Over the past 15 months, Virgil Abloh set a new standard for collaborations within the sneaker space. The sneakers he reconstructed kept their original essence; however, what set them apart was the implementation of an industrial design language rooted in minimalism, that afterward, many would try to mimic. He set the stage for his partnership with his rendition of the Air Jordan 1 "Chicago," back in October 2017. What seemed like a one-off spawned a full-range of remixed iconic and new models, dubbed "The Ten." However, even with the palpable momentum gained, at the end of 2018, it was announced that “The Ten” series would come to an end.
With "Desert Ore" and "Black" colors of the Air Max 90 dropping, these two shoes finish “The Ten” off strong. Launching February 7, these are available on GOAT now. Paying homage to his work with the Swoosh brand, we partnered with GOAT to take a look back at the original ten sneakers from Virgil’s partnership with Nike.
Off-White™ x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG
Release Date: September 06, 2017
Lowest Price: $1540 USD
Using the “Chicago” colorway of Michael Jordan‘s first signature shoe — an iconic iteration in its own right — the silhouette was the first of 10 introduced in Virgil Abloh’s iconic “The Ten” collection. OFF-WHITE was the face of the collaboration so that Virgil Abloh could explore the culmination of a lifelong fascination and love for the Swoosh Brand. While the line-up of sneakers was separated into two themes, “REVEALING” and “GHOSTING,” all of the kicks tapped into the DIY ethos the designer imbued into a pair of AF1’s he designed on his first trip to the Beaverton HQ. The footwear bears his, now ubiquitous, design language while possessing a hand-cut, open-source and reconstructed essence.
Off-White™ x Nike Blazer Mid
Release Date: September 06, 2017
Lowest Price: $625 USD
One of the first models teased from his partnership with Nike, the silhouette stoked buzz that had been already ruminating across social media. The shoes sustained what would come to be known as the ubiquitous look of the collection while maintaining aspects of the Swoosh brand’s own construction. A melange of fabrics colored with neutral tones clearly gave a view of the industrial-esque aesthetics.
Off-White™ x Nike Air Presto
Release Date: September 06, 2017
Lowest Price: $850 USD
A$AP Mob affiliate, Nast, provided the first clear view of the Prestos via his Instagram. However, before enthusiasts were able to see the sneaker’s full design, a plethora of stars — from Frank Ocean to Playboi Carti — were candidly captured going about their days rocking the footwear. The design liberties taken separated the iteration from its predecessors, as the ankle pull tab was removed in exchange for a velcro fastener on the heel and the tongue seemed to be cut-and-pasted outside of the upper.
Off-White™ x Nike Air Max 97
Release Date: November 18, 2017
Lowest Price: $485 USD
While the sole stays true to its origins, the upper was re-envisioned to follow suit of the other models within the "GHOSTING" pack. Visually, translucent detailing subdues any gratuitous design details that would distract the user from the kick’s shape. Virgil’s signature text-in-quotes on the medial and lateral completes the offering while alluding to the ’97’s historic innovation in cushioning technology.
Off-White™ x Nike Hyperdunk
Release Date: November 12, 2017
Lowest Price: $385 USD
As most of the models within the "The Ten" collection skew more towards a lifestyle inclination, the Hyperdunk was the lone performance shoe in the set. Fully functioning for the court but with sophisticated style cues, the sneaker features a breathable upper rendered possible by a knit construction while sitting atop a React midsole. Embellishments typical with the partnership add an extra accent to complete the offering.
Off-White™ x Nike Air Max 90
Release Date: September 06, 2017
Lowest Price: $585 USD
Virgil’s inaugural iteration of the Air Max 90 was originally released within the "REVEALING" group. The silhouette features suede overlays, reflective stitching and a host of details that have become synonymous with the offering. As the partnership amongst the two imprints comes to the end, it seems the iconic-runner, with two tonal models, will also serve as the last iteration of "The Ten."
Off-White™ x Nike Air Force 1
Release Date: November 19, 2017
Lowest Price: $560 USD
What feels like a complete paring back of the shoe down to its fundamental layers, the AF1’s experimental design pushed boundaries for the model. A mix of fabrics are interwoven throughout the upper and are complemented with translucent accents and industrial print.
Off-White™ x Nike Zoom Fly
Release Date: November 19, 2017
Lowest Price: $375 USD
Ready for the streets or the track, the highly responsive Zoom Fly maintained the model’s OG cushioning system but traded opacity for translucence. The upper’s see-through detailing was implemented as a way to reveal the inner-workings of the model and for techwear fans to adopt the collection. Though the shoe compromises a group of neutral tones, bold accents are implemented on the Check and lace aglets.
Off-White™ x Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 70
Release Date: May 08, 2018
Lowest Price: $640 USD
A model that was originally intended to release as part of the "GHOSTING" pack saw almost a six-month delay from its counterparts. Much speculation was made upon what could have kept the sneaker from gracing the market. In its launch announcement, Nike still gave no clear reasoning for the hindrance though, some sources have speculated that the translucence that spans almost the entirety of the shoe may have been the culprit. But once a drop date was given, fanfare didn’t wane — making the drop one of the most expensive pairs of Converse ever on the secondary market.
Off-White™ x Nike Air VaporMax
Release Date: September 06, 2017
Lowest Price: $660 USD
Capitalizing on the popularity of the silhouette which launched earlier that year, Virgil sought to update the already fresh Vapormax. The Flyknit upper — typically used with this model — was sustained, but the incorporation of a Swoosh with overly embellished white stitching and an orange accents complemented the black that dominated the upper and sole unit. Helvetica print, witnessed throughout other kick’s from the partnership, was sure to be included to tie together the drop.
To see all the different colorways from "The Ten" and more, check out this collection on GOAT.
Click here to view full gallery at HYPEBEAST
Source: HYPEBEAST