Written by Evely Tan and Nabil//Photo Credits: StockX
When designers and sneaker culture clash, the results often spread across a wide scope, from the very well done, to just straight trash, and it couldn’t be further on point with the release of the adidas X Prada collab which showcases a Prada stamp on it and elevated materials. Not forgetting too the opinion dividing Dior X Air Jordan 1, of whom some say that the execution can be done so much better, or that it doesn’t justify the price at all. Despite all this however, there have been a number of great collabs that truly elevated the silhouette and made it their own, as shown by the list below.
Crossover x Joe Chia x Reebok Insta Pump Fury (Shadow of Phantom)
Much like the name, this collab too lurks from the shadows of the phantom, all the more speaking the term “If you know, you know.”
The idea for the collab was born from a Malaysian sneaker store CROSSOVER, and designer Joe Chia, offering a representation of “minimalism in complexity”. The pair steers away from the exuberant designs collaborators usually cover the shoes with, opting instead for a “Shadow of Phantom” theme. This collaborative pair features black leather which is hardly seen on the Instapump Fury and finish off with wispy lines across its supports that denote an elusive spectre. Tastefully done that still exudes the Joe Chia DNA mixed with the complexities of the Insta Pump Fury.
COMMES Des Garçons Air Jordan 1
Never one to shy away from relative safety, COMME des Garçons has injected pure punk essence into a basketball shoe and came up with this stunning iteration.
Hailing back all the way in September, the brand unveiled a very unique Air Jordan 1 Retro High in black and another pair in white as part of their Fall/ Winter 2019 lineup during Paris Fashion Week. This reconstructed AJ1 comes crafted with buckle straps that includes an extended tongue and Jumpman Air labels. Additional details include Silver studs throughout to give off a motorcycle boot aesthetic, which just serves to show that the Air Jordan 1 makes a perfect canvas for whatever you want to throw at it.
Vetements x InstaPump Fury “Graffiti”
In true Vetements fashion (read: fashion meme-ry), Demna Gvasalia has taken a few sharpies and proceeds to scribble on a pair of Insta Pump Furys, and then charge a wallet crippling price tag for something your 3 year old can do to your own white shoes. The blatant disregard towards the fashion sense is incredible, almost anti-fashion, and for the ones who like to overjump their conclusions, this was the statement shoe to have.
Raf Simons x adidas Stan Smith Collection
Sometimes, a pair as perfect as the Stan Smith doesn’t need to be bastardised to the point where its unrecognisable to be point out that this is a designer collab, and Raf Simons puts out exemplary work on how to be different, yet retain the essence of the shoe.
Available in multi colours, the pair is crafted with supple leather and the normally perforated Three Stripe is replaced by Simon’s signature “R” logo. Other details include classic adidas branding, Simons’ name debossed on the lateral side of the heel with a periodic table style embellishment that nods to the genesis of Simon’s brand in 1995, and its evolution in following years.
A cult classic, and a must have in anyone’s collection.
CDG x Nike Air Max 180
As most Nike runners opt for a more sporty colourway that says “hey, I’m a running shoe and I’m here to serve just the purpose of running”, Rei Kawakubo said fuck that and applied the hottest pink she can find in the palette book onto the Air Max 180. 3 different colourways are differentiated with different coloured panelings, but all three still keep the spirit of the collab alive. Not to mention you’ll be the beacon of attention wherever you walk.
Raf Simons Ozweego Sneakers
How do you turn a forgettable trainer into a shoe that kickstarted and defined a generation? Well, according to Raf Simons, just add some ugly and you’re set. This is the result of Raf’s efforts, turning a largely normal trainer into a must-have statement piece that was loathed on, then gradually became a staple piece in the wardrobe of anyone who’s even remotely fashion conscious.
Rick Owens Springblade
The Springblade was an oddball. The public wasn’t convinced of its durability of the midsole and it just looked way too ahead of its time. And Rick Owens came into the picture and just toppled the entire thing down. It was almost as if the silhouette was made for him, and adding a few signature touches of the Rick Owens aesthetic meant an unbeatable combination of luxe and performance for all the health goths out there.
A-COLD-WALL* x Nike Zoom Vomero +5
Let’s be honest here, when this first came out, the general consensus was was there an air-conditioning unit attached to the back? It’s ugly as hell, and it certainly wasn’t practical. But as the public grew to warm up to the silhouette, there was more detail than meets the eye. Japanese nylon was used to craftt the shoe, and Samuel Ross had the shoe stripped of its PU coating to accelerate aging, giving it a more customised look the more you wore it.
There was a concept to it, and it encouraged you to wear for the concept to slowly unveil itself, and regardless of your opinion on the plastic back tab in the back, it makes a statement, and turned the heads of everyone who glimpsed upon the shoe.
Do you agree with the list? Let us know in the comments below!
