Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton Nike Air Force 1s are getting a public release
The reinterpretation of Nike Classic was one of Abloh’s final designs. Now you have a very limited chance to get a pair for yourself.
The loss of Virgil Abloh to a rare form of cancer in November 2021 struck a blow to the fashion industry. Abloh was known for many things—not limited to great tailoring, mould-breaking collaborations and diversifying the world of European high fashion—but sneakers were one thing the Louis Vuitton artistic director was constantly associated with. His collaborations with Nike are enshrined in footwear legend; the ‘The Ten’ collection, created with the famous sportswear brand, was even immortalised in a coffee table book, Something’s Off (a must-buy for all sneaker aficionados).
In the same week that his posthumous collection for Louis Vuitton showed at Paris menswear fashion week autumn/winter ’22/’23, the maison announced the sale of 200 pairs of rare Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, through auction house Sotheby’s.
Pertaining to Abloh’s lifelong passion for leveling the playing field, proceeds from the shoe sales will go towards his “Post Modern” Scholarship Fund, which was established in 2020 to financially support Black fashion students. Before his death in November, Abloh had been actively involved in the organising of the auction, making the shoes one of the final additions to his design legacy.
The starting bid for each pair was $2,000, though naturally this figure increased substantially once bidding got underway. The collective pairs eventually earned over $25 million USD at auction, with the most expensive lot, which included the only Men's US Size 5, gaveling for $352,800 USD. In total, the auction raised more than eight times its initial estimate.
Now, a redux of the release is on the way and, in keeping with Abloh's aims of democratising luxury fashion, you can actually get pair for yourself. Nine of the 47 Air Force 1 designs Abloh conceptualised will get an extremely limited release through Louis Vuitton, including three variations of white low-tops with printed Monogram leather in three different color variations; a gold low-top in embossed metallic canvas; silver and multi-color patchwork low-tops, and a Sail and multi-color mid-top with a graffiti print.
As for the sneakers themselves, they’re quintessential Abloh, while also incorporating some of Vuitton’s historic traits. Adorned with the Louis Vuitton monogram, the sneakers’ front, back and Nike ‘Swoosh’ are made from the checkerboard-style ‘Damier’ print. Abloh’s signature block print, a cornerstone of his work at Off-White, also feature on the shoes; the redesigned Air Force 1’s read “AIR” on the sole, while the French word for lace, “LACET”, appears on the laces. Abloh’s version is also made entirely from Vuitton’s impeccably crafted leather and canvas, setting them apart from the traditional Air Force 1 sneaker.
Exact details about the shoes' release is still yet to be revealed, however it's believed that the shoes will initially be offered as a pre-order to LV's existing clients starting in June, before a wider digital release in the upcoming months. All we can do at this stage is tell you to keep your eye on LV's website for updates, and wish you the best of luck. You're going to need it.
[Via GQ Australia]