NIKE, NIKE AIR FORCE 1, SIZE 8

Rubber, Leather, Cotton, Synthetic

2017

The Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 was released as part of ‘The Ten’ — a collaborative capsule from Virgil Abloh and Nike exploring ten classic silhouettes from the Nike, Jordan, and Converse archives that were deconstructed and rebuilt in Virgil’s creative vision. Released in 2017, “The Ten” was one of the fastest and most ambitious collaborations Nike has ever produced, taking about ten months from ideation to release.

The set is divided into two different design categories, named “REVEALING” and “GHOSTING”. The “REVEALING” includes the Air Jordan 1, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Presto, Nike Air VaporMax, and Nike Blazer Mid. These pairs are meant to feel “accessible”, using design techniques to look hand-cut, open-sourced, and rebuilt. Additionally, they include text placements such as “AIR” on the lateral side of the Nike Air VaporMax, Air Jordan 1, and Air Presto, and “SHOELACES” on the shoe strings, design details Virgil is known for.

The “GHOSTING” consists of the Converse Chuck Taylor, Nike Zoom Fly SP, Nike Air Force 1 Low, Nike React Hyperdunk, and Nike Air Max 97. These designs feature translucent uppers, with the goal to further the concept of revealing, while also uniting the second set of silhouettes through common material.

Nike gave true creative freedom to a collaborator, and through Virgil’s incredible ability to convey a handmade quality to each pair, these sneakers were an instant success. Today, “The Ten” serves as a blueprint to understand not just footwear design, but all design, and has left a lasting impression on sneaker culture.

Offered in this lot is a pair of signed and inscribed Off-White x Nike Air Force 1s. The left shoe features “VIRGIL’ signed on the medial midsole. The right shoe features “KOU” inscribed on the lateral midsole, and 2017 on the medial side.

The sneakers are accompanied by a letter from Beckett regarding the signatures and inscriptions.

Should you wish to pay in cryptocurrency, please contact the Bids Department (bids.newyork@sothebys.com) at least three business days prior to the close of this auction for wallet verification. Review the Conditions of Business for Buyers for our full terms and conditions relating to cryptocurrency payments.