The late Virgil Abloh was a visionary in the world of fashion and design. He revolutionized the industry with his unique perspective and innovative approach. His work was characterized by a fusion of streetwear and high fashion, breaking down barriers and challenging traditional norms. Abloh’s impact extended beyond clothing, as he also made significant contributions to art, architecture, and music. And let’s not forget his collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and Gorden Wagener, which resulted in the creation of the limited-edition luxury Maybach S680, and what better way to celebrate it than with a pair of Air Jordan 1 sneakers?
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The Maybach S680 incorporated Abloh’s signature style and attention to detail, featuring sleek lines and luxurious finishes. The luxury car featured a two-tone colour palette that perfectly complemented Abloh’s aesthetic. In addition, Abloh’s influence on the Maybach S680 extended to its interior design, where he incorporated unique elements such as custom stitching and personalized accents. The collaboration between Abloh and Mercedes-Benz brought together the worlds of fashion and automotive design, creating a seamless fusion of elegance and innovation.
To honour the collaboration of these two powerhouses, John Trottier of @johnnyskicks created a custom concept Air Jordan 1 that mirrors the aesthetic of the Maybach S680. The sneaker, known as Virgils S680 AJ1, features a glossy patent leather upper in a two-tone palette, much like the car’s exterior. The collar and overlay (including its insignia) are obsidian, while the sneaker base takes on a sand-coloured hue. The laces appear in two different tones, with the right shoe taking on a beige hue while the left shoe incorporates the same sand tone as the base. This contrasting lace design adds an interesting touch to the overall aesthetic of the sneaker.
The Nike swoosh appears on the sides in silver patent leather lined with beige piping for added contrast. The beige piping continues throughout the sneaker, highlighting the edges of the mudguard, heel and tongue, giving the sneaker a cohesive and luxurious look.
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Additionally, the midsole and the piping just above it appear in a black tone, while the shoe’s outsole is a contrasting beige colour. This colour combination adds a sleek and modern touch to the shoe’s overall design.
The sneaker also incorporates intricate stitching details and embossed branding, paying homage to both the Air Jordan 1’s iconic design and the luxurious craftsmanship of the Maybach S680. With its sleek and sophisticated colour palette, Virgils S680 AJ1 truly captures the essence of Abloh and Mercedes-Benz’s collaboration, combining the best of the streetwear style and automotive elegance.
While the sneakers aren’t available for purchase yet, they have already generated significant buzz and anticipation among sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike. The unique combination of the Air Jordan 1’s timeless silhouette and the Maybach S680’s opulent aesthetic is sure to make these sneakers a highly sought-after collector’s item (much like the luxury car) should they be released to the public.
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