Nike. Icons - Virgil Abloh

The Ten: A Collaboration That Changed Sneaker Culture

In 2016, Nike joined forces with visionary fashion designer Virgil Abloh to reimagine 10 of the brand's most iconic shoes. The collection, The Ten, brought new life to classics like the Air Jordan 1, Air Max 90, Air Force 1, and Air Presto, redefining sneaker culture and establishing each shoe as a wearable work of art.

Art Meets Design: Virgil Abloh’s Creative Process

Abloh’s designs fuse artistic deconstruction with cutting-edge engineering. Drawing inspiration from Dadaism, architectural theory, and avant-garde art, he transforms iconic Nike sneakers into sculptures and readymade pieces. Techniques like slicing, collaging, and text fragments in quotation marks—hallmarks of Abloh’s style—turn each shoe into an assemblage of cultural significance.

A Behind-the-Scenes Journey

Icons offers unparalleled insight into the creation of The Ten. From early prototypes and archived Nike designs to personal text messages between Abloh and Nike designers, the book provides a comprehensive look at Abloh’s DIY approach and collaborative design process. Highlights include Swooshes reapplied with tape, Air Jordans reconstructed with thread, and the All Stars reimagined through cutting-edge artistry.

A Two-Part Compendium of Sneaker Innovation

Designed by London’s Zak Group, Icons combines visual storytelling with conceptual exploration. The first section immerses readers in the visual culture of sneakers, while the second part serves as a lexicon of the ideas, materials, and inspirations that shaped The Ten. Essays by Nicholas Schonberger, Troy Patterson, Glenn Adamson, and Virgil Abloh contextualize the project in fashion and design history, while a foreword by Hiroshi Fujiwara situates it within Nike’s legacy of collaborations.

Reasons to Read This Book «Nike. Icons»

•     Unmatched Creativity: Witness Virgil Abloh’s transformative approach to sneaker design.
•     Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Explore the design process through prototypes, archives, and personal correspondence.
•     Cultural Commentary: Understand the influence of Dadaism, architecture, and pop culture on Abloh’s work.
•     Collector’s Edition: A visually stunning compendium designed for sneakerheads and art enthusiasts alike.
•     Nike Legacy: Frame The Ten within the broader context of Nike’s iconic collaborations.

Dive into the revolutionary world of Icons, where sneakers meet art, design, and culture in a groundbreaking collaboration between Nike and Virgil Abloh.