In the world of sneaker culture, few collaborations have had as profound an impact as the Off-White x Nike “The Ten” collection, spearheaded by the late Virgil Abloh. Among the most coveted models in this collection is the Off-White x Air Jordan 1, which has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Within the book “Somethings off” Virgil shares a glimpse of the very first Off-White Air Jordan 1 sample, offering sneaker enthusiasts a rare look at the origins of what would become a game-changing design.
The Deconstructed Vision
The sample displayed shows a radically deconstructed version of the Air Jordan 1, emblematic of his signature design approach. Using an X-Acto knife, Abloh stripped the sneaker down to its essential elements, revealing raw, white leather panels that formed the collar, Swoosh, and lace guards. The midsole was also inscribed with “Air Bag” in his trademark double quotation marks, referencing an early plan to expose the Air unit, much like Nike’s Air Max models.
This minimalist, stripped-down sneaker, while lacking the bold colorways that would later define the release, was a powerful early prototype that set the stage for one of the most iconic sneaker collaborations of the last decade.
Abloh’s Epiphany
Abloh captioned a previous instagram post with a nostalgic reflection: “There was a time when getting Michael Jordan’s autograph was a major life goal…? An X-Acto knife and this off-the-shelf pair of Jordan 1’s and The Ten came to fruition. This is the exact pair that kicked off an epiphany.”
It was this epiphany that led Abloh to rethink the traditional design of a sneaker, choosing instead to expose its raw, underlying elements in a way that felt both unfinished and deeply artistic. His post also revealed that this deconstructed sample was crafted in 2016, making it the precursor to the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 that would release as part of The Ten collection.
From White to Iconic Colorways
Interestingly, Abloh initially envisioned the sneaker solely in white. However, as he shared in a later interview, he had a moment of realisation during a trip through an airport that caused him to shift his thinking. The all-white design, though clean and minimalist, lacked the punch needed to truly stand out. This led Abloh to embrace more iconic colorways for the Air Jordan 1, most notably the “Chicago” and “UNC” renditions, which brought a striking, bold contrast to his deconstructed aesthetic.
The “Chicago”, “UNC” and “NRG” iterations, featuring the unmistakable red, black, and white of the Chicago Bulls and the light blue of the University of North Carolina, are now legendary within sneaker culture. These colorways not only paid homage to Michael Jordan’s career but also amplified the visual impact of Abloh’s design, making the sneakers instantly recognisable and highly sought after.
A Lasting Legacy
The Off-White x Air Jordan 1 sample that Abloh shared serves as a reminder of his visionary approach to design. What began as an off-the-shelf pair of Jordan 1’s transformed into a symbol of artistic experimentation and cultural collaboration. By deconstructing the sneaker and adding subtle, details like text on the midsole, Abloh disrupted the boundaries of sneaker design. He transformed the Air Jordan 1 into more than just a shoe; it became a canvas for expression.
Since its official release, the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 has been regarded as one of the most important sneakers of the past decade, influencing countless designers and pushing the boundaries of what a sneaker collaboration could achieve. Abloh’s legacy continues to inspire, with the sample he revealed offering a fascinating glimpse into the creative process that gave birth to a cultural icon.
In hindsight, Abloh’s decision to forgo just the all-white design and opt for bold, vibrant colorways was a masterstroke, one that has since cemented the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 as not just a piece of footwear, but a piece of history.
