NIGO, the renowned archivist and cultural influencer, breathes new life into the Nike Air Force 3 in an exclusive collaboration. This partnership, announced earlier this year following rumors of NIGO’s adidas partnership ending in 2023, marks a significant moment, especially considering NIGO’s history with the AF1-inspired BAPE STA. The Nike Air Force 3, a lesser known model in the iconic Air Force lineage, was originally introduced in 1988 as a performance basketball shoe featuring advanced Air cushioning technology and a rugged high-top silhouette. While not as mainstream as other Air Force iterations, its distinctive design and vintage charm have garnered a dedicated following among collectors. NIGO’s collaboration aims to reintroduce this “hidden masterpiece” to a wider audience.
As NIGO explains, “Nike truly has many masterpieces. The AF3 is a hidden masterpiece that I remember loving at the time. Through my first collaboration with Nike, I want to reintroduce everyone to its magnificence.” This collaboration reflects NIGO’s deep appreciation for pop culture, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including his favorite television genres. The Nike x NIGO Air Force 3 features premium materials, including a mix of leather and textiles, while retaining the original AF3 midsole and outsole. Unique graphics adorn the tongue and heel, paying tribute to both the original sneaker and NIGO’s cultural influences. The accompanying apparel collection features a varsity jacket, hoodie and classic t-shirts that reflect NIGO’s playful and eclectic style.
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Leo Sandino-Taylor, VP, Global Energy Marketing at Nike, praised Nigo’s creative depth and meticulous attention to detail: “Nigo’s thoughtfulness with his stories and the detail he brought to our first project together reinvigorated the way we think about applying story to our products. He brought an incredible amount of depth to each creative element that allowed us to be very playful with how we executed his vision. He’s a true master of his craft.”
Exclusive to select markets, a playful Nike x OGIN (a backwards spelling of NIGO) collection will be available. The launch coincides with the debut of NIGO’s new single and music video, adding another layer to this multi-faceted partnership.
Looking ahead, NIGO expressed his excitement for the future, saying, “When I decided to work with Nike, I went to the Nike World Headquarters and drew a lot of inspiration from the archives, the lab and the team that works there. Everything I saw had a huge impact on the project. There is still a lot to come, so please be excited about the Nike and Nigo project. It’s the beginning of a long and exciting journey.”
The Nike x NIGO Air Force 3 and apparel collection is currently available in select locations, with a wider global launch on SNKRS and select retailers on October 4.
