Nike and Nigo Kick Off an Air Force 1 World Tour, Debuting His First Style of the Iconic Silhouette

Nike and Nigo are at it again, debuting the first of several exclusive styles of the Air Force 1 that call to mind the Japanese artist's longstanding influence across fashion, music and culture.

Nigo's first take on the iconic Nike silhouette draws on his origin story and the magazine column he and Nike partner Jun Takahashi made famous in the early 1990s, titled LO2.

Now a revered reference point in Japanese culture, LO2 was an outlet for Nigo and Jun to share their taste in fashion and design, setting the foundation for their landmark NOWHERE boutique in Tokyo's Ura-Harajuku district.

The influence of LO2 and NOWHERE are evident in Nigo's first Air Force 1 silhouette, which is awash in Sail and Loyal Blue—colour-matched to an original NOWHERE sign from the destination storefront.

Nigo worked with Nike designers to bring back the sleeker vintage look of the 2001 Air Force 1, which featured a narrower toe box and more athletic fit that will be used throughout the full Nigo x Air Force 1 journey. A patent leather upper pays homage to the fresh colours and materials he popularised early in his career, and LO2 graphics on the foxing and sockliner reinforce the silhouette's authentic connection to Japanese counterculture, fashion and design. Nigo Air branding further distinguishes his first Air Force 1, and exclusive packaging underscores his record of cultural innovation.

"As far as I know, the Air Force 1 is one of only a few silhouettes in the world that can truly be called a timeless classic", says Nigo. "I never imagined in my dreams that one day I would be able to express my own style through the Air Force 1".

Pairing seamlessly with Nigo's first Air Force 1 are an LO2 coaches jacket and T-shirt that call to mind the colours and style of dress Nigo introduced in the early 1990s.

"The apparel collection is based on LO2 pieces we were making back in 1993", says Nigo. "For people who weren't around then, it will feel fresh and new; for those who know that era, it will evoke a sense of nostalgia".

Future Nike x Nigo Air Force 1s and forthcoming styles will draw upon Nigo's friends and history, and be brought to life on a multi-continent, multi-season journey.

The Nike x Nigo LO2 Air Force 1 and apparel collection will become available on 1 May at the London Design Museum, coinciding with the opening of Nigo's exhibition, "NIGO: From Japan With Love", before launching on 2 May at humanmade.jp and Undercover stores.