two boys, overcame challenges — and she’s still cracking jokes! Her resilience is my greatest inspiration.” Better with Time celebrates that sentiment of resilience, growth, and evolution. Sylvester’s own journey hasn’t been without friction. As a Black rider in a predominantly white sport, his ambitions weren’t always welcomed. “I wanted to do things that challenged the norms and the way that BMX is usually put out into the world. I became one of the most hated BMX riders at one point because people didn’t understand me — I had to fight for my voice in a culture I love.” The resilience he developed on the bike — learning a trick through trial and error — became a blueprint for everything else.

On the set of the shoot, an Isabel Marant runway look — boots with a structured, buttoned-down denim shirt tucked into matching black jeans — caught his eye. “It felt like a sophisticated rebel. It’s hard to explain, but when something feels right, I trust it.” Needless to say, Nigel is comfortable in his own shoes. A born natural in front of the camera, he radiates confidence. It all stems from BMX. “Learning a trick teaches you that if you try and keep trying, you can do anything,” Sylvester says.

“That confidence spills over into everything else — dreaming big, taking risks.”

Earlier this year, those dreams materialized into his first Jordan apparel capsule — a collection laced with BMX references, from elbow-pad-inspired jackets to zippered pockets for riding. The launch show was more than just a fashion moment. Eschewing a traditional runway, Nigel staged a dinner where the table split apart to reveal a runway before reassembling. “I couldn’t just do a regular show. I wanted to elevate it. I’m all about creating experiences people won’t forget,” he says. The project became both a creative milestone and a statement: that BMX riders and non-traditional athletes can redefine cultural spaces. Sylvester wants to continue expanding his work as a designer. “I’m looking forward to the day I get the opportunity to create collections for more brands — do shows and create content.”

As for what’s next, Sylvester prefers to keep it close to the chest. “I’m a big fan of the element of surprise. But whatever it is, it’ll be about designing, creating, telling stories — making products and coming up with solutions that have a positive impact in whatever medium that may be.” And the legacy he hopes to leave? Living without limitations is non-negotiable. “Taking something you love and pushing it further than anyone thinks possible.