SNKRS Interview
Nigo x J-Hope
When it comes to Nigo and his ideas for Air Force 1, there’s one consistent thread: expect the unexpected. Naturally, his latest collaboration comes from an unexpected source: his friendship with artist J-Hope. Although they’re not often in the same place, their creative connection knows no borders. The proof? Air Force 1.
J-Hope, what does Nigo bring out of you, creatively? And Nigo, what does J-Hope bring out of you, creatively?
Nigo: He is always an inspiration to me. His presence makes me want to keep pushing myself and continue doing my best.
J-Hope: Nigo is the director who accurately led the part I wanted to implement for the first time. I think Nigo's creative is that he always arouses interest with restrained points and balanced aesthetics. I like that style very much.
How have you each surprised each other over the course of this friendship? And how have you surprised each other creatively while working on this Air Force 1 design?
Nigo: I expected him to have a strong sense of style, but I was impressed to find that he has even more taste and attention to detail than I had imagined.
J-Hope: I was so touched that you took care of me more than I thought, and I was very surprised by the warmth of taking care of gifts every time we met. I really liked the harmony of the enamel material color that Nigo expressed, and the special shoelace details that I haven't seen often brought out the charm of sneakers even more. It was so good.
What does the Air Force 1 mean to you?
Nigo: For me, when it comes to fashion, all you really need is an Air Force 1, a pair of Levi’s 501s, and a white T-shirt.
J-Hope: When I expressed music with both feet, that is, when I danced, the first shoes I wore were white Air Force. I remember wearing those white shoes until they were wrinkled and the time was burning, and when I saw the collaborative force with the color of me and Nigo's personalities added, I felt like I was watching my growth process again and I was touched. In terms of meaning, it's harder to express in words!
What makes this Air Force 1 silhouette an ideal creative canvas to express your unique connection?
Nigo: Actually, this Air Force 1 carries a lot of my feelings for J-Hope. I especially like the materials and the colors. This Air Force 1 is something that could only have been created because the two of us made it together. It’s something I could never have created on my own.
J-Hope: It's really special and glorious to be able to combine my color with a wonderful director who represents an era. In that sense, I thought Nike's iconic model, Air Force 1, was the most ideal and suitable shoe for creative expression. Personally, I like the Force series the most, and it's a familiar and comfortable shoe for me as I always used to dance with white Air Forces when I was young.
Who would you love to see wear the shoe?
Nigo: Anyone who becomes interested in this shoe.
J-Hope: First of all, our members who have always been with me in my growth process and the fans who support me seem to be the first!