Meet "The Ten," the designer's exploration of 10 iconic Nike models.

In October 2016, Virgil Abloh, founder and designer of the Off-White, met with Nike to talk about a potential collaboration. As a teenager in Illinois, Abloh and his friends were obsessed with the Air Jordan, &quot;Michael Jordan was more important than life. He was Superman for me.&quot; Considering his love for the brand and his 90s hip-hop aesthetic, it was a natural fit.

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-1_73200.jpg

&quot;When I made my first trip to Beaverton, Oregon, I immediately wanted to do something.&quot; During my&nbsp;initial visit to the Nike offices, he deconstructed a pair of Air Force 1, drawing on them with markers (the Off-White stamp). This exercise became the 12 Air Force 1, hand-made by Matt Kilgore, the son of Bruce Kilgore, the designer of the Air Force 1 of 1982. Abloh asked that the inner foam of the tongue be exposed with printed text that makes a reference to the origins of the original silhouette. This was the beginning of The Ten, an exploration of 10 emblematic Nike models through the creative vision of Abloh.

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-3_73191.jpg

&quot;The Jordan was ready in a one design session. I work in a state similar to sleep. I see it and it&#39;s done. &quot;

&nbsp;

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-7_73194.jpg

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-8_73199.jpg

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-9_73195.jpg

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-4_73193.jpg

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-5_73189.jpg

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-6_73190.jpg

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-10_73198.jpg

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-11_73196.jpg

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-13_73197.jpg

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-14_73202.jpg

The 10 silhouettes are divided into two themes. The first, titled Revealing, has the Air Jordan I, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Presto, Nike Air Vapormax and Nike Blazer Mid. Ghosting, the second group, includes the classic Chuck Taylor, Nike Zoom Fly SP, Nike Air Force 1 Low, Nike React Hyperdunk 2017, and the Nike Air Max 97. &quot;In an expression, I wanted to underscore how Nike&#39;s design and manufacturing system are perfect,&quot; says Abloh. &quot;Combining these silhouettes with design, which amplifies their craftsmanship, we are intensifying the human element and expanding the emotional connection of these 10 icons.&quot;

&quot;The Jordan was ready in a one design session. I work in a state similar to sleep. I see it and it&#39;s done. &quot;

Virgil-Abloh-Nike-The10-2_73192.jpg

Virgil Abloh Collaborates with Nike

L'OFFICIEL USA December 2024 - Julianne Moore Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA November 2024 - Salma Hayek Pinault Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA October 2024 - Rupert Friend Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA October 2024 - Joseph Quinn Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA September 2024 - Fall Fashion Cover Featuring Supermodel Sasha Pivovarova

L'OFFICIEL USA June 2024 - Nicole Kidman Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA June 2024 - Megan Thee Stallion Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2024 - Jackson Wang Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2024 - Natalie Portman Cover

Virgil Abloh Collaborates with Nike

Tags

Recommended posts for you

Travel & Living

How a Subreddit Helped Me Plan My Perfect Manhattan Wedding

Pop culture

Only Mariah Carey Could Sign Rihanna's Boob, and She Just Did

Film & TV

8 Upcoming Celebrity Biopics to Add to Your 2025 Watchlist

Pop culture

Your 2025 Horoscope: Love, Money, and Career Predictions for All Zodiac Signs

Fashion

See the Most Iconic, Unforgettable Runway Shows From 2024

Film & TV

The Messiest Couples From 'Love Is Blind' in 2024

Fashion

Young Photos of Katie Holmes Prove She's Been a Trendsetter Since the ‘90s

Pop culture

The Rise of Celebrity Look-Alike Contests: What’s Driving the Viral Craze?