The Louis Vuitton X Nike AF1 Exhibition
One of the biggest names in luxury fashion and sportswear combined forces and presented us with the capsule collection - the Louis Vuitton and Nike "Air ForceE 1" by Virgil Abloh. The world of luxury fashion and sportswear seem to be on opposite sides but they all stand for one thing: quality and style. This looks like a collection that is bound to have an impact on fashion history. It is not just a collaboration of two amazing brands, it celebrates a fashion icon's legacy and his culture, not something we see everyday.
Ph. Jorge Franganillo (Flickr)
A one-of-a-kind experience celebrates the Louis Vuitton and Nike AF1 collection.
Between the 21st and 31st of May the exhibition took place in Brooklyn; everyone explored the world of Virgil Aboh. Featuring 47 styles of customised Air Force 1 sneakers with Louis Vuitton classic patterns altered and tweaked by Virgil Abloh. For the fans of Louis Vuitton and Nike this is a dream come true. Now let's see what makes this collection so special.
Inside The Louis Vuitton And Nike Af1 Exhibition
You arrive at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse in Brooklyn and you’re immediately immersed in the exhibition. Before your eyes is a reimagined orange Louis Vuitton branded entrance, completed with one of Virgil Abloh's recurring LV statues doing a handstand. The cloud-painted walls surround you, as you navigate the monogrammed treehouse and mirror maze containing Abloh quotes emphasising his philosophy of exploring innocent imagination and questioning fashion hierarchy. You make your way inside and you see the 47 physical and holographic sneakers placed in a continuous moving display. And then you learn that the movement is a powerful reference to their connection with hip hop culture. Now everything makes sense and it’s time to find your favourite pair. This dreamlike exhibition celebrates the reimagined Nike Air Force 1 sneakers and the visionary designer who created them.
Virgil Abloh - The Inspiration Behind The Collection
Virgil Abloh, who passed away in November last year, was a boundary-breaking figure in fashion, known for his vision on streetwear and his innovative approach to luxury. To those who know his work, this collaboration comes with no surprises. Virgil considered the Nike Air Force 1 to be a cultural symbol on its own, for him it’s an emblem of the streetwear community that he grew up in. The first ‘Air Force 1’ model was designed in 1982, but this collection also marks a special moment in the history of the sneakers because it is the first time the shoe is crafted outside of a Nike factory. The two icons came together and gave us the most authentic of high-end trainers.
This is a collection like no other, and not because it combines two aesthetically opposite brands, we have seen that before, but because of its meaning. It honours a big name in the world of fashion, the one and only Virgil Abloh. Even if you can't make it to the exhibition in Brooklyn, you may stumble across other pop-up installations that will take place around New York City and the world throughout the year. Keep an eye for the next, one might end up being in your city and you wouldn’t want to miss it.
While we are on the topic about pop up fashion events, Fashions Finest is organising a sustainable pop up event in London. The date is 18th of June and it’s all about sustainable clothes and accessories. If you happen to be around London and love sustainable fashion, we would love to see you there.