K ick-start 2021’s hotly anticipated summer season with highly collectible, sneakerhead-approved pairs from the private collection of Matt Forloine. As the co-founder and CEO of Suede One, Forloine has translated his passion for sneakers into a thriving business: the innovative platform provides world-class sneaker authentication services.
Photo by Kilian Seiler.
As we emerge from over a year of social distancing, greeting the sunshine in style has never felt so significant — and fresh kicks are especially essential. Says Forloine, “Sneakers are the centerpiece of any outfit, and the best way to show some personality in a refined way. Even more importantly, they are a powerful connector of people from all different backgrounds, interests and walks of life.”
This summer, expect streetwear to reign supreme with an emphasis on retro styling, elevated details, optimistic pops of color and all-day comfort. We take a closer look at five of our favorite summer-ready shoes from the drop, available now at Sotheby’s online sneaker destination. As on-trend accompaniments to your post-pandemic debut wardrobe, these extraordinary pairs boast impeccable design flourishes and collectible details that will stand the test of time. For those new to sneaker collecting, Forloine offers some straightforward advice: “Start with what feels right, and don’t overthink it. Life is short — buy the pair.”
adidas Pharrell Williams X NMD Human Race Trail “Solar Pack”
The first of three versions of Pharrell Williams’ Human Race “Solar Pack,” this eye-catching casual sneaker embodies the nomadic lineage of the adidas NMD. Primeknit uppers emblazoned with the words “MOTH3R” and “L4ND” complement the shoe’s striking African art-inspired colorway, while Boost technology delivers optimal comfort and energy return—perfect for pounding the pavement in style as the weather warms up.
Nike Sacai LD Waffle Pine Green
A collaboration between Nike and the infamous Japanese luxury fashion brand Sacai, this covetable shoe has us seeing double: fusing the Nike LDV and Waffle Racer, the unique hybrid design features double stacked Nike swooshes, tongues, overlays and laces. Suede and leather accents in sunny tones of orange, del sol and magenta stand out against breezy mesh pine green uppers.
“The rise of sneakers and streetwear culture has been a product of several shifts in fashion, commerce and society, more broadly. First, Instagram has created a 24/7 365 ‘Paris Fashion Week’ — especially for athletes, rappers/singers and influencers — which has stimulated consumer demand. Also, sneakers and streetwear are socially acceptable in almost any setting now — whether that’s the red carpet at the Met Gala or at a corporate 9-5.”
Nike Off-White Dunk Low “Pine Green”
Virgil Abloh pays homage to Nike’s basketball and skateboarding legacies with this limited-edition collaboration. Uppers in contrasting pine green and bright white are accented with the designer’s unmistakable touches, including an orange-tabbed swoosh and bold branding on the medial side. Secondary flywire lacing in bright orange adds an unexpectedly rugged aesthetic to the essential streetwear silhouette.
Nike Sacai Blazer Mid “University Blue”
Another standout from Nike’s collaboration with the renowned Japanese fashion house, this shoe debuted at Paris Fashion Week in spring 2019. A layered fusion of the Dunk High and the Blazer, the design doubles up on swooshes, tongues and laces. The black upper base is accented with details in white and on-trend University Blue — a soothing, optimistic hue reminiscent of summer skies.
Build out your summer wardrobe refresh with the latest Sneaker Shop drop.
