Street culture has impacted high-end fashion, becoming a major impression for everyone to know Virgil Abloh, even worthy of praise. Now, this designer, hailed as the most influential of this generation, a diverse creator, has left us, and today, the brand he has always worked for, Louis Vuitton, finally brings the first and most important exhibition after Virgil Abloh’s passing: “Louis Vuitton and Nike ‘Air Force 1’ by Virgil Abloh”.
At the same time, Louis Vuitton also announced the release details of the Louis Vuitton and Nike AF1 shoe series, confirming that the brand will release 9 versions to the public, including mid-top and low-top versions; ranging from the smallest size US 3.5 to the largest US 18; in terms of style, there will be versions that did not appear at the Spring 2022 fashion show.
The “Louis Vuitton and Nike ‘Air Force 1’ by Virgil Abloh” exhibition will be held from May 20 to 31 in New York’s Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse. Louis Vuitton will present a full range of 47 versions of the LV Nike AF1, showcasing in detail the creative process behind this significant project planned by Virgil Abloh with Louis Vuitton and Nike on that day, sharing with all attendees the craftsmanship behind each handmade AF1. Additionally, the brand has intentionally presented the 47 pairs of LV Nike AF1 masterpieces in an immersive manner, displayed in a virtual setting.
In terms of theme, the exhibition will take its creative philosophy as a starting point, deeply showcasing Virigl’s unique perspective on the process of creating LV Nike AF1 sneakers in the summer of 2021, as well as highlighting his use of fashion as a tool for change, hoping to reconnect people with their childlike perspectives and build a culture without preconceived human and material values.
The exhibition will be wrapped in vibrant orange, adorned with a pattern that combines the logos of Louis Vuitton and Nike. Inside, there is a grid-like structure, and an attempt to erect a blueprint of the imagined city within the exhibition space. As visitors walk around the exhibition, they can see a huge logo reflected on the mirror-like ceiling. Additionally, surrounding the area are 3D printed statues similar to those built during Virgil Abloh’s tenure at Louis Vuitton, with clouds painted on the walls that have appeared in his past fashion shows and advertising campaigns, perfectly echoing the theme of “Dream Now” written on the walls.
At the same time, in order to allow fashion enthusiasts and those who know Virgil Abloh to have a deeper understanding of the project, the brand will also set up a series of art installations throughout the city, from local Domino Park, Central Station, South Street Seaport, to Astor Place, Columbus Circle, Flatiron Plaza, and Gansevoort Plaza.
As for the upcoming 9 LV Nike AF1 models, as mentioned above, they will include both mid-top and low-top styles, ranging from minimalist all-white and all-black styles with the VIRGIL ABLOH logo, to designs featuring metal Damier embossed leather, Azur graffiti patterns, and a series of Virgil Abloh’s signature details – such as “LACET” on the laces and “AIR” on the soles. Additionally, the brand has revealed that Virgil’s design inspiration comes from the custom LV AF1 designed by the renowned American designer Dapper Dan for DJ EZ Rock’s “It Takes Two” album cover – the custom Swoosh with LV letter combination greatly inspired Virgil Abloh.
In terms of price, the official price of LV Nike AF1 is between 2,000 and 2,500 euros, and will be available for pre-order to Louis Vuitton customers starting in June, followed by a release in brand stores. However, I believe for many fashion enthusiasts in Hong Kong, not being able to visit this exhibition in person will be a great pity. Finally, I wish all friends who plan to purchase can successfully get their hands on this unique pair of Louis Vuitton and Nike Air Force 1.
資料及圖片來源：Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
