Nina Chanel Abney x Air Jordan 3
In the ever-evolving world of sneaker collaborations, few names stand out as boldly as Nina Chanel Abney. The New York-based contemporary artist has once again teamed up with Jordan Brand to bring her unique artistic flair to one of the most iconic silhouettes in sneaker history: the Air Jordan 3. This collaboration, almost two years in the making, follows her successful reinterpretation of the Air Jordan 2, and it promises to captivate both art enthusiasts and sneakerheads alike.
A First Look at the Nina Chanel Abney x Air Jordan 3
News of this exciting collaboration first surfaced in January with details about the color scheme and potential release date. Abney confirmed the rumors with a tantalizing teaser on Instagram, revealing a glimpse of the shoe's custom heel tab. Now, we finally have a full view of the sneaker, captured by photographer Tyler “Arab Lincoln” Mansour, and it's nothing short of spectacular.
Photo credit: (IG) arab_lincoln
The Nina Chanel Abney x Air Jordan 3 boasts a vibrant “Bicoastal/Black/Malachite/Fossil” color scheme, brought to life through a rich mix of materials. The upper combines two-tone green canvas and suede, providing a textural depth that is both visually striking and tactile. This is complemented by a bone-colored midsole and thick rope laces, which add an interesting play on proportions, alongside a slimmed-down tongue that enhances the overall aesthetic.
Abney's signature style is evident in every detail of this collaboration. The sneaker features a customized Jumpman logo on the tongue, sockliner, and special hangtag, all presumably designed by Abney herself. The heel showcases a chenille Nike Air logo, another unique element created by the artist. Inside the right shoe’s tongue, a “NINA” callout adds a personal touch, while an alternate set of orange laces offers a pop of contrasting color.
But the collaboration doesn't stop at the shoes. A sneak peek of a jacket adorned with “NCA 23” hints at a matching apparel collection, further merging Abney’s contemporary artistry with Jordan Brand’s storied legacy.
We won’t have to wait much longer to get our hands on this coveted collaboration. The Nina Chanel Abney x Air Jordan 3 is set to release on June 20, with a retail price of $225 USD. However, for those eager to secure their pair early, the shoes will be available on Abney’s Super Cool Studios website on June 13. Following that, they will be released via Nike SNKRS and various Jordan Brand stockists.
The Nina Chanel Abney x Air Jordan 3 is more than just a sneaker; it’s a celebration of artistic expression and the rich heritage of Jordan Brand. By infusing her distinctive style into the classic Air Jordan 3, Abney has created a piece that not only honors Michael Jordan’s legacy but also pushes the boundaries of contemporary sneaker design. This powerful partnership underscores the dynamic intersection of art and sneaker culture, turning heads and setting new trends since the original release of the Air Jordan 3 in 1988. As we count down the days to the release, the anticipation only grows for what is sure to be one of the standout sneaker collaborations of the year.
