Virgil Abloh Archive and Nike celebrate the designer's legacy by reissuing 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 most iconic silhouettes of the Swoosh. Nine years later, and nearly five years after Abloh's untimely passing, the collection remains one of the absolute references 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, meet-and-greets with artists, and immersive experiences from the Virgil Abloh: The Codes exhibition. The first sneakers will be distributed via a raffle, reserved for participants and residents. Distribution will continue throughout March during the various stages of the VAA WORLD’S FAIR before a global release scheduled for April 3, 2026 on SNKRS and at select retailers.
Paris and London: A Return to the Roots with PSTF and Clint
In the capital, the release takes a different turn. The PTSF collective is organizing a camp out to access the sneaker, a setup that brings back 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 the camp rules will gain access to a purchase slot. Any breach, whether individual or collective, can lead to the cancellation of the setup. This is PTSF's way of ensuring a fair environment for one of the most sought-after releases. Meanwhile, exclusive t-shirts from the collaboration between PTSF and Virgil Abloh Archive will be available in limited quantities in-store on Saturday, March 21. Just like with the sneaker, the distribution will be strictly regulated. All information and updates are centralized through 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, the distribution will follow the “first come, first served” principle. Participants will also need to make a three-point shot to leave with their sneaker. As in Paris, exclusive t-shirts between Corteiz and VAA will be offered in limited quantities. Registration details and location information will be provided starting at 9:30 AM.
From The Ten to Alaska: Abloh's Legacy Lives On
The silhouette continues the legacy of The Ten. Exposed seams, deconstructed details, and the 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 between smooth leather and more industrial surfaces, while the construction retains its signature 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 back the energy of sneaker culture around the release. Between physical drops and campouts, 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 energize the streets, events, and collections worldwide.
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