British-Nigerian artist Olaolu Slawn has made history as the first Nigerian-born creative to collaborate with Nike, rumored to be two distinctive versions of the iconic Air Max 90: the “Black Speckle” and “White Speckle.” These designs feature a sleek leather stripe replacing the traditional mudguard, intricate stone carving-inspired patterns on the quarter panels, Swoosh, and collar, and embossed heel branding. The midsole is adorned with paint splatter detailing, with metallic accents—silver on the Black Speckle and gold on the White Speckle—adding a touch of luxury.
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Scheduled for release in Spring 2025, each pair will retail at $160 USD and will be available through Nike’s official channels. This collaboration not only highlights Slawn’s artistic versatility but also underscores Nike’s commitment to embracing diverse cultural narratives within its designs.
Beyond his work with Nike, Slawn has partnered with eBay to auction sneaker-inspired artworks, with proceeds benefiting Path to Possibilities, a charity supporting educational initiatives for disadvantaged children in Nigeria. This initiative reflects Slawn’s dedication to giving back to his community and leveraging his art to inspire positive change.