4 minIn our modern world, art tends to find its place almost everywhere, and sometimes where we least expect it: in the street, on clothes and accessories, in movies and on social networks. So we've decided to highlight 8 sneakers that pay homage to famous artists.
Whether they are collaborations between artists and brands, or simply tributes paid by brands to artists who have passed away, these pairs of sneakers have become veritable collector's items over time. The "Sneakers" phenomenon is on the move, even if some art (and sneaker) purists are opposed to this kind of crossover, considered too commercial.
Let's discover these 8 remarkable collaborations.
Bernard Buffet x Nike
The Nike Dunk Low Pro SB Paris is one of the most attractive colorways produced by the brand with the comma. Only a limited edition of 200 pairs was released for Nike's "White Dunk" touring exhibition in 2003.
This pair depicts the city of Paris by superimposing reproductions of paintings by French painter Bernard Buffet.
Today, this pair of sneakers is fetching record prices at auction. In 2021, Sotheby's sold one for $81,900.
Discover Bernard Buffet's works for sale on Art Shortlist
Daniel Arkham x Dior
In 2019, Daniel Arsham entered into a partnership with Dior. This association has resulted in a number of products, including a pair of B23 that we wanted to present to you today.
Aesthetically, this pair of blue sneakers boasts a line comparable to that of a Converse.
Discover Daniel Arsham's works for sale on Art Shortlist
Keith Haring x Reebok
Since Keith Haring's death in 1990, his works have been widely reproduced through collaborations with various brands. These include Uniqlo and Reebok.
We wanted to highlight a pack of three sneakers inspired by his famous Crack is Wack mural, created in New York in 1986. Reebok has captured his message perfectly with these three pairs of sneakers launched in 2014.
Kaws x Sacai x Nike
In 2021, American artist Kaws has teamed up with Japanese brand Sacai to launch a collection called "Wearable Art". As the name suggests, this is a collection of garments reproducing works by Kaws and, of course, wearable pieces.
This is where the brand with the comma comes in. Kaws and Sacai turned to Nike to create a pair of Blazer Low shoes. Several colors were released: Neptune Blue, Team Red and Purple Dusk.
Kaws also collaborated with Nike on a Jordan IV model, a very successful gray pair.
Discover Kaws's works for sale on Art Shortlist
Vincent van Gogh x Vans
In 2018, the brand launched a collection in partnership with the Van Gogh Museum but also with MoMA in 2020.
Eric Haze x Nike
Launched in limited quantities in 2003, these pairs of Nike Dunk Low and High give us the opportunity to admire the artistic work of Eric Haze.
Takashi Murakami x Vans
American brand Vans has teamed up with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to produce a multitude of colorways.
Supreme x Nike x Rammellzee
One collaboration, two pairs. Released in 2023, these two Nike SB models in collaboration with the Supreme brand showcase the artistic work of Rammellzee.
An influential creator on the New York scene in the 80s, Rammellzee was even one of the leading figures in American street art. He rubbed shoulders with Jean-Michel Basquiat in both music and graffiti.
With these two pairs of Dunk shoes, Nike and Supreme have struck a chord by spotlighting one of the unsung heroes of urban art.
