The Sneaker Ball, Paris: Nike’s Air Max celebration
Share This:
This week saw the 25th anniversary celebration of Nike’s revolutionary Air Max system. An exclusive event named ‘The Sneaker Ball’ was held in the venue that was Tinker Hatfield’s original inspiration behind the design of Nike’s groundbreaking exposed air unit, The Pompidou centre in Paris. Strictly invite only, the event brought together devotees and ambassadors of Air Max from all over the world and Nike gave our Instagram community the chance to win a trip to the event. After a hugely successful competition based around the ‘definition of Air Max’ and thousands of creative entries over the three weeks, eventually the winners were picked and whisked over to Paris for the event itself.
With over a thousand invitees attending the Sneaker Ball spread out across the rooftop terrace of the Pompidou, we were set for an amazing night of all things Air Max. The large entrance hall featured incredible artwork by I Love Dust and an array of deadstock Nike footwear, carefully picked to compliment the event perfectly.
Moving further into the Pompidou we found the Air Max Stage with a mix of French Hip Hop artists and DJs and then, the main event. Tinker Hatfield greeting ecstatic fans, signing shoes, talking Air Max and even posing for a few pictures. This was THE man who came up with the idea of the visible air unit and told Michael Jordan what shoes to wear.
As we indulged in the coolness of Waffle sole waffles and custom Coke cans, we witnessed the crowning of the king and queen of the Sneaker Ball with, you guessed it, custom made Air Max trophies. With all of these events happening around us, as well as being surrounded by the backdrop of the Pompidou and arguably the best collection of Air Max footwear ever seen in one place, it was truly a night to remember.
If you weren’t there then just check out our video and pictures to see what went down. Big thanks to all who entered the Air Max Reinvented Instagram competition, to Nike for making it all possible and to the man himself. Thanks Tinker.
Share This:
