Virgil Abloh Archive x Air Jordan 1 Releases April 2026

Nearly a decade after the landmark The Ten collection reshaped sneaker collaborations, the legacy of Virgil Abloh continues through a new project with Nike and Jordan Brand centered around the Air Jordan 1 High OG. The upcoming Virgil Abloh Archive x Air Jordan 1 introduces the first global product tied directly to the Virgil Abloh Archive, extending the designer’s influence through a release that blends history with renewed storytelling.

The sneaker itself carries deeper significance because it revisits the original Europe-exclusive Off-White Air Jordan 1. First released in limited quantities during Abloh’s initial Nike collaboration era, the colorway quickly became one of the most sought-after pairs from the project. Now it returns under the Virgil Abloh Archive name, linking the design to a broader effort to preserve and continue Abloh’s creative legacy.

Originally designed by Peter Moore and introduced in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 was the first signature shoe for Michael Jordan. Over the decades, it has become one of the most influential silhouettes in sneaker culture. Abloh’s reinterpretation of the model helped redefine how heritage footwear could be deconstructed and presented through a contemporary design lens.

The upcoming release stays true to Abloh’s recognizable design language. Key details include the exposed foam tongue, the signature orange tab attached to the Swoosh, and the bold “AIR” text stamped along the midsole. The icy white leather upper paired with subtle blue accents—often nicknamed 'Alaska'—emphasizes the layered construction and raw aesthetic that defined Abloh’s earlier Jordan collaborations.

To mark the launch, the sneaker will debut through a series of V.A.A. World’s Fair activations across cities closely tied to Abloh’s life and creative impact. Events are planned in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Each location will host exhibitions, discussions, film screenings, and workshops celebrating Abloh’s impact across fashion, design, and culture.

The Virgil Abloh Archive x Air Jordan 1 High OG will release globally on April 3, 2026, following early launches through the World’s Fair events and online via Canary Yellow.