Last year, the legendary Japanese designer Nigo joined forces with Nike, leaving behind a longstanding partnership with adidas to pursue new projects. This week, the BAPE founder debuted his first project during a Kenzo runway show at Paris Fashion week, sporting a pair of the Air Force 3 Low in a colorful look.
Nigo is a legendary figure in the world of sneakers and streetwear. The Japanese entrepreneur has been a fashion designer, DJ, and record producer in his career, but his largest claim to fame is BAPE. The iconic brand is known for their eye-catching camouflage patterns and loud graphics, founded in 1993 before becoming immensely popular in the United States in the early 2000s. BAPE has famously released dozens of sneaker collaborations over the years, largely with adidas, as well as its own in-house line that began with the BapeSta. The silhouette is considered a variation on Nike’s Air Force 1, essentially remaking the shoe with a star instead of a Swoosh. Fast forward twenty years, and Nigo has signed a deal to actually work with Nike, releasing his own sneakers.
This week, Nigo appeared at a Paris Fashion Week runway show for Kenzo, the label he is currently the artistic director for. While his outfits are usually interesting to see, this time the crowd was focused on his sneakers. The designer was spotted wearing a Nike Air Force 3 Low, a silhouette originally launched in 1988 for performance basketball, before being reissued in 2005 for a short retro run. Nigo’s take on the silhouette mixes materials and colors for the shoe’s first release in nearly two decades, beginning with a white perforated leather base. Leather overlays are added in green and yellow, with red Swooshes and a hint of soft pink on the toes and heels. Final accents in black complete the palette, while Nigo’s name appears on both tongues.
NIGO X NIKE AIR FORCE 3 LOW RELEASE INFORMATION
Nigo’s first release with Nike has not been announced for release yet, but is expected to arrive sometime later this year, in Fall 2024. The designer’s debut will presumably be this pair of the Air Force 3 Low, cast in a white base with green, red, black, and yellow accents. Pairs will likely be available from both Nike and select retailers, with an expected price tag of $160. Check out the early images from the runway below for a better look, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks for more Nike release news, like the first collaboration of the Air Max Sunder from Kids of Immigrants.
Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low
Color: Blue Void/Tour Yellow-Pink Foam-University Red
Style Code: HQ1458-400
Release Date: Fall 2024
Price: $160
