This article was originally published on August 2, 2022 and updated on April 5, 2023
While inflation and secondary market foul play has ensured that the staple "Triple White" Nike's Air Force 1 Low's price continues to skyrocket as primary stock remains limited, the base silhouette is undergoing a renaissance of sorts, thanks to collaborations.
With everyone from singer-songwriter Billie Eilish to Stüssy, Drake's NOCTA, and Louis Vuitton taking a punt at the ever-present silhouette, as the likes of MSCHF and Prada offer their spins on the classic, it could be argued that the humble AF1 is Nike's most globally adored sneaker style of all time.
The late Virgil Abloh certainly had a strong love of the silhouette. Not only was the recent LV collection born of his hands, several colorways of his Off-White iteration, characterized by its metallic Swoosh, have popped up over the last couple of years.
Since the first round of Off-White x Nike releases landed as The Ten, and following the Dunk Low-lead The Fifty, the silhouette has sold out in a white "The Ten" finish, "Black," "Volt," "University Blue," "Lemonade," and the recent "Light Green Spark" pair.
Next in line is a retreat from the bright pops of color that have decorated the last few releases, instead opting for a concrete-like "Grey" finish.
What's more, this greyscale leather aesthetic is rumored to be exclusive to Paris. Opting for a city-exclusive release marks a new strategy for these collaborative pairs; however, it makes sense, given how important the city was to Virgil throughout his career, especially during his tenure at LV.
After over six months of speculation, it looks like this exclusive, and illusive pair will finally reach the market this Spring.
