Nike x LEGO : Built for Play, Not Clout

June 13, 2025

Welcome to Authenticity Report - Issue #73

This week, we dive into why the LEGO x Nike collab stands out as a refreshingly authentic blend of creativity, purpose, and pure joy.

Our Roundup explores how authenticity is being redefined across culture, business, and media—from Gen Z’s values-driven travel trends to the role of credibility in leadership and the rise of podcasting as a platform for personal reinvention.

This Week’s Report
—> Built for Play, Not Clout
—> Tell Us
—> Authenticity Roundup
—> Top Voices

What Do You Think? We are reshaping and expanding our Authenticity platform, we'd love to have you on board and contribute! Email us directly at [email protected] 

Read Time: 3.5 mins

| Built for Play, Not Clout

What happens when two of the most iconic brands in childhood team up—not for hype, but for heart?

LEGO (#17) and Nike (#4) just dropped one of the summer’s most unexpectedly authentic collaborations. But it’s not about sneaker resale or limited drops.

It’s about play. Creativity. And building joy from the ground up.

The Center Of The Campaign?

A brick-built Nike Dunk set—complete with a basketball, laces, and secret compartment. It’s part toy, part tribute, and 100% aligned with what both brands do best: inspire imagination.

This isn’t a brand stunt. It’s a values alignment.

Here’s why it works:
• It speaks to kids and the kid inside every adult
• It turns a collectible into a creative experience
• It champions active play without feeling preachy
• It scales across cities, product lines, and memories

The best brand moves don’t just blend logos.

They blend purpose.

In an era where most collabs chase clout, LEGO x Nike doubled down on why they matter—not just how they look.

👉 What other brand collabs have felt this genuine lately?

| Tell Us

Did the LEGO x Nike collab feel authentic?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

| Time To Choose

What Brands Are Authentic? It is time once again to choose which brands you feel are authentic. Please tell us via our survey (it takes less than 5 minutes to fill out).

The results of your decisions will be part of our annual Authenticity 500 Index rankings, which you will receive for free.

| Authenticity Roundup

This week's curated reads from web

 culture
•  Authentic Travel for a New Generation

Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping travel in 2025 by prioritizing authenticity, purpose, and connection—powered by technology, values-driven decision-making, and a demand for real, meaningful experiences.

Read More → hospitalitynet

 business
•  Credibility Builds Trust, Not Just Authenticity

While authenticity is often celebrated in leadership, it's credibility—built through trust, integrity, and consistent behavior—that truly inspires people to follow.

Read More → forbes

media
•  Podcasting For Authenticity?

Authenticity is highly sought after, and podcasts have emerged as a popular platorms to present their perspectives. Everyone wants to be authentic - politicians, out-of-spotlight celebrities, newbies and others looking for a complete rebrand and more.

Read More → economic times

| Tools

We are building out our Tools section of Authenticity.co with insights to help you master business basics and apply authentic strategies for personal and brand success.

For a limited time, these will be available for free to our subscribers.

• Authenticity 500 - Top 5 Brand Recap
We analyze the top five authentic brands—Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, Vans, Nike, and In-N-Out Burger—to uncover the secrets behind their success.

• Authenticity 500 - Brand Takeaways
Why Are Some Brands Authentic? Key Takeaways from top 5 authentic brands to uncover ways to apply their secrets to your brand.

• Enhancing Your Personal Authenticity - Worksheet
Personal authenticity is about being true to yourself and others. It’s a journey of self-discovery and alignment with your values. This worksheet will guide you to reflect on your authenticity and develop traits like being real, original, truthful, honest, genuine, showing integrity, and practicing transparency. Each section includes exercises and actionable steps to help you grow.

| Past Reports

| Top Voices

What Does Authenticity Mean To You?

This newsletter is an exclusive benefit to our Authenticity community.

Our weekly guide explores the meaning of Authenticity as it relates to our personal and professional lives and the brands we connect with, bringing you the latest insights, curated news, and guest authors.

Reply

or to participate.