Nike Air Force 1 -
Run the Jewels
Project Overview
Client: Self-Initiated; Run the Jewels
Application: Hand-painted alcohol-based gold paint on Nike Air Force 1 High Tops
Timeline: May 2019
Timeline: Premium
Turning Fandom Into Art
This custom Air Force 1 project celebrates Run the Jewels through the most research-intensive Iconoflage work to date. What began as an experiment to produce story-driven, custom shoes evolved into a deep dive into hip-hop culture, transforming personal passion into a professional capability for cultural storytelling. The dual-shoe format tells individual stories—El-P's innovation legacy on the left, Killer Mike's community vision on the right—while unified RTJ iconography creates cohesion.
Working with Molotow gold markers on curved leather demanded technical innovation, requiring a two-marker rotation system as the paint constantly clogged. The black and gold palette honors hip-hop visual traditions while every icon—from Def Jux and OutKast references to Bernie Sanders advocacy and Marvel collaborations—carries authentic cultural meaning discovered through weeks of intensive research.
Ready for Your Custom Story?
Interested in wearable art that tells your unique narrative? Let's discuss how custom Iconoflage can transform your story into collector-quality pieces.