In 2023, BAPE founder Nigo announced that he would be working with Nike. The designer had been with adidas for years, but earlier that year, Nigo announced that this collaboration had ended.
Things remained quiet around Nike and Nigo for a while, until the artist appeared this week in a never-before-seen Nike Air Force Low 3 during the Kenzo SS25 show.
Nigo x Nike
The first rumors of a possible collaboration between Nike and Nigo seem to be confirmed. After over a year since the first rumors circulated about a possible collaboration, Nigo showed a possible design from the duo during Paris Fashion Week; the Air Force 3 Low.
The collaboration with Nigo is logical and warped at the same time. The Japanese designer founded the brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) in 1993 and conquered streetwear culture with his ABC Camo print. In addition, Nigo is responsible for the clothing line Human Made, is a creative director at Kenzo, and has an extensive music career in which he has collaborated with Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, and Pusha-T.
Creatively, Nike and Nigo are certainly a match. Still, the collaboration is somewhat sensitive with some fans. Nigo has worked with adidas for about 20 years. Besides the fact that Nigo has not worked with Nike before, his brand BAPE was even recently sued by Nike for "copying" the design of the Air Force 1.
Despite the ongoing lawsuit, the two now seem to be on the right foot. During the Kenzo SS25 show, the designer appeared in a colorful Nike Air Force 3 Low. The sneaker is most likely inspired by the 1988 Air Force 3 High 'Escape'.
For now, there is not much known about the collaboration. Keep an eye on our news page for the latest updates.
