The Wild Story Behind CPFM's Iguana-Inspired Nike ACG Collection

Nike ACG has long been an important part of the company. With its recent reintroduction, the All Conditions Gear segment is set to be pivotal to the brand's future, as evidenced by recent Milan Train and Man vs. Machine race activations. On the product front, a major collaborative collection between ACG and Cactus Plant Flea Market (CPFM) further helped the outdoors-connoisseurs re-cement themselves in the zeitgeist. Eye-catching colors across the capsule—which included a celebrity-endorsed anorak jacket and balaclava—were enough to cause frenzy across the internet, but Cynthia Lu's work also sent some netizens on the hunt for one answer in particular: What's with the iguanas?

The roots of this connection go back several decades. In the early 1970s, scientists in Hellshire Hills discovered skeletal remains of the Jamaican iguana, a species long-believed to be extinct. The finding sparked curiosity and hope that the reptile might still exist somewhere in the wild. Decades later, that hope was confirmed when living Jamaican iguanas were rediscovered in 1990 at the Portland Bight Protected Area. The remarkable scientific moment quickly evolved into a serious conservation challenge about protecting what might have been the final surviving members of the species.

To help rebuild the population, conservationists launched a recovery effort that involved raising young iguanas in controlled environments until they were strong enough to return to their native habitat. The Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas played a central role in that program, creating a safe environment where hatchlings could grow before eventually being released back into the wild.

As the project progressed, researchers needed a way to monitor the animals once they were reintroduced into their natural surroundings. Small radio transmitters were chosen as the solution, but attaching those devices to iguanas proved difficult. Unlike larger wildlife, there was no existing gear designed for reptiles of that size and shape.

That’s where Nike surprisingly entered the story.

In 1999, Damon Clegg—then the Creative Director of Footwear for Nike ACG—received an unusual request from within the company. Conservationists had discovered Nike ACG’s durable outdoor gear and believed its performance-focused design philosophy might work for their project. The ask was simple but strange: create wearable transmitter harnesses specifically for Jamaican iguanas.

From a business standpoint, the idea made little sense. The potential “customer base” consisted of only a handful of endangered reptiles and the chances of the design translating into commercial products were effectively zero. Still, the All Conditions Gear team agreed to take on the challenge.

Designing equipment for reptiles required a completely different approach from designing footwear or apparel for athletes like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The iguanas frequently crawled across rough surfaces, so the belly of the vest needed to withstand abrasion from rocks and dirt. The material also had to remain functional in both wet and dry environments while staying flexible enough to move naturally with the animal. The vest included a stretchable section to allow growth and a small compartment designed to house the transmitter unit.

Because the animals stayed so close to the ground, the final product had a lot in common with footwear over a traditional vest.

A small internal ACG team quietly worked through multiple prototypes before arriving at a design that functioned properly. Even color selection became an unexpected hurdle as the bright tones typical of Nike ACG gear produced surprising behavioral reactions from the iguanas.

Despite the unusual nature of the project, the work remained largely unknown. The iguanas were naturally elusive, and monitoring efforts took place away from public view. Aside from brief mentions in scientific papers acknowledging Nike’s assistance, the story stayed hidden within ACG lore for years.

Today, the Jamaican iguana—Cyclura collei—remains critically endangered, but thanks to decades of conservation efforts, small populations continue to survive in their natural habitat.

That unlikely intersection between outdoor design and wildlife conservation eventually resurfaced as inspiration for Cactus Plant Flea Market's Spring 2026 Nike ACG collection. Released on Friday, Feb. 27, the capsule channels the Jamaica iguana story through playful and exaggerated design—including the now-famous iguana plush bag and reptile-shaped accessories attached to a number of items.

Although the CPFM's lineup swiftly sold out upon release, the capsule has continued to gain attention across social media and celebrity circles. High-profile figures and Nike, Inc. partners like Drake, Lil Yachty, and Travis Scott have been spotted wearing pieces from the collaboration, helping amplify its presence beyond the outdoor community ACG traditionally serves. The incredible balaclava, statement outerwear, and playful iguana elements have quickly become standouts, helping the project act as both a nod to ACG’s experimental past and a reminder of the brand’s long-standing ability to blend storytelling, performance, and unexpected cultural moments.

What might initially appear as surreal design is actually rooted in a real moment of innovation and curiosity—one that perfectly reflects the adventurous spirit that is at the core of Nike ACG.

Enjoy a closer look at select pieces from the collection below—shot by Adham Abousalem and Ali Albaqshi.

For more from the All Conditions Gear team, check out the ACG Pegasus Trail. To buy any item from the CPFM x Nike ACG collection on the after-market, visit StockX and/or KICKS CREW.