Nike and NIGO, the Japanese designer and music producer known for his iconic streetwear brand A Bathing Ape, have joined forces for a first-of-its-kind collaboration. This limited-edition release features a reimagined Air Force III sneaker and an apparel collection that seamlessly blends NIGO’s distinct style with Nike’s heritage.
The project marks a significant milestone, as Leo Sandy-Taylor, Nike’s VP of Global Energy Marketing, highlights: “With this first project, NIGO’s thoughtful approach to storytelling and his attention to detail ignited a spark within us to reimagine how we tell stories through our products. He brought an unbelievable depth to every element of his creation, allowing us to play with his vision.”
The Nike x NIGO Air Force III has already garnered attention due to NIGO’s personal appearances wearing the shoe. This reimagined classic combines a mix of leather, textile, and embossed leather for the upper, all while maintaining the original Air Force III’s midsole foam and rubber outsole. The shoe’s tongue and heel feature graphics that pay homage to both the original sneaker and the cultural influences that have shaped NIGO’s vision.
The shoebox itself holds hidden clues, showcasing the inspiration behind the initial colorway and offering glimpses into future footwear and apparel releases. To further elevate the experience, the first release includes a premium patch and pin inspired by the initial colorway.
NIGO, known for his meticulous approach, shared his excitement about the collaboration: “Nike has so many iconic pieces. The Air Force III is a hidden gem, and I loved it back in the day. For our first collaboration with Nike, I wanted to showcase its brilliance once again.”
The apparel collection expands on NIGO’s signature aesthetic, incorporating colors reminiscent of Japanese anime. The collection includes varsity jackets with chain-stitched embroidery, custom embossed snaps, three-layered velour patches, and a quilted Nike x NIGO liner. Hoodies and classic T-shirts round out the range, offering diverse options for fans of the collaboration.
This initial Nike x OGIN collection, where the order of NIGO’s name is reversed to symbolize the global impact and diverse interpretations of his work, will be available exclusively in select locations starting September 28th. The launch aligns with the release of NIGO’s new single and music video, marking the first step in a long-term partnership between these two influential icons.
NIGO shared his inspiration for the project: “When I decided to partner with Nike, I visited their headquarters and gained so much inspiration from their archives, labs, and the incredible team working there. Everything I saw had a profound impact on this project. We have so much more to unveil, so please stay tuned for the exciting journey ahead.”
The Nike x NIGO Air Force III and apparel collection will be available exclusively at Otumo Plaza and humanmade.jp in Tokyo, as well as the “I Know Nigo 2” pop-up in New York City, starting September 28th. The collection will then be available at SNKRS and Dover Street Market Ginza starting October 4th.
