Virgil Abloh. Nike. ICONS

In 2016, Nike and fashion designer Virgil Abloh collaborated to create a sneaker collection called The Ten, reimagining 10 of Nike's most iconic shoes. Abloh's designs offer deep insights into engineering ingenuity and cultural cachet, deconstructing each shoe into an artistic assemblage. The book ICONS documents Abloh's investigative, creative process, showcasing his DIY approach and collaborative way of working. The design is by the acclaimed London-based design studio Zak Group, and the book is divided into two parts: a visual culture of sneakers and a lexicon that defines the key people, places, objects, ideas, materials, and scenes from which the project grew.

\n Format: Book
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 27 December 2020
\n Publisher: Taschen GmbH
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In 2016, a remarkable collaboration between sportswear giant Nike and renowned fashion designer Virgil Abloh took place, resulting in the creation of a sneaker collection that celebrated 10 of Nike's most iconic shoes. Dubbed "The Ten," this project reimagined legendary silhouettes such as the Air Jordan 1, Air Max 90, Air Force 1, and Air Presto, among others, breathing new life into sneaker culture. Virgil Abloh's designs are a testament to his exceptional creativity and engineering prowess. By incorporating lettering, ironic labels, collage, and sculpting techniques, he playfully deconstructed each shoe, transforming it into an artistic assemblage that blurred the boundaries between industrial design, readymade sculpture, and wearable art.

Inspired by a diverse range of influences, including Dadaism, architectural theory, and avant-garde happenings, Abloh delved into the essence of what made each shoe iconic. He analyzed the design elements, breaking them down into their component parts and reassembling them in novel ways. The result was a collection that celebrated the beauty of deconstruction while retaining the essence of each shoe's original purpose.

"ICONS" provides a captivating glimpse into Abloh's investigative and creative process. Through documentation of prototypes, original text messages from Abloh to Nike designers, and treasures from the Nike archives, the book offers a deep insight into the thought processes behind the collection. We witness Abloh's DIY approach, where he sliced away Swooshes from Air Jordans and reapplied them with tape or thread, or incorporated his typical text fragments in quotation marks on Air Force 1s. The book also showcases his collaborative way of working, as he partnered with the acclaimed London-based design studio Zak Group to conceive a two-part compendium that seamlessly blends catalog and concept.

The design of the book itself is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the project. Nike and Abloh partnered with the Zak Group to create a visually stunning publication that reflects the essence of Abloh's deconstructive vocabulary. The Swiss binding showcases an open spine, revealing the production process and adding to the book's tactile appeal.

"The Ten" sneaker collection and the accompanying book "ICONS" serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of collaboration. By fusing the expertise of Nike and Abloh, they have created a collection that not only celebrates the history of Nike but also pushes the boundaries of fashion and design. This partnership has not only revitalized sneaker culture but also showcased the immense potential of creative collaborations in the fashion industry.

\n Weight: 2320g\n
Dimension: 263 x 310 x 37 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783836585095\n \n