The hype for the Louis Vuitton Nike “Air Force 1” collection is building. One year after it was first presented at Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2022 menswear show in June last year, the Virgil Abloh-designed sneakers will finally hit shelves next month.
READ MORE: The Fashion Industry Pays Tribute To The Late Virgil Abloh
The sneaker outing will feature a select nine designs from the show spanning a range of cuts – from mid to low tops – and in a kaleidoscope of colourways. In true Abloh fashion, each design will carry the late designer’s acclaimed quotation marks on the midsole and laces (peep the “Air” and “Lacet”).
The “Lacet” and “Air” quotes stamped on the laces and midsoles are a quintessential Virgil Abloh touch.
Fashion peacocks, meanwhile, can look forward to the all-gold version of the Air Force 1s which pays homage to Abloh’s inaugural Spring/Summer 2019 collection or the patchwork suede pair that’s topped with a snazzy silver upper that exemplifies his graphic language and use of colours.
This flossy gilded design is a nod to Abloh’s debut collection for Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2019 which featured a standout metallic monagrammed duffle bag.
Each more standout than the next, the French Maison’s signature monogram is heavily prominent – aside from the Damier edition that is adorned with a “Louis Vuitton” graffiti motif by Milan-based tattoo artist Ghusto Leone. There are also more classic silhouettes in white leather and a luscious black suede iteration.
Get up close and personal with all 47 Nike Air Force 1s that were designed for the S/S 2022 menswear show if you’re in New York from now till end of May.
And if you happen to be passing through New York City, an exhibition will take place at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse from now till the end of May. Open to all, the expansive exhibit will showcase all 47 editions of the Nike ‘Air Force 1’ sneaker created for the runway show (a win for all the Virgil fans), as well as an in-depth look into his domain of creation and presentation.
Ahead, a preview of the upcoming collection.
