If you’ve been following me for a few years then you’ll know that I have obsessed over the work of denim designer ValKristopher. I have written a number of articles about the Manchester based designer, and even introduced his work to stateside denim designer Sheila Rashid. Val has consistently provided us with reworked denim that goes beyond the scope of imagination, experimenting with a mix of materials to showcase pieces centred on the aesthetic of deconstruction.
Alongside his creative partner Jio, I’ve watched the pair source, create, style, and model pieces that have sold out faster than you can say restock. Whilst a curator of denim, Val has always been known to be into sneakers, often seen in a pair of Nike’s or Vans, and I remember checking his snapchat on Saturday drops to see if he managed to cop the latest heat. Recently, the limited Alyx Nike Air Force One featuring a buckle strap prompted me to look at Val’s page as they resembled one of his iterations of the Nike Air Force One.
Clearly Val and Jio have been busy as they recently released a video of the creative process for numerous reworked iterations of the iconic Nike Air Force One, focused on the concept of Utility. The ‘Art of SNKRS’ showcases remixed AF1s with enlarged heel tabs, transparent toe boxes, and exaggerated soles, all of which make for a striking yet subtle design. Some pairs feature a stash compartment on the heel similar to the utility style evident in various industries such as fishing and military, using beige accents formed from durable material. Val and Jio take on a blank silhouette and transform it into a unique design in keeping with their style.
In the video, Val confesses to taking on design in the way he knows how and capitalising on his own capabilities, and this authenticity is evident in his creations. In a time where we are being inundated with established footwear collaborators, many from across the pond, it’s great to see a homegrown designer from a major city working with Nike.
Val’s AF1 is certainly one that I would set my alarm for to pick up on SNKRS, and hopefully with clothing to accompany the drop! Perhaps Val is the new Virgil because his motif is distinctive and works perfectly with the silhouette. Val has made a seamless transition from clothing to footwear and I’m expecting even more from him in the coming year.
