Nike and Carhartt WIP’s first-ever footwear collaboration dropped yesterday, and the all-American duo kicked off the partnership Wednesday night at Nike’s private 45 Grand space in New York to celebrate the launch.
The collab makes use of rugged fabrics at the core of Carhartt's DNA, namely Dearborn canvas and camo tiger ripstop fabric, and reinterprets them throughout four of Nike’s signature silhouettes: the Air Force 1 Low, Air Max 95, AF1 Low Utility, and Vandal Supreme High.
The pair kicked off the launch by transforming its 45 Grand space, traditionally reserved for smaller private activations, into a full fledged turn-up complete with DJ Questlove on the ones and twos. The cavernous space was redesigned to introduce the Carhartt WIP collab through a clever combination of art, music, and, of course, alcohol.
Flanked by blown-up murals showcasing Carhartt WIP'S workwear cool factor coupled with an in-your-face deconstruction exhibit of the canvas AF1 Low, guests who managed to secure an invite were treated to a proper celebration of how a sneaker collaboration should be done.
For New Yorkers, beginning Thursday Nike also announced a special Carhartt WIP customization area inside Nike SoHo where guests will be able to purchase a range of Nike garments to be custom tailored on-site with exclusive Carhartt WIP fabrics. The 10-day pop up is by appointment only so see a store associate for details.
Take a look at everything that went down at 45 Grand and cop the Nike x Carhartt WIP pack now at Nike.com, the SNKRS and SNEAKRS apps, and select retailers.
