SLAWN X NIKE COLLABORATION OFFICIALLY HAS A RELEASE DATE

British-Nigerian artist Olaolu Slawn is set to make history with his inaugural collaboration with Nike, introducing two unique renditions of the iconic Air Max 90. This partnership not only showcases Slawn’s distinctive artistic flair but also marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first Nigerian-born artist to design a Nike sneaker. The collection is scheduled for release on April 4th, 2025, initially through German retailer BSTN, with a wider release on Nike.com expected to follow. Each pair will retail for $150 USD. 

The collaboration features two distinct colorways: a bold black version and a minimalist sail edition. The black pair is adorned with white speckled paint splatters, reminiscent of Slawn’s dynamic studio environment and cosmic inspirations. A textured white Swoosh provides a striking contrast, while metallic silver eyelets and custom heel branding add a touch of sophistication. In contrast, the sail colorway offers a clean, monochromatic aesthetic with gold eyelets enhancing its elegant design. Both versions showcase a reimagined mudguard that wraps around the shoe, deviating from the traditional design and highlighting Slawn’s innovative approach. The quarter panels feature deep texturing, and the heel tabs display stylized eyes, a signature element in Slawn’s artwork. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGliogHN3Rw/?igsh=bHBydmtybGRxYjlj 

Slawn first teased this groundbreaking collaboration on February 2, 2025, through his social media channels. In his announcement, he expressed pride in being the “first born and bred Nigerian with a Nike shoe collaboration,” emphasizing the collectible nature of the release. This early reveal generated significant buzz within both the art and sneaker communities, eager to see how Slawn’s vibrant and street-inspired aesthetic would translate onto the classic Air Max 90 silhouette. 

This partnership not only celebrates Slawn’s creative vision but also bridges cultural and artistic boundaries, bringing a fresh perspective to Nike’s storied Air Max lineage. Sneaker and art lovers alike are eagerly anticipating the release, marking their calendars for what promises to be a historic moment in sneaker culture. As the release date approaches, the excitement continues to build, reflecting the profound impact of this collaboration on the global sneaker and art scenes.