The hype for the Louis Vuitton Nike “Air Force 1” collection is building. One year after it was first presented at Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2022 menswear show in June last year, the Virgil Abloh-designed sneakers will finally hit shelves next month.

The sneaker outing will feature a select nine designs from the show spanning a range of cuts – from mid to low tops – and in a kaleidoscope of colourways. In true Abloh fashion, each design will carry the late designer’s acclaimed quotation marks on the midsole and laces (peep the “Air” and “Lacet”).

Fashion peacocks, meanwhile, can look forward to the all-gold version of the Air Force 1s which pays homage to Abloh’s inaugural Spring/Summer 2019 collection or the patchwork suede pair that’s topped with a snazzy silver upper that exemplifies his graphic language and use of colours.

Each more standout than the next, the French Maison’s signature monogram is heavily prominent – aside from the Damier edition that is adorned with a “Louis Vuitton” graffiti motif by Milan-based tattoo artist Ghusto Leone. There are also more classic silhouettes in white leather and a luscious black suede iteration.

Ahead, a preview of the upcoming collection.