Everyday Heroes: Nike x MMW 001 by Nick Knight and Britt Lloyd

Nick Knight's imagery for Matthew Williams' Nike x MMW Training Series 001 championed those who physically exert themselves every day, in roles which are not infrequently undervalued despite being essential cogs in the workings of society.

Williams' first performance gear collection made in collaboration with Nike drew inspiration from human motion and physical exertion. An accompanying editorial for 032c's Summer 2018 issue, shot in London by Knight and in New York by Britt Lloyd, brought together extraordinary individuals from both sides of the Atlantic.

Knight captured those who powerfully exert themselves in their daily jobs, commanding the same respect for them as for professional athletes. United under Nike's philosophy of championing extreme movement and performance, Knight shot ten individuals from different professions. Rope access technician Craig Barker, firefighter Laura Worsley and the late, ex-Royal Marine Commando Mike Shanti were captured alongside professional athletes, including a fencer, pole athlete and a boxer. They were also joined in the spread by Williams and digital avatar Lil Miquela. Meanwhile, Lloyd travelled to New York to photograph individuals straddling athleticism and their everyday jobs as graphic designers, investment bankers or architects, alongside a movement technician.

It shouldn't take a pandemic to recognise the value of those who make up an essential part of our society, and yet, current generations are finding the sentiment of the everyday hero to be more pertinent than ever.