Kanye’s Prototype YEEZYs Could Sell For $1M, Placed Among Most Valuable Sneakers
Image via Sotheby’s
The prototypes that started Kanye West’s YEEZY empire have gone on sale for over US$1 million at Sotheby’s. Designed by West and Mark Smith for Nike, the auction house describes them as among the most valuable sneakers ever brought to market.
According to Robb Report, the previous record was held by a pair of 1985 Air Jordan 1 sneakers, designed for and worn by NBA superstar Michael Jordan, which sold for US$560,000 last year.
West had actually donned this iteration himself at the 2008 Grammys, where he won four awards. Following these prototypes, West had collaborated with Nike for multiple Air YEEZY releases before signing a multi-year deal with Adidas in 2013. According to Forbes, the YEEZY empire brought in an estimated US$1.7 billion in sales last year.
“This pair is critical to the development of the YEEZY franchise, which has become one of the most important sneaker and lifestyle brands in history,” said Brahm Wachter, head of the streetwear and modern collectibles at Sotheby’s.
The unreleased footwear comes in size 12, and was developed in Nike’s ‘Innovation Kitchen’ in Oregon. It features a soft black leather upper with perforated detailing, along with a YEEZY forefoot strap. The kicks will come in a custom wooden box designed by Smith.
The Nike Air YEEZY samples will be on display at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 16 to April 21.
Image via Sotheby’s
[via Robb Report, cover image via Sotheby's]
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