The Nike c/o Virgil Abloh “Athlete in Progress” collection salutes the unbreakable confidence held by runners. The international running community embraces the power of self-belief, consistent from the unprecedented marathon performances of ’84 through the continued efforts to break boundaries in ’19, and in every fight for a personal best or world record. While times may not be equal and races are won by one one-hundredth of a second, runners, though self-reliant, share the drive toward consistent progress.
For the “Athlete in Progress” collection, Virgil Abloh taps Nike’s rich heritage in track and field. The assortment balances performance product with post-run apparel and footwear inspired by Nike’s storied running shoe designs.
“I started talking with Nike about this women’s running project last summer and at the time, I was very much inspired by the aesthetic and style of track and field athletes. As a result, I invited some of Nike’s elite track and field champions to participate in my SS19 Off-White runway show as the natural forerunner to developing and showcasing the collection,” says Abloh.
Nike c/o Virgil Abloh “Athlete in Progress” debuted in Paris last September as part of the Off-White SS19 runway show with athletes Dina Asher Smith, Vashti Cunningham, Cecilia Yeung, English Gardner, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Nafi Thiam, Caterine Ibarguen and Rénelle Lamote.
Now, with 800-meter champion Caster Semenya, it readies for the initial limited release inclusive of a run top and tight and the Nike x Off-White Zoom Terra Kiger 5.
The Nike c/o Virgil Abloh “Athlete in Progress” collection releases globally on June 27.
