Virgil Abloh Collaborates with Nike
In October 2016, Virgil Abloh, founder and designer of the Off-White, met with Nike to talk about a potential collaboration. As a teenager in Illinois, Abloh and his friends were obsessed with the Air Jordan, "Michael Jordan was more important than life. He was Superman for me." Considering his love for the brand and his 90s hip-hop aesthetic, it was a natural fit.
"When I made my first trip to Beaverton, Oregon, I immediately wanted to do something." During my initial visit to the Nike offices, he deconstructed a pair of Air Force 1, drawing on them with markers (the Off-White stamp). This exercise became the 12 Air Force 1, hand-made by Matt Kilgore, the son of Bruce Kilgore, the designer of the Air Force 1 of 1982. Abloh asked that the inner foam of the tongue be exposed with printed text that makes a reference to the origins of the original silhouette. This was the beginning of The Ten, an exploration of 10 emblematic Nike models through the creative vision of Abloh.
"The Jordan was ready in a one design session. I work in a state similar to sleep. I see it and it's done. "
The 10 silhouettes are divided into two themes. The first, titled Revealing, has the Air Jordan I, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Presto, Nike Air Vapormax and Nike Blazer Mid. Ghosting, the second group, includes the classic Chuck Taylor, Nike Zoom Fly SP, Nike Air Force 1 Low, Nike React Hyperdunk 2017, and the Nike Air Max 97. "In an expression, I wanted to underscore how Nike's design and manufacturing system are perfect," says Abloh. "Combining these silhouettes with design, which amplifies their craftsmanship, we are intensifying the human element and expanding the emotional connection of these 10 icons."
"The Jordan was ready in a one design session. I work in a state similar to sleep. I see it and it's done. "
