BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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In one of the most ambitious and unexpected collaborations in recent sneaker history, Nike has partnered with Japanese fashion icon Nigo, hip-hop heavyweight Lil Yachty, and legendary rapper Slick Rick to reintroduce the Air Force III silhouette to a new generation. This dynamic fusion of streetwear, music, and visual storytelling transcends a mere sneaker drop; it’s a cultural spectacle that bridges eras, genres, and aesthetics.
Nigo, best known as the founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and Human Made, marks his official debut collaboration with Nike through this vibrant reinterpretation of the Air Force III. It’s a surprising move, especially given his long-standing relationship with adidas. But in true Nigo fashion, this collaboration arrives with full creative force, revitalizing a lesser-known classic from Nike’s basketball archives. Originally launched in 1988, the AF3 finds new life in Nigo’s hands as it is transformed into a kaleidoscope of style with bold, high-top drama.
The sneaker itself is a visual feast. Built on a clean white base, the design features various colors; red, green, blue, yellow, and pink. The material choices elevate the experience: embossed premium leathers meet vibrant textiles, and the original outsole and midsole are retained for a touch of nostalgic authenticity. It’s a shoe that respects its roots while simultaneously sprinting toward the future, just like Nigo’s approach to fashion. Complementing the footwear is a curated apparel collection featuring varsity jackets, graphic tees, and crewnecks, all infused with Nigo’s distinctive aesthetic flair.
Yet, it’s not just the product that’s turning heads–it’s the way it’s being presented. Nike debuted the collection with an advertisement that pays homage to the 1980s cinematic era. The short film is as visually arresting as it is nostalgically rich, with a radio station setting complete with mixer, mics, old gen TV and telephone. Lil Yachty features as an advertiser on the TV while Slick Rick–dressed in a cool suit and of course wearing his signature eye patch–handles the mic. There are also a couple other interesting characters, particularly the cool looking doll, a creative replica of Nigo himself, appearing as the Co host of the W-AF3 radio show.
What particularly makes the campaign stand out is the distinctive differences of the featured artists. Slick Rick, a trailblazer from hip-hop’s golden age, and Lil Yachty, a Gen Z darling known for his fearless style and genre-fluid sound, form a symbolic bridge between past and future. It’s a deliberate casting choice that reflects the ethos of the sneaker itself–revival meets reinvention.
The release strategy matched the mystique. The collection dropped first on September 28, 2024, exclusively through Human Made’s online store, Tokyo’s Otsumo Plaza, and at the “I Know NIGO 2” pop-up in New York City, an experiential space designed to immerse fans in the collection’s world. A wider global release followed on October 4 via Nike SNKRS and select retailers. The tiered rollout not only fueled demand but framed the product within an air of artistic exclusivity. Pop-up installations weren’t just about copping sneakers, they were about stepping into a multidimensional narrative filled with animation, music, nostalgia, and high-end fashion.
Adding another layer to the collaboration’s depth is Lil Yachty’s own Nike release; the Air Force 1 Low “Concrete Boys.” Dropped on December 2, 2024, the sneaker features a crisp white leather base, navy overlays, and personal touches like the “Concrete Boys” logo on the heel and the phrase “It’s Us” on the tongue. It’s a minimalist contrast to Nigo’s colorful AF3 but equally compelling in message and meaning, reinforcing Yachty’s growing presence in fashion as a tastemaker in his own right.
This collaboration is more than a moment; it’s a movement. It redefines what it means to relaunch a heritage model, not by simply updating its look, but by embedding it within a larger conversation about culture, history, and identity. It’s rare to see a campaign that so effectively marries the worlds of hip-hop, streetwear, and anime while offering tangible product excellence. Even rarer, to do so in a way that feels organic, not manufactured.
With whispers already circulating about Nigo’s continued work with Nike–potentially extending into AF1s, Dunk Lows, or even an entirely new silhouette–this project may be just the beginning of a wider partnership that could reshape sneaker culture all over again. Even more exciting, the next Nike x Nigo AF3 drop is officially set to release on Nike’s official platform, SNKRS on the 24th of this month, keeping the momentum alive and fans on high alert. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a music fan, a fashion aficionado, or just a lover of anime, the Nike x Nigo AF3 campaign delivers a universe of cool–one step, one frame, and one collab at a time.
