Nike Air Jordan 1 x Louis Vuitton Might Be The Most Beautiful Sneaker of 2024

Turning our heads to the fashionable sphere of Nike sneakers, it’s hard to compete with the prestigious blend of quality and style delivered in the Jordan x Dior collaboration. This unique partnership successfully transformed a much-loved shoe into a luxurious masterpiece. From the chic, Italian leather-constructed upper in white and grey to the Dior Oblique jacquard-finished Nike Swoosh, this design perfectly exemplifies the harmonious marriage of both brands. Little wonder then that the collaboration sparked quite the sensation amongst both sneaker-heads and fashion enthusiasts. But, of course, we believe an equivalent level of luxury and thrills would be mirrored in a “Nike Air Jordan 1 x Louis Vuitton” sneaker collaboration.

Here us out. While we’ve previously been treated to the LV x Nike Air Force 1 collection in 2022, we can all agree that an Air Jordan 1 collaboration has been a long time coming. After all, the Air Jordan 1 isn’t just a classic silhouette; it also occupies a special nook within the sneaker realm. The thought of Louis Vuitton’s signature leather finishing and craftsmanship partnering with the classic 80s design is enough to create a stir akin to the Jordan x Dior collaboration.

While this collab isn’t penned in any official schedule, we’ve been privileged to envision the potential of a Louis Vuitton x Air Jordan 1 collaboration, thanks to the brilliant work of custom sneaker artists. In actuality, the sheer number of custom-designed LV x AJ 1s flooding the scene is a telltale sign of the resounding enthusiasm and demand for this partnership. While most designs naturally fuse the renowned LV monogrammed brown leather with the Air Jordan’s recognisable silhouette, Leroy van Drie offers an intriguing alternative with his unique take on an LV and Jordan collaboration.

The sides and toe box of the shoe present transparent panels, with the quarter panels boasting LV’s famous monogram motif. A matching semi-translucent midsole embellished with three floral patterns then perfectly complements the design on the side panels. The combination of the translucent features and floral motifs provides the sneaker with a fresh yet familiar aesthetic, helping it stand apart from other LV x AJ 1 creations.

In addition, the design incorporates pebbled leather for the overlays and collar and an LV tag on the tongue. A matching LV hang tag swaying from the laces further enhances the look for an extra splash of luxury.

Perhaps one of the most captivating elements of this design, however, is the reflective Swoosh logo gracing the sides. We’re accustomed to Travis Scott’s reverse Swoosh and Off-White’s unique use of the Swoosh logo. However, this mirrored check on the LV x AJ 1 collaboration introduces an innovative twist to the iconic logo. One could say it’s possibly the first sighting of such a design, except for the accidental inclusion of the upside-down Swoosh on the Air Jordan 1 SB.

The design wraps up with a robust rubber outsole flaunting a distinct pattern and a transparent wings logo attached to the ankle flap. All in all, it’s a beautiful sneaker that we would certainly love to wear.

Sadly, these stunning visuals are products of a concept design crafted by the 3D visual artist Leroy van Drie (@leroi3) in 2021. Nonetheless, they effectively spotlight the immense potential and sparkle that a Louis Vuitton x Air Jordan 1 union could bring. The transparent sides, clear sole, and reflective swoosh perfectly meld futuristic luxury with an iconic silhouette. It’s exciting to wonder if this concept will inspire the look of an actual collaboration in the future. At least for now, there’s always the option of custom creations. However, here’s hoping for the best.

How do you feel about the “Nike Air Jordan 1 x Louis Vuitton” concept? Does this embody your vision for an LV and Jordan Brand collab, or would you opt for the traditional brown monogrammed leather aesthetic on the shoe?