Cover image: Jacquemus
The JF1 is here.
Nike has had a busy start to the year, working with singers, soda brands and fashion designers, with a new collaboration with Jacquemeus set to release soon.
Jacquemus is the namesake brand of Simon Porte Jacquemus, who founded the label at 19, shortly after moving to Paris from the countryside. Jacquemus initially enrolled at the École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode before dropping out and founding his own brand following the death of his mother. Jacquemus serves as a tribute to her maiden name. As a brand, the French label breathes fresh air into luxury fashion, blending chic minimalism with a fun and playful aesthetic. This refreshing approach is extended into the brand’s second collaboration with Nike.
First brought to our attention in February this year, fans were teased with a close-up of a previously unseen ‘JF1’ dubrae tag, hinting that a Jacquemus Nike Air Force 1 was on the way.
Past collaborations have seen Jacquemus work on the Nike Air Humara, a trail running sneaker first released in 1997 and inspired by the technical aesthetic of motorcycle wheels, seen in the high-traction sole. The French label injected a dainty minimalism to the rugged silhouette, accenting the shoe with scaled-down Swoosh branding, dressed in three typically Jacquemus colourways; pink, Sail, and brown.
For its latest co-branded designs, the luxury brand debuted an entirely new product, building on its initial Nike collaboration, taking the traction-grabbing all-conditions sole unit and fusing it with the timeless wearable appeal of the Nike Air Force 1.
Arriving in ‘Triple White’ and ‘Triple Black’ colourways in honour of the most iconic hues of the original silhouette, the pared-back tones offer every-outfit wearability.
With an inherently well-thought-out collaboration offering consumers something truly unique, Jacquemus continues its path into the fashion zeitgeist. Hailing from the Salon-de-Provence in the South of France, Jacquemus reflects on his upbringing with a global fashion sensibility. By collaborating on the well-loved Air Force 1 silhouette, the French label positions itself outside the cliched style tropes of Saint Tropez and Nice, creating a universally wearable sneaker to reflect the strength of both brands’ designs.
As the Nike Air Force 1 turns 40 this year, Jacquemus’ collaborative take on the footwear icon is a perfect tribute. With early looks creating hype online, these high-end trainers are sure to sell out fast.