Virgil Abloh explains why Off White x Nike may be the toughest collab yet

2017 seems to be Nike’s best year yet. With hyped releases dropping every week, it’s no wonder Nike is at the top of the food chain. It’s even worth mentioning the many collaborations that it has had this year.

From Tom Sachs to Comme Des Garcons to Supreme, Nike knows not to pull any punches when it comes to giving hypebeasts and fans something to look forward to.

And this next collab seems to be its most promising one yet, maybe even crowned as best shoe(s) of the year.

On August 21, Nike’s website announced that they would be collaborating with Virgil Abloh’s label, Off-White.

Earlier this year, a similar collaboration had already been done between these two giants. The outcome was a highly coveted, highly limited t-shirt that was released during this year’s NBA All-Star weekend in New Orleans. But what they’ve designed now takes it to the next level.

So, it was only a matter of time before they would collaborate yet again, this time with some of Nike’s signature shoes.

In Virgil’s words, he states,

“What we’re talking about here is larger than sneakers, it’s larger than design culture. It’s nothing short of state-of-the-art design. These 10 shoes have broken barriers in performance and style. To me, they are on the same level as a sculpture of David or the Mona Lisa. You can debate it all you want, but they mean something. And that’s what’s important.”

These 10 shoes are divided into two different themes: “REVEALING” and “GHOSTING”. As stated on Nike’s website, the “REVEALING” half are “designed to look accessible: hand-cut, open-source and reconstructed.”

The shoes included in the collection are the Air Jordan I, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Presto, Nike Air VaporMax, and Nike Blazer Mid.

Virgil said that,

“Most of the creative decisions were made in the first three hours, while actual design and iteration took two to three days. The Jordan I was done in one design session. I work in a very like dream-like state. I see it, and it’s done.”

The “GHOSTING” half are “designed with translucent uppers to further the idea of revealing and unite the second set of silhouettes through common material.”

The sneakers for this theme are the Converse Chuck Taylor, Nike Zoom Fly SP, Nike Air Force 1 Low, Nike React Hyperdunk 2017, and Nike Air Max 97. Virgil’s ultimate goal was to use “common, semi-revealing material” in order to solidify the 94-year history.

Celebrities like A$AP Rocky, Luka Sabbat, Bella Hadid, and Drake have been spotted wearing the Air Jordan I with their names written on the midsole.

From September 6-8, Nike will host “Nike Off Campus” events in New York City to celebrate The Ten through presentations of the entire collection as well as talk about the sneakers and what ideas inspired them.

The New York event will take place at 23 Wall Street. London will also have the event from September 14-17 at various locations.

According to Nike, the “REVEALING” half will be pre-released at NikeLab stores in New York City (Sept. 9-13), London (Sept. 18-22), Milan (Sept. 21-25), and Paris (Sept. 26-30).

There will also be a much wider release of the full collection (all 10 sneakers) in November at NikeLab stores and select retailers.

At this rate, how will Nike outdo itself?