KAWS has evolved from quietly tagging graffiti across New York City to becoming a household name. Starting off in New York’s early 90s skateboard scene, KAWS, who’s legal name is Brian Connelly, made a name for himself through his graffiti around the city. His unique tags and “Companion” character designs gained him worldwide recognition, leading to collaborations with Hypebeast, Dior, Star Wars, Jordan Brand, and others outside of the graffiti realm.
Early graffiti work by KAWS in the 1990’s (images from: Art21 Magazine and Sold Art)
One of KAWS’ most visited forms of collaboration is through footwear. Since 2002, he’s used shoes as a way to further expose his work, building notoriety within the sneaker and streetwear scene. Though he’s worked with many within the footwear industry, Vans and BAPE to name a few, he is most well known for his ongoing partnership with Nike.
[Top to bottom] Stash, Futura, and Dave Ortiz Nike collaborations
Nike has worked with many of today’s most prolific street artists that have paved the way for the medium today. Artists such as Futura, Stash, and Dave Ortiz have all put their personal touches on some of Nike’s most iconic silhouettes, with many reaching thousands of dollars in the secondary market. Even outside of collaborations, Nikes are notorious as footwear canvas for many artists.. With silhouettes like the Air Force 1, Dunk, and Air Max 1, Nike is the brand of choice for artists or many mediums, making a collaboration with KAWS the perfect marriage.
Back in 2008, KAWS worked his magic on an Air Force 1 for the Swoosh’s 1World campaign. Featuring reworked stylings of the classic basketball sneaker by influencers of that era, KAWS submitted a black and Volt design that stood out from the crowd. The sneaker was well received by the sneaker community for its minimal, yet intricate, stitched detailing on the toe box and bold color scheme. The colorway is still appreciated by sneakerheads today and is considered one of the century’s best Air Force 1s by Complex. With such positive feedback from the community, another collaboration was needed between Nike and KAWS.
In the same year, Nike granted KAWS another collaboration outside of any larger campaign, giving the artist an even greater opportunity to showcase his talents. Riding the wave of positive recognition from his first AF1 design, KAWS transferred those same traits to two pairs Air Max 90s. In an interview with Highsnobiety on the two sneakers, KAWS said that “I wanted to create a simple shoe that I could wear, with subtle design elements someone could enjoy on a more personal level.” Both white and black pairs take on monochromatic uppers with hits of Volt on the outsole and laces. The key features of each pair appear on the toe box and tongue where KAWS puts his own “XX” branding as a signature.
The pack saw a very limited release, dropping only at Nike’s 21 Mercer in New York City and The Montalbán in Los Angeles. With such limited numbers and KAWS growing recognition within the sneaker community, the Air Max 90 had the makings of an instant success.
With his collection of t-shirts and accessories in partnership with UNIQLO, to his own Companion figurines selling out with ease, KAWS has become a recognizable brand with hypebeast stardom. His Nike Air Max 90 is a grail to sneakerheads the world over for its scarce release numbers and unique aesthetic. To those wanting to snag a pair, get ready to break the bank, as each pair is going for close to $3,000 on StockX.
