Virgil Abloh Archive and Nike celebrate the designer's legacy by re-releasing one of the most iconic AJ1s from The Ten.
In 2017, Virgil Abloh and Nike reinvented the Air Jordan 1 High and nine other models as part of The Ten, a project that applied the designer's deconstructivist philosophy to some of the Swoosh's most iconic silhouettes. Nine years later, and nearly five years after Abloh's untimely passing, the collection remains a definitive reference and a testament to the designer's influence on contemporary culture. Today, one of these iconic silhouettes is set to make its debut: the Virgil Abloh Archive x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Alaska”. This release is part of the VAA WORLD’S FAIR program, launched in Paris in the fall of 2025, which includes a global tour stopping in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Each event is designed to combine sneakers, culture, and immersion in Abloh's creative thinking.
Photo credits: @awakenewyorkclothing
First stop: Los Angeles, on March 14 and 15 at Architecture. The agenda includes screenings, workshops, artist meet-and-greets, and immersive experiences from the Virgil Abloh: The Codes exhibition. The first pairs will be distributed via a raffle, reserved for participants and residents. Distribution will continue throughout March at various stops of the VAA WORLD’S FAIR before a global release scheduled for April 3, 2026 on SNKRS and at select retailers.
Paris: a return to the roots with PSTF
In the capital, the release takes a different turn. The PTSF collective is organizing a camp out to access the pair, a setup that recalls the raw codes of sneaker culture. The meeting is set for March 19 at 2 PM, at place Raoul-Follereau (10th arrondissement). Registration is done on-site, with a physical ID required.
Photo credits: @ptsfpopup (Instagram)
The principle is simple: stay until the end. Only participants who follow all camp rules will gain access to a purchase window. Any breach, individual or collective, may lead to the cancellation of the setup. This is PTSF's way of ensuring a fair framework for one of the most sought-after releases. Meanwhile, exclusive t-shirts from the collaboration between PTSF and Virgil Abloh Archive will be offered in limited quantities in-store on Saturday, March 21. As with the pair, distribution will be strictly regulated. All information and updates will be centralized via the collective's Instagram account, the only official source for the setup.
Photo credits: @ineed2getmybreadup (Instagram)
In London, a similar operation is planned for Saturday, March 21, from 11 AM to 5 PM. Supported by Clint, the creator of Corteiz, distribution will follow a “first come, first served” principle. Participants will also need to make a three-point shot to walk away with their pair. Like in Paris, exclusive t-shirts between Corteiz and VAA will be offered in limited quantities. Registration details and location will be provided starting at 9:30 AM.
From The Ten to Alaska: Abloh's legacy continues
The silhouette continues the legacy of The Ten. Exposed seams, deconstructed details, iconic zip-tie: each element has become an inseparable tool of the late designer. The Air Jordan 1 High OG “Alaska” plays with contrasts and materials, featuring a clean palette dominated by light and monochrome tones. The panels alternate textures, between smooth leather and more industrial surfaces, while the construction retains its iconic details.
Photo credits: Virgil Abloh Archive
The result? The Air Jordan 1 High OG retains Abloh's DNA while offering a 2.0 silhouette. The lines remain recognizable and bring the energy of sneaker culture around the release. Between physical drops and camp outs, the silhouette becomes the meeting point of what has shaped the culture. More than just a product, it embodies the spirit of Virgil Abloh: innovation, creativity, and a living legacy that continues to animate the streets, events, and collections worldwide.
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