NIGO x Nike Air Force 3 Collaboration: A Bold Fusion of Streetwear and Pop Culture
Nike has teamed up with legendary Japanese designer NIGO for the first time to release an exclusive Air Force 3 silhouette and accompanying apparel collection. This debut marks the beginning of an exciting partnership that blends NIGO’s deep influence on contemporary streetwear with Nike’s iconic athletic legacy. The collection is set to launch globally on October 4, 2024, after exclusive pre-releases in Tokyo and New York on September 28, 2024.
NIGO’s Vision: A Pop Culture-Driven Design
At the heart of this collaboration is NIGO’s unique take on the Air Force 3, a bold and rugged sneaker from Nike's basketball line originally released in the 1980s. NIGO reimagines the Air Force 3, drawing inspiration from a rich blend of pop culture references that have shaped his career over the decades. Each element of the design reflects his love for movies, music, and television, creating a footwear journey that bridges multiple cultural influences.
The Nike x NIGO Air Force 3 features a premium upper crafted from a mix of genuine and embossed leathers, paired with a midsole foam and rubber outsole that stay true to the original model. Subtle details, such as matching tongue and heel graphics, pay homage to both the original sneaker and NIGO’s extensive cultural footprint. This careful attention to detail creates a masterpiece that not only celebrates Nike’s basketball heritage but also echoes NIGO’s deep connection to global street culture.
A Tribute to Streetwear and Cultural Affinity
The Nike x NIGO collection isn’t just about sneakers—it’s a celebration of streetwear’s role in bringing together fashion, art, and music. NIGO, renowned for his work with A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and Human Made, has once again shown his mastery as a cultural curator, synergizing elements from various art forms. From the sneaker itself to the custom packaging and accessories, this collaboration brings a collector’s mindset to the forefront of streetwear fashion.
According to Leo Sandino-Taylor, VP of Global Energy Marketing at Nike, “Nigo brought an unbelievable amount of depth to each creative element that allowed us to be very playful with how we executed his vision. He’s an absolute master of his craft.”
NIGO’s commitment to storytelling through design is evident in every detail of this collection, which features bold visuals that hint at future projects between him and Nike.
Limited Edition Apparel: A Perfect Companion
Alongside the Air Force 3 sneaker, the collection includes a lineup of exclusive apparel. The centerpiece is a varsity jacket, which features custom chainstitch embroidery, embossed snaps, and a three-layer chenille patch. The jacket is inspired by one of NIGO’s favorite Japanese cartoons and showcases Nike x NIGO quilting inside. Hoodies and classic t-shirts complement the look, bringing vibrant colors and retro style, making this a collection that seamlessly blends with any streetwear wardrobe.
For select markets such as Japan and China, Nike is also releasing a unique version of the collection under the name Nike x OGIN, a playful nod to how NIGO’s work has been embraced worldwide and reinterpreted globally.
Release Dates and Where to Buy
The Nike x NIGO Air Force 3 and apparel collection will first drop exclusively on September 28, 2024, at Otsumo Plaza in Tokyo, on humanmade.jp, and at the "I Know Nigo 2" pop-up in New York. Following these limited pre-releases, the collection will be available globally starting October 4, 2024, on Nike’s SNKRS app and select retail locations.
This collaboration between NIGO and Nike marks the beginning of what promises to be a long and fruitful journey. As NIGO himself stated, “There are still many things yet to come, so please look forward to the Nike and Nigo project. It’s the beginning of a long and exciting journey.”
The NIGO x Nike Air Force 3 Low "Blue Void" is set to release October 4th at Nike and selected retailers. You will find every raffle and store in the associated raffle guide as soon as the first raffle has started.
Take a look on official images below:
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Product Infos
NIGO x Nike Air Force 3 Low "Blue Void"
Style Code: FQ7012-100
Color: White/University Red-Tour Yellow-Pink Foam-Blue Void-Lucky Green
Price: 150€ / 135£ / 150$