IR SHIP, MJ PLAYER EXCLUSIVE, GAME-WORN SNEAKERS, NIKE, 1984 LEFT SHOE: SIZE 13.5, RIGHT SHOE: SIZE 13, HIGH-TOP ESTIMATE $350,000 – 550,000 AIR JORDAN 14 “CHICAGO”, PLAYER EXCLUSIVE, PRACTICE-WORN SNEAKERS, NIKE, 1998 SIZE 13, MID-TOP ESTIMATE $6,000 – 8,000
Christie’s have announced a partnership with Stadium Goods to host Original Air: Michael Jordan Game-Worn and Player Exclusive Sneaker Rarities, a landmark online sale offering the most comprehensive sneaker record of Michael Jordan’s era-defining Chicago Bulls career. With a total of 11 lots including sneakers that are among the rarest of the rare, “Original Air” unites the greatest collection of historic Michael Jordan footwear memorabilia ever offered at one time. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from one of the sale’s lots are designated to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF). Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfils the promise of equality for all Americans.
John McPheters, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Stadium Goods, remarks,
“Michael Jordan’s tremendous impact on basketball and sneakers is universally acknowledged, and it can be easy to think there aren’t any new stories to add to the legend. But as we’ve seen with ‘The Last Dance’ and now with our ‘Original Air’ auction with Christie’s, there are still lesser known narratives in the legacy that create great interest. The pieces we’ve put together for this auction are truly unique, and will have deep resonance for Jordan fans, sneaker connoisseurs and pop culture collectors alike. Additionally, we are pleased to be able to donate proceeds from one of the sale’s most exciting highlights to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.”
Beginning in 1985 with the release of the Air Jordan 1, Nike’s Jordan Brand has been at the forefront of a pop-culture movement that has spanned the globe. Put simply, Michael Jordan and his signature line of footwear are the foundational pillars of modern basketball and the worldwide phenomenon of sneaker collecting. From a pre-Jordan Brand Nike Air Ship Jordan worn during his rookie season ($350,000 – 550,000), to the very pair of the Air Jordan 7 “Olympic” worn in the Dream Team’s gold medal game in 1992 ($50,000 – 70,000), to a pair of classic Jordan 14s worn during practice for his final Bulls appearance ($6,000 – 8,000), “Original Air” provides a one-of-a-kind look at Jordan’s career and his footwear’s impact on sports, culture and style.
Aline Sylla-Walbaum, Global Managing Director of Luxury at Christie’s, remarks,
“As the leading Luxury auction house, Christie’s is honored to partner with Stadium Goods, the world’s premier marketplace for sneakers and streetwear, for a series of sales beginning this July with ‘Original Air.’ This highly-curated sale marks Christie’s entry into a new collecting category that merges sports’ history, art, fashion, and contemporary lifestyle following the great success of our Hype sale in December 2019. In collaboration with Stadium Goods, we hand-selected an offering that represents the most iconic moments of Michael Jordan’s celebrated career and his enduring impact on sport and style. We sought to offer only the highest quality pieces in the same way we evaluate items for Christie’s Luxury sales – looking for quality, rarity, and uniqueness of design. Additionally, this sale has offered us the opportunity to partner with the Post-War & Contemporary Art and Photographs teams as we look to the world of sports as inspiration for mediums across art.”
