The collaboration between Nike and Louis Vuitton on the Air Force 1 sneakers is finally launched – via an auction.
The limited-edition shoes, designed by the late Virgil Abloh, will go under the hammer at an online auction by Sotheby’s. From January 26 to February 8, the event will feature 200 pairs of the highly anticipated AF1s, with bidding starting at USD 2,000 (approximately S$2,693.96) per pair.
Crafted in leather, the shoes will come in an exclusive colourway that features both Louis Vuitton’s monogram and checkerboard pattern. Like other Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers created by Abloh, the shoes will feature the designer’s “AIR” label on the sole, as well as the word “Lace” along the laces. Sotheby’s auction will offer them in sizes ranging from EU 5 to 18.
Shoppers won’t just walk away with the coveted sneakers: Each pair comes with its own Louis Vuitton pilot case, also designed by Abloh. The sneaker’s special trunk is monogram embossed orange leather, with a white Swoosh tag attached to the handle.
These collector’s items, exclusive to the auction, are now presented at Sotheby’s New York.
An auction that will go down in history
Proceeds from the sale will go to the Virgil Abloh “Post Modern” Scholarship Fund, which the eponymous designer launched in 2020 to support black fashion students. It should be noted that prior to his death, Abloh was involved in organizing the auction; the pioneer probably saw it as another way to pursue his mission of providing opportunities and opening doors for others in the fashion industry.
We can expect the upcoming auction to attract a wide range of bidders. The event marks the first launch of the Louis Vuitton x Nike collaboration, unveiled in June 2021 as part of Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2022 men’s show.
In what can be considered one of Abloh’s significant contributions to fashion, the designer brought together the French luxury giant and the sportswear giant for the first time. The collaboration is comparable to Louis Vuitton’s record-breaking tie-up with Supreme in 2017 – and, in the wake of Abloh’s death, will likely be even bigger.
How to buy the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers
In total, Abloh created 47 pairs of Nike Air Force 1 sneakers for Louis Vuitton. (See here.) A handful of them will be specially offered to people connected to Abloh, and will not be offered for sale. Except for these models, as well as the exclusive colorway that will be offered by Sotheby’s, the sneakers will be sold in limited quantities in Louis Vuitton stores in the coming months. Stay tuned for more information on the official release.
In the meantime, here’s something else you can look forward to: the entire Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 collaboration will also be featured in an exhibition at the Louis Vuitton shoemaker’s workshop in Italy later this year.
All photos courtesy of Louis Vuitton and Nike.