Virgil Abloh archive selects EQL as launch partner for AIR JORDAN 1 HIGH OG X V.A.A.

March 2026 - EQL has been announced as the launch partner for the release of the AIR JORDAN 1 HIGH OG X V.A.A., a new edition of Virgil Abloh’s iconic Air Jordan 1 design released by the Virgil Abloh Archive™ (V.A.A.) in collaboration with Jordan Brand.

The release marks the first global product launch drawn from the Virgil Abloh Archive™, a collection of more than 20,000 objects documenting the late designer’s expansive creative practice across fashion, design, music, art, and publishing.

To support the release and ensure fair access for fans, the launch will be powered by EQL, a platform designed to help brands and cultural institutions manage high-demand product releases in a way that prioritizes fairness and reliability.

“V.A.A.’s mission is to keep Virgil’s ideas alive. The Archive exists not only to preserve Virgil’s work, but to share it with great care and intention,” said Shannon Abloh, founder and president of the Virgil Abloh Archive™. “Virgil treasured his collaboration with Nike, and the Air Jordan 1 was deeply significant for him. As a teenager, it sparked his dream of becoming a designer, and it was the first pair he designed for Nike.”

The AIR JORDAN 1 HIGH OG X V.A.A. continues the design language Virgil introduced through The Ten in 2017. Signature details including the exposed tongue, orange tab on the Swoosh, and printed “AIR” lettering on the midsole reflect his approach to revealing the inner construction of objects.

Growing up outside Chicago, Virgil Abloh watched Michael Jordan play during the height of the Bulls dynasty. The Air Jordan 1 became a formative symbol for him - both culturally and creatively.

“Michael Jordan was our basketball player,” Virgil once said. “To me, he’s like Superman in real life… But it’s the shoes that were like his cape.”

Ensuring Fair Access

Because of the global demand expected for the release, the launch will be conducted using EQL’s fair entry system rather than a traditional first-come-first-served drop.

Consumers can submit a free entry during the entry window, and participants will be selected at random after entries close.

To learn more about how EQL launches work, visit:
https://www.eql.com/media/eql-101-for-fans

V.A.A. World’s Fair Activations

The release will coincide with V.A.A. World’s Fair, a global series of cultural activations taking place throughout March in cities central to Virgil Abloh’s life and creative practice, including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.

Programming will include artist talks, screenings, workshops, and exhibitions highlighting Virgil’s work across design, graphics, publishing, and culture.

The first activation will take place at Architecture in Los Angeles on March 14–15.

Release Details

The AIR JORDAN 1 HIGH OG X V.A.A. will retail for $230 USD.

The release will be available through V.A.A. World’s Fair activations, online through Canary Yellow, and globally beginning April 3, 2026 via Nike.com and select retailers.

About EQL

EQL is a launch platform designed to help brands release high-demand products in a fair and reliable way. Through bot mitigation, fraud detection, and randomized selection mechanics, EQL helps ensure launches remain accessible to real fans.

EQL launches are free to enter, and participants are only charged if selected to purchase.

About Virgil Abloh Archive™

Virgil Abloh Archive™ (V.A.A.) is a collection of more than 20,000 objects spanning Virgil Abloh’s creative practice across fashion, design, music, art, advertising, and publishing. Stewarded by Shannon Abloh, the Archive exists to preserve and share Virgil’s ideas while expanding public understanding of his cultural impact.

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