Nike gets sneaker collaborations. No. It owns them. The Oregon-based label just knows what the people want. Louis Vuitton. Supreme. Carhartt. Sacai. Off-White. Jacquemus. Ambush. Comme des Garçons. It's partnered with all the big players. And then some.
Now, Nike has teased what may well be the collab of the year. This weekend saw the announcement of a link up with storied jewellery label Tiffany and Co for a brand new Air Force 1 Low. The news broke following rumours of a collab – and leaked imagery of black Nike Air Force Ones with Tiffany blue Swooshes – that began on social media.
Nike's team was quick to respond to the unprecedented leaks by sharing an image of an expensive-looking Tiffany blue box and the wording “A Legendary Pair" to its own social media accounts. Alexandre Arnault, Tiffany’s executive vice president of product and communications, and Ruba Abu-Nimah, the brand’s creative director, followed suit.
Today Nike and Tiffany and Co have given us a first glimpse at the sneakers, which will be available at two Tiffany & Co New York City locations and globally via Nike’s SNKRS app from 7 March. Taking the form of the Air Force One, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the all-black suede kicks come with Tiffany blue swooshes on the outers and insides, while the classic AF1 lace clips now come with T, C and O (for Tiffany, obvs) overlayed lettering. At the rear, more metallic touches carry the number 925 – a reflection of Tiffany & Co's ability to boast it has offered the world’s finest jewellery since its founding in 1837. It set the current American standard for sterling silver (925 parts per 1,000 parts silver).
For die-hard fans of both Tiffany and Nike, it's with the added accessories that the collaboration really shines. A trio of silver gear is also up for grabs: a T&Co whistle, a Nike x Tiffany shoe cleaning brush and a shoehorn. None of it's actually meant to be used and each can be bought separately.
The Nike x Tiffany & Co. Air Force 1 1837 marks the first time that Tiffany and Co has joined the footwear game, but it shouldn't really come as a surprise to long-standing fans. Tiffany has engaged in an increased number of collabs since its 2021 acquisition by LVMH. Under the leadership of Arnault, and CEO Anthony Ledru, the brand has attempted (and succeeded) to forge itself as a key player in the business of modern luxury. Collaborations with Beyoncé and Jay-Z (their first joint project outside music together. A touch.), Supreme, Daniel Arsham, Fendi and Patek Philippe have given Tiffany an increased level of clout. A Nike collab, whatever that may look like, will only increase Tiffany and Co's cachet.
For Nike, it's also a clever move. Interest in the jewellery industry is booming. First, men have developed more audacious habits when it comes to shopping for necklaces and rings. Secondly, more brands are getting down with the shiny stuff. Frank Ocean launched his own jewellery label, Homer, while Prada unveiled its first high jewellery collection for the first time at the end of 2022.
There's a sudden rise in the number of diamond grill specialists in operation. Market data company Grand View Research has also reported that the entire industry has a projected 8.5 per cent growth rate that will send its value to a whopping $518 billion by 2030. Naturally, Nike wants in on that. And with Tiffany and Co's blessing, it has stepped into the market in its own unique way before other brands even got the chance. Nike has said that thew Tiffany kicks are the first ever “legendary pair” of shoes that the brand has done. Expect more.