Nearly ten years after the groundbreaking “The Ten” collection reshaped sneaker collaborations, the legacy of Virgil Abloh continues with a new chapter tied to the iconic Air Jordan 1. The Virgil Abloh Archive has officially announced release details for the Air Jordan 1 High OG x V.A.A., one of the most anticipated Jordan Brand launches scheduled for 2026.
The upcoming sneaker represents the first global product tied directly to the Virgil Abloh Archive. The archive preserves more than 20,000 pieces documenting Abloh’s creative work across fashion, design, and culture. Rather than serving as only a tribute, the release continues the influential partnership between Abloh and Jordan Brand that first transformed the sneaker world through experimental design and storytelling.
For Abloh, the Air Jordan 1 always carried personal meaning. Growing up near Chicago, he admired Michael Jordan as a larger-than-life figure. The sneaker itself became symbolic of that influence, ultimately inspiring Abloh’s early dream of becoming a designer. That connection also led him to choose the Air Jordan 1 as the first silhouette he deconstructed during his original Nike collaboration.
This new version stays true to Abloh’s recognizable design language. Signature elements such as the exposed foam tongue, the orange tab on the Swoosh, and the bold “AIR” lettering on the midsole all return. The look highlights the construction of the shoe rather than hiding it, a philosophy Abloh often used throughout his work. Fans have already nicknamed this colorway “Alaska,” thanks to its icy white leather upper and light blue accents.
The release will arrive through a series of V.A.A. World’s Fair activations held in cities closely connected to Abloh’s life and creative influence, including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Each event will feature exhibitions, discussions, film screenings, and workshops celebrating his impact on design and culture.
Virgil Abloh Archive Air Jordan 1 Release Date
Priced at $230, the Virgil Abloh Archive x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Alaska” launches throughout March via World’s Fair events and online through Canary Yellow. A wider global release is currently scheduled for April 3, 2026.
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Virgil Abloh Archive x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Alaska”
Color: White/White
Style Code: AA3834-100
Release Date: April 3, 2026
Price: $230
