Model worn during the memorable and exciting Kanye's performance of Hey Mama and Stronger during the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, this shoe unveiled Nike's top-secret project and marked one of the most brilliant revelations in sneaker history: and made the Yeezy a pillar in the advent of modern sneaker culture.
For more than a year prior to the reveal, rumors swirled that a Kanye sneaker was in development. In one of the brightest and most publicized revelations in sneaker history, Nike and Kanye revealed during the rapper's performance at the 2008 Grammys a pair of sneakers that not even the biggest fans could identify: the only clue was a Swoosh. The sneaker world erupted into a frenzy as biogs and social media ignited in a community eager to learn about the new design.
Created exclusively for Kanye Air Yeezy was a whole new silhouette, created for an artist rather than an athlete, and paved the way for many of today's artistic collaborations. Although Kanye West's Yeezy brand has partnered with adidas since 2013, The Nike Air Yeezy I and Air Yeezy II are considered pivotal to the trajectory of the Yeezy empire.
Brahm Wachter, Head of Streetwear & Modern Collectables at Sotheby's, said: “This pair of shoes is instrumental in the development of the Yeezy franchise, which has become one of the most important sneaker and lifestyle brands in history. Debuted on stage at the Grammys in 2008, the sneakers made waves in the sneaker community as people tried to identify the mystery pair. Later, we saw a series of collaborations between Kanye and Nike, and then later the birth of his line with adidas. We're thrilled to bring this item to market in Hong Kong alongside other sneakers from our Buy-Now sneaker shop – available for immediate purchase – and we hope sneakerheads, music and fashion lovers will enjoy visiting this iconic pair at the our Hong Kong exhibition ".
Ryan Chang, collector and curator (@ apply.arts.nyc), commented: “As a collector, I've always viewed sneakers as objects of design: a physical confluence of art, history and, in this case, music. The Aria Yeezy Prototype is especially special to me because it captured the cultural moment of 2008. There he was, Kanye West, on stage at the Grammys, winning 4 awards just that night and unveiling an incredibly important and iconic design in Nike's storied history. “
Kanye wore the current pair during a critical time in his career in both music and fashion. In addition to giving one of the most memorable performances ever at the Grammys and winning in four categories (including best rap album), the 50th annual Grammy Awards is considered a critical moment in the history of footwear and its intersection with entertainment. Today, multi-billion dollar brand adidas Yeezy is an industry titan.
The samples designed by Kanye West and Mark Smith were built in the Nike laboratory – known as “Innovation Kitchen” – at the company's Beaverton, Oregon headquarters in 2007. The number 12 shoe is crafted from supple black leather with perforated detailing throughout the upper, and the heel overlay is branded with a tonal Swoosh. The design features the iconic Yeezy strap across the forefoot and signature laces with a hot pink 'Y' medallion. Included is a custom laser engraved wooden box, which features a design and engraving by Yeezy 1 creator, Mark Smith.
