Jordan unveils the eight creations that will compete in the global final of the Jordan Design Studio on August 29 in Shanghai. Only one will be selected to move from prototype to production.
Less present in release calendars, the Air Jordan 1 High continues to be a playground for Jordan. The sportswear brand has decided to go beyond just playing with colors or materials by entrusting its iconic silhouette to eight international designers. They all received the same base: the Air Jordan 1 High OG “Love Letter”.
This project is part of the Jordan Design Studio, a program designed to connect the sportswear brand with new creative profiles. The goal? To allow them to turn their ideas into tangible prototypes. Workshops have been organized in several cities with the help of figures from the Jordan universe like Nina Chanel Abney, Chris Gibbs, Angelo Baque, and Hiroshi Fujiwara.
Photo credits: Jordan
After several development stages, eight designers were ultimately selected to participate in the global final of The One, which will take place on August 29, 2026, in Shanghai. Jordan will then need to select a project, with the possibility of seeing the chosen creation produced and potentially marketed.
Eight Interpretations of the Air Jordan 1 High
The eight finalists each approached the silhouette with a different take. While some chose to stick to the core elements of the Air Jordan 1, others altered its construction.
Photo credits: Jordan
In New York, Alaia Ryan focuses on the Swoosh with a layered construction and various materials. Her creation is completed with a custom Air NAYR patch, which signs off the model.
Photo credits: Jordan
In Chicago, Chelsea B emphasizes textile work. The designer incorporates crochet and various sewn elements on the upper, giving the Jordan 1 a more artisanal look.
Photo credits: Jordan
Over in Los Angeles, Cheikh Tall draws directly from his Ghanaian roots. His design takes inspiration from checkered market bags and incorporates handles into the silhouette.
Photo credits: Jordan
Meanwhile, Carlos “Calo” Eduardo Lopez Velasco, based in Mexico City, takes a bulkier approach. His Jordan 1 features multiple panels in leather, canvas, and suede to create a much more imposing construction.
Photo credits: Jordan
In Tokyo, Yuji Wada opts for a primarily black construction, working with crumpled textures. The traditional Swoosh disappears in favor of a dotted outline, which keeps a nod to the logo without replicating its usual shape.
Photo credits: Jordan
In Beijing, Syn Zhuang focuses more on modularity. His creation features a foldable upper, allowing the shape and appearance of the sneaker to change based on how it's worn.
Photo credits: Jordan
In Seoul, Jisoon Kim radically transforms the proportions of the Jordan 1 with a high-top construction inspired by boots. Several panels reminiscent of the original silhouette are repeated throughout the upper.
Photo credits: Jordan
Finally, GG Wu, based in Shanghai, develops a version with aged finishes and removable details. These elements allow for modifications to switch from a high-top to a low silhouette.
Only one creation will be selected in Shanghai
With these eight prototypes, Jordan is now looking to determine which vision has the strongest potential to move to the next stage. The final of the Jordan Design Studio won't just reward the most original design: the chosen project must also be seen as a true Jordan product.
The date is set for August 29, 2026, in Shanghai for the global final of The One. The eight creators will present their proposals, and only one will be declared the winner. The selected creation is expected to be produced by Jordan, with the possibility of commercialization. This is a way for the brand to turn this collaborative design experience into a model that could eventually go beyond the status of a prototype.