A New Classic: Matthew M. Williams' ALYX AF1 Low Is Out Now
When it comes to collaboration, most designers take the easy route, copy and pasting a logo here and a monogram there. Not Matthew M. Williams. First working with Nike on an apparel collection in 2018, his take on the Nike Air Force High Tops, launched in 2020, made subtle changes to the iconic trainer silhouette across eight colourways. Unsurprisingly, the cult designer's AF1 HIGH series was a regular sell-out. Now he's taking on the popular AF1 low.
Since 1982, the defining basketball shoe has become a streetwear icon. Williams considers it an essential part of his everyday working uniform as the founder and creative director of 1017 ALYX 9SM. How to make an everyday classic still, well, classic, and worthy of interest? The devil is in the detail.
To start with, the ALYX AF1 Low is made from ultra-premium sail leather, a step above your run-of-the-mill AF1s. Subtle 1017 ALYX 9SM branding is embossed on the heels and lace dubraes: 1017 on the right, 9SM on the left. Changes are made inside out; metal eyelets on the top lace holes add to the vibe of an elevated classic, whilst as the signature Air Force seam on the front panel has been removed to tweak the fit and feel of the shoe.
'When altering the design of something so classic you realize how impactful a seemingly subtle change can be', says Williams. 'It's been my dream to do an Air Force 1 so I'm happy it's finally coming out...I wanted to make our own simplified high quality version that feels special but extremely wearable.'
The ALYX AF1 is available now on alyxstudio.com
It will be exclusively available at Selfridges London on the 1st floor from Saturday 9 December.
