Original Box: Yes

Dead Stock: no

Accessories: n/a

2003

Eric Haze, the NYC-born graffiti artist, is the creative mind behind the Haze x Nike Dunk High collaboration. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Haze established himself as an icon in the world of street graffiti. He gained recognition for his distinctive style and artistic flair, becoming a prominent figure in the graffiti scene. In 2003, Eric Haze played a pivotal role in sneaker history by collaborating with Nike on one of the earliest sneaker/artist collaborations.

This partnership marked a significant moment in the rise of sneaker collaborations during the early 2000s. Nike had been developing a new overspray technique for its sneakers and reached out directly to Haze to work on the Dunk High collaboration. Intrigued by the opportunity, Haze experimented with the new technique and became inspired to create a unique design for the Dunk High. One of Haze’s initial decisions in the project was to choose a black/white motif, a common theme in his own artwork, and a representation of the gritty style associated with his New York City roots.

The selection of this colour-way and the use of the overspray technique perfectly aligned with Haze’s artistic vision and added a distinct urban flair to the Dunk High collaboration. Throughout the entire project, from its inception to the final product, the Haze x Nike Dunk High remained true to Eric Haze’s heart and artistic sensibilities. The collaboration allowed Haze to translate his unique artistic style onto a differ- ent canvas, and the resulting sneaker became a representation of his creative spirit and influence in both the graffiti and sneaker communities.

The Haze x Nike Dunk High remains a significant and cherished release in sneaker and street art culture, showcasing the powerful impact of artist collaborations and the enduring appeal of the Nike Dunk silhouette.