# Collaborative Gradient Sneakers Virgil Abloh and Nike Re-Designed the Blazer silhouette By Ell Smith | Published 2018-08-06 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virgil-abloh-and-nike References: [hypebae](https://hypebae.com/2018/8/virgil-abloh-nike-blazer-rainbow-sole) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/2muchsol3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_control) Last year Virgil Abloh and [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lorenzog-1) joined forces to offer consumers a unique collaborative line that left fashionistas wanting more. After much anticipation, Abloh, the design genius behind the streetwear brand Off-White, has released the next Nike silhouette to receive his special design treatment. Nike's Blazer silhouette was an instant classic among the fashion-forward and those interested in practical footwear. With [chunky, supportive soles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-blacks), these high-top shoes offer both style and comfort. Abloh has altered the design of the shoes to feature his iconic aesthetic. The teased sneakers feature a [gradient colorway](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dusk-colorway) on the soles and platform of the shoe. Meanwhile, Abloh's classic text font adorns the mid of the shoe. Image Credit: via Instagram @2muchsol3 ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Collaborative Sneaker Designs:** The trend of fashion designers collaborating with sneaker brands presents disruptive innovation opportunities for both industries. - **Gradient Colorway:** The rising popularity of gradient designs in fashion opens up innovative opportunities for brands to incorporate this trend into their products. - **Streetwear Influence in Footwear:** The growing influence of streetwear in the footwear industry provides opportunities for brands to create unique and edgy designs that appeal to fashion-forward consumers. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Design:** The collaboration between fashion designers and sneaker brands is revolutionizing the way footwear is designed and marketed. - **Sportswear:** The fusion of streetwear and sportswear in sneaker designs is disrupting the traditional boundaries of athletic footwear. - **Luxury Goods:** The incorporation of high-fashion elements into sneakers is creating a new market for luxury sneakers that appeal to fashion-conscious consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bold Tonal Gradient Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-plus-6.md) - [Collaborative Textural Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/field-general.md) - [Collaborative Sportswear Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-and-offwhite.md) - [Gradient Tonal Limited Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lorenzog-2.md) - [Patterned Chunky Textural Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-95-sneaker-collaboration.md) - [Chunky Cross-Generational Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vulcanized-779.md) - [Makeup Artist-Crafted Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-dn-silhouette.md) - [Collaborative Side-Laced Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magmascape.md) - [Kiss-Covered Collaboration Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vaquera-x-nike-air-max-dn8.md)