PRESS RELEASE | NEW YORK | 2 JUNE 2021 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORIGINAL AIR TAKES FLIGHT:
THE EVOLUTION AND INFLUENCE OF AIR JORDAN SNEAKERS
THE LARGEST SNEAKER AUCTION EVER HELD AT CHRISTIE’S IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH STADIUM GOODS
FEATURING RARE EARLY SAMPLES; A COMPLETE SET OF ORIGINAL AIR
JORDANS 1-14; GAME WORN SHOES; AND JORDAN-RELATED ITEMS FROM
KOBE BRYANT, LEBRON JAMES, DRAKE, EMINEM, DEREK JETER, RUSSELL
WESTBROOK, RAY ALLEN, AND JIMMY BUTLER
Air Jordan 1/2, Development Sample
NIKE, 1985-86
Size 10, High-Top
$120,000-160,000 | £85,000-110,000 | €98,000-130,000
Air Jordan 1 High “Black/Red,” Original Salesman Sample
NIKE, 1984
9 High-Top
$22,000-25,000 | £16,000-18,000 | €18,000-20,000
PREVIEW AT CHRISTIE’S NEW YORK: JUNE 4-9 AND JUNE 9-30
ONLINE BROWSING: STARTING JUNE 4
BIDDING: JUNE 22-30
New York – Christie's and Stadium Goods are pleased to announce their second partnered online auction: Original Air Takes
Flight: The Evolution and Influence of Air Jordan Sneakers. Early highlights are available to browse in the dedicated online viewing
room beginning June 2 with full sale live on Christies.com beginning June 4. The full selection will be exhibited at Christie’s New
York from June 4-9 followed by an additional viewing of select highlights from June 9-30. The sale is open for bidding from June
22-30.
Arguably the most influential athlete of all time, Michael Jordan carries a legacy that still resonates both on and off the court. With
90 pairs of sneakers, "Original Air Part II" features a comprehensive look at Jordan's impact through footwear, featuring game-
worn sneakers, samples and prototypes from the Air Jordan brand's beginnings, rare exclusives, and pairs worn by Jordan's
teammates and competitors. Beginning with his game-changing Rookie of Year season, through multiple championships, pop
culture crossover, and on to his continuing impact via projects like “The Last Dance” and his mentorship of Kobe Bryant, Michael
Jordan continues to exert an indelible imprint on sport, fashion, and pop culture. This auction captures the essence of that legacy
through a comprehensive offering of historic footwear memorabilia.
The offering begins with early development prototypes and sample pairs that were critical in shaping the “DNA” of the Air Jordan
brand. The collection is led by a selection of rare and pristine original 1985 Air Jordan 1s, including the mythical 1985 Air Jordan
1 Metallics, and for the first-time ever, a complete set of original Air Jordans 1-14. Rare Jordan brand samples from more recent
years such as the Air Jordan 1 “Royal” in a Lunar Wedge format, and a 1-of-1 Air Jordan 4 in white with black mesh complete the
overview of Jordan Brands roots.
Pairs exclusive to and worn by Michael Jordan himself such as the Air Jordan 11 “Concord,” Air Jordan 12 “Taxi,” Air Jordan 13
“He Got Game,” and Air Jordan 17 comprise another section of the auction. Pairs worn and autographed by his teammates (BJ
Armstrong), and competitors (Charles Barkley), and even a pair worn by Jordan on the golf course (an all-white Air Jordan 11)
add more dimensions to the overall Jordan Brand story, alongside a handful of rare player exclusives and samples created for
prominent universities (UNC, Michigan, Georgetown), ranging from the early Air Jordan 1 model to the Air Jordan 22.
Original Air Part II also offers a selection of items from other professional athletes across multiple sports, some of whom were on
Team Jordan themselves, including Derek Jeter, Russell Westbrook, Ray Allen, and Jimmy Butler. The direct impact Jordan
had on younger star players entering the league is undeniable, and Original Air offers a handful of pairs from those who modeled
not only their game but also their personal sneaker style after Jordan, such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Over the years Jordan Brand expanded its imprint with high profile collaborations with musicians like Eminem and Drake. Original
Air Part II includes several rare samples from those partnerships, as well as highly coveted and scarce commemorative releases
such as the “Friends and Family” exclusive Air Jordan Kobe 3 + 8 Pack, the Air Jordan 1 “Colette,” the Air Jordan 16 “Veterans
Day” and “Board of Governors,” and an Air Jordan 7 “Hare” sample featuring rare crocodile-textured panels.
From rare early samples and originals, to iconic pop culture and commemorative special releases, Original Air Part II offers
something for everyone and anyone passionate about the journey of Michael Jordan and his footwear legacy.
Pictured Top Left:
This incredible one-of-a-kind piece of Air Jordan sneaker history is a development sample of the Air Jordan 2 from 1985/86. This pair was
created early in the design process of Michael Jordan's second signature shoe, which was released in 1986. The Air Jordan 2 would
ultimately look almost nothing like this sample, which indicates that this was likely one of the very first iterations physically created of the
Jordan 2 design. This is thought to be the only pair of this particular Air Jordan 2 development sample in existence. The released Air
Jordan 2 was designed by Nike designers Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore, so it is assumed that they also worked on this early sample.
The sole unit for this sample utilizes the sole of the Nike Air Force 2 from 1986, the second iteration of the famous Air Force 1. The
finished Air Jordan 2 sole is similar in shape and height to this Air Force 2 sole. The design of the leather ankle panels at the collar are
very similar in appearance to the same area of the Air Jordan 1, a fact that further illustrates how early in the design process for the
Jordan 2 this sample must have been. Although quite primitive in appearance, this is an exceptionally singular piece of Air Jordan history.
Pictured Top Right:
The “rookie card” of Air Jordan 1s. Not just any original pair of the Air Jordan 1 Highs in the iconic black-and-red or “Bred” colorway, this
incredibly rare pair is a salesman’s sample of the Air Jordan 1, intended to be used by a Nike rep to sell Michael Jordan’s first signature
shoe to sporting goods and footwear stores in 1985. Looking back now, it’s hard to imagine there was ever a time when a retailer would
have to be convinced to carry Air Jordans. From one of the earliest production runs of the Jordan 1, this pair was assembled in 1984, as
denoted by the production code on the inner collar of the shoe that begins with “84.” Pairs of the Air Jordan 1 sold at retail have a
production code that begins with “85.” The full code on this pair reads “841201-TYSS,” with “SS” denoting that it is a pre-production
“Salesman Sample.” The pair comes with an equally rare vintage brown leather Nike-branded briefcase, as well as a vintage Nike catalog
from 1985 that includes the Air Jordan 1. While it has not been definitively determined that these items accompanied this specific sample
shoe, the briefcase comes from one of the brand’s earliest "EKINs" (Nike spelled backwards) a product specialist who toured the country
educating retailers and consumers about Nike products. This pair is a sample size men’s 9, and is in lightly worn condition, as it may
have been tried on by employees and customers at various sporting goods stores in 1985.
● Early highlights are available to browse starting June 2. Visit the sale page, live for browsing from June 4.
● Press images can be downloaded here.
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS:
Air Jordan 1-14 Complete Set of Originals
NIKE, 1985-1998
$50,000-70,000 | £36,000-49,000 | €41,000-57,000
1. Air Jordan 1 High “Carolina,” NIKE, 1985
2. Air Jordan 2 High “White/Red,” Signed, NIKE, 1986
3. Air Jordan 3 “Black/Cement,” NIKE, 1988
4. Air Jordan 4 “Military Blue,” NIKE, 1989
5. Air Jordan 5 “Grape,” NIKE, 1990
6. Air Jordan 6 “White/Infrared,” Signed, NIKE, 1991
7. Air Jordan 7 “Cardinal,” NIKE, 1992
8. Air Jordan 8 “Bugs Bunny,” NIKE, 1993
9. Air Jordan 9 “White/Black/True Red,” NIKE, 1994
10. Air Jordan 10 “Chicago,” NIKE, 1995
11. Air Jordan 11 “Concord,” NIKE, 1996
12. Air Jordan 12 “Taxi,” NIKE, 1997
13. Air Jordan 13 “Bred,” NIKE 1998
14. Air Jordan 14 “White/Varsity Red”, NIKE 1998
No era or collection of sneakers is more heralded than the
original fourteen Air Jordan models produced during Michael
Jordan’s career with the Chicago Bulls. Although many Air
Jordans have been released since Jordan played his final game
with the Bulls in 1998, none come close to the level of mystique
and desirability of the “original” fourteen.
For the first time ever, a set of original Air Jordans 1-14—each
from their respective initial release year—has been assembled
for auction. Now is your chance to own the single greatest and
most influential collection of sneakers of all time.
Zoom Kobe 1 Protro “Undefeated,” Kobe Bryant Player
Exclusive
NIKE, 2018
Size 14, High-Top
Includes Original Shoe Box.
$6,000-8,000 | £4,300-5,600 | €4,900-6,500
This is a rare Undefeated x Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro Player
Exclusive for Kobe Bryant. In 2018, renowned Los Angeles based
sneaker boutique Undefeated teamed up with Nike for a special
pack of the Kobe 1 Protro in camouflage colorways. The set
included four versions in green, red, orange, and yellow camo
patterns. The latter in yellow was inspired by the Los Angeles
Lakers team colors and was debuted by LeBron James on social
media shortly after he signed with the team in 2018. This particular
pair was created specifically for Kobe Bryant in his size 14. The late
Bryant, regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever, is
also known for being one of Michael Jordan’s greatest students.
His playing style, and even his sneaker line, took cues from His
Airness, although he certainly created his own lasting legacy in
both the basketball and sneaker worlds. While all four colorways of
the Undefeated collaboration were released in limited quantities to
the public, this was from the initial production of the model created
just for a select group of NBA players including Devin Booker,
Giannis Antetokounmpo, DeMar DeRozan, and James. Bryant was
already retired at the time, so he never wore this pair in a game
and it remains in unworn condition. This is a rare chance to own a
late piece of Kobe Bryant sneaker history.
Drake X Air Jordan 4 “OVO,” Sample
NIKE, 2017
Size 12, High-Top
Includes Original Shoe Box.
$14,000-16,000 | £9,900-11,000 | €12,000-13,000
Drake, the world famous, multi-platinum, Grammy-winning
rapper and singer is one of the biggest non-athlete names to ever
collaborate with Jordan Brand. This is a very rare Air Jordan 4
“OVO” sample for Drake, which was never released to the public.
Similar to the iconic original “Bred” colorway of the Jordan 4, this
edition features white and red speckle detailing. The colorway is
actually inspired by a rarely seen unreleased sample version of
the model from 1989 that featured similar speckling. Unique
details added to Drake’s special edition include his “OVO,” or
“October’s Very Own,” label’s owl logo hidden on the inner side
of the heel tab printed in metallic gold, as well as additional
“OVO” and “6 God” graphics underneath the insoles. This Air
Jordan 4 produced for Drake was created in extremely limited
quantities and presumably given to his friends and family.
Air Jordan 1 High "Colette," Friends & Family
Exclusive
NIKE, 2017
Size 7.5, High-Top
Includes Original Shoe Box.
$12,000-15,000 | £8,500-11,000 | €9,800-12,000
This rare Air Jordan 1 High was created in extremely limited
quantities to commemorate the closing of Colette, the revered
Parisian boutique that shuttered its doors in 2017 after 20 years in
business. The influential retailer was known for stocking a high-end
selection of sneakers, streetwear, high fashion, and accessories,
and it was a shock to many when the business
closed in 2017.
This special edition Jordan 1 High was never released at retail and
was produced in a limited number in collaboration with Colette to
be given to friends and family of the brand. The design features the
retailer’s signature royal blue and white color palette in a premium
leather construction. Colette’s double circle logo is found on the
back heel of each shoe, while its opening and closing years of 1997
and 2017 are stamped on the left and right sides, respectively.
“Bonjour” and “Au Revoir” text is also found beneath the clear
rubber outsoles on opposite feet to complete the clean design.
Eminem X Air Jordan 4 “ENCORE,” Friends & Family
Exclusive
NIKE, 2017
Size 13, High-Top
$42,000-45,000 | £30,000-32,000 | €35,000-37,000
For Air Jordan collectors, the Eminem x Air Jordan 4 “Encore” is
one of the rarest, most desirable sneakers in existence. A
rumored 50 pairs were made available to the Detroit rapper’s
friends and family in celebration of his seminal “Encore” album in
2005. In 2017, the mythical shoe was brought back, in even more
limited quantities, once again for friends and family. This is one
of the 23 pairs that went unreleased to the general public. A near
one-to-one of the first “Encore” from 2005, this 2017 version
features a slightly lighter shade of grey on the heel tab and
triangular “wings” lace holders, but remains nearly identical to the
“OG” in every other aspect. A plush blue suede covers the entire
upper, save for the black netting on the tongue and mid-panel. A
red Jumpman appears on the black nylon tongue tag and on the
back of the shoe. “ENCORE” stylized with a backwards “E” in
reference to Eminem’s album name is embroidered in red
lettering on the inside of the heel tab on the collar.
Air Jordan 1 Low "Metallic Blue"
NIKE, 1985
Size 7, Low-Top
Includes Original Shoe Box and Hangtag.
$12,000-15,000 | £8,500-11,000 | €9,800-12,000
The Air Jordan 1 Low “Metallic Blue” is one of only three colorways
of the original low-top version of the Jordan 1 released in 1985-86.
Famous in its standard high-top version, the Air Jordan 1 was also
produced in lower quantities and fewer color options in this low-rise
edition. The design of this colorway features a white leather base
with metallic navy blue accents for the side Swooshes and heel tab.
Air Jordan 1 “UNC,” Player Exclusive
NIKE, 2020
Size 15, High-Top
Includes Original Shoe Box.
$8,000-10,000 | £5,700-7,100 | €6,600-8,200
Michael Jordan’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina,
has been the inspiration for some of the greatest Air Jordans
ever. Most have been released to the public. Some, like this
Jordan 1 High in “UNC” colors, were produced exclusively for
members of the Tar Heels football family, making them the envy
of all sneaker collectors. This “UNC” edition was one of several
collegiate-inspired looks for the Jordan 1 High that were made
for Jordan Brand sponsored programs in 2020. Luxury materials
characterize this exquisite player exclusive. Faux reptilian leather
in University Blue appears on the forefoot, toe cap, and eyelets.
Obsidian leather in a faux stingray-like texture can be found on
the collar and on the heel and Swoosh. The school’s “UNC” logo
appears on the tongue tag of the left shoe to complete the
exclusive design.
Air Jordan 4 “Georgetown,” Player Exclusive
NIKE, 2012
Size 13, High-Top
Includes Original Shoe Box and Hangtag.
$16,000-20,000 | £12,000-14,000 | €14,000-16,000
The Georgetown Hoyas are one of the most storied programs in
college basketball history, a team that has produced countless pro
players throughout the years, including superstars Patrick Ewing
and Allen Iverson.
Sponsored by Jordan Brand, the Hoyas have been blessed in
recent seasons with some of the most sought after and impressive
Air Jordan Player Exclusives to ever hit the court. This Air Jordan
4 PE for the Hoyas from 2012 is easily one of the most coveted of
all on the collector’s market.
Clad in the school’s dark blue and grey color scheme, this stunning
Jordan 4 features a blue nubuck leather upper with the team’s
iconic African-inspired kente cloth pattern from its uniforms printed
across the heel tab, midsole, and inner lining. The school’s bulldog
logo adorns the tongue patch, and the “G” logo is found on an
additional patch on the inner tongue.
PRESS CONTACT:
Jennifer Cuminale | jcuminale@christies.com
About Stadium Goods
Established in 2015 by John McPheters and Jed Stiller, Stadium Goods is the world’s premier marketplace for sneakers and streetwear. Founded and
staffed by connoisseurs with decades of experience in the sneaker and streetwear industries, Stadium Goods is renowned both for its premium retail and
e-commerce model as well as its deep roots in the culture and community surrounding sneakers and streetwear. Stadium Goods received backing in 2017
from esteemed early-stage investors Forerunner Ventures, and in 2018 from LVMH Luxury Ventures. In January 2019, Farfetch acquired Stadium Goods,
bringing about the next stage in the company’s evolution. In addition to its online website and app, Stadium Goods has a brick-and-mortar store at 47
Howard Street in the heart of New York City’s Soho district, as well as a second retail location in Chicago at 60 East Walton Street on the Magnificent Mile.
About Christie’s
Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Founded in 1766 by James Christie,
Christie's has conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful.
Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles,
wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s also has a long and successful history conducting Private Sales for clients and
online sales are offered year-round across all categories. Christie’s global presence is spread across a network of international salerooms and 61
representatives and offices. Christies.com provides detailed articles and videos on the objects offered for sale alongside the latest advances in digital
viewing tools to make Christie’s accessible to all.
*Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back
of the sale catalogue.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are reported net of applicable fees.
# # #
Images available on request
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