Virgil Abloh Designed Nike x OFF-WHITE “The Ten” Complete Collection | 2017

This collection consists of ten iconic silhouettes from the Nike, Jordan, and Converse archives, that were deconstructed and rebuilt in Virgil’s creative vision. Released in 2017, “The Ten” was one of the fastest and most ambitious collaborations Nike has ever produced, taking about ten months from ideation to release. 

The set is divided into two different design categories, named “REVEALING” and “GHOSTING”. The “REVEALING” includes the Air Jordan 1, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Presto, Nike Air VaporMax, and Nike Blazer Mid. These pairs are meant to feel “accessible”, using design techniques to look hand-cut, open-sourced and rebuilt. Additionally, they include text placements such as “AIR” on the lateral side of the Nike Air VaporMax, Air Jordan 1, and Air Presto, and “SHOELACES” on the shoe strings, design details Virgil is known for. 

The “GHOSTING” consists of the Converse Chuck Taylor, Nike Zoom Fly SP, Nike Air Force 1 Low, Nike React Hyperdunk, and Nike Air Max 97. These designs feature translucent uppers, with the goal to further the concept of revealing, while also uniting the second set of silhouettes through common material. 

Nike gave true creative freedom to a collaborator, and through Virgil’s incredible ability to convey a handmade quality to each pair, these sneakers were an instant success. Today, “The Ten” serves as a blueprint to understand not just footwear design, but all design and has left a lasting impression on sneaker culture.