When you think of Jordan Brand, a few names come to mind. Such names include Peter Moore, Bruce Kilgore, Tinker Hatfield, Gentry Humphrey, Michael Jordan (of course), and Spike Lee. Lee, the award-winning filmmaker, has been a prominent figure in the history of the Air Jordan line since bringing his Mars Blackmon persona to the original Air Jordan 3 ad campaign in 1988. The Spike and Mike duo would work together for many years, with a loving friendship seen on-and-off the court as well (sorry, Knicks fans). This lifelong partnership culminated in 2019 when Spike Lee was seen sporting gold Air Jordan 3s on the red carpet at the Academy Awards. There to support his film BlacKkKlansman, Lee was nominated and won his first Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The sneakers rocked by Spike were a special edition of the Air Jordan 3 Retro Tinker. This iteration of the AJ 3 was inspired by Tinker Hatfield's original design sketches for the silhouette, which included a Nike Swoosh on the sides. Lee's exclusive sports a metallic gold all-leather upper. Even the elephant print detailing is dressed in this premium look.
Cracked detailing on the tongue, collar, and eyelet underlay add character to this historic pair. Red accents the leather lining, featuring Tinker and Spike's signatures embroidered on the tongues, Hatfield on the left, and Lee on the right. Oversized branding is found on the black heel tabs, with a Jumpman on the left and Lee's 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks on the right. A white midsole and full icy translucent outsole round things out for these AJ 3s.
But the story doesn't end there. It's much more significant. In April this year, at the Portland Rescue Mission, former homeless man and recovering addict James Free organized donations while undergoing worker training. Much to his surprise, he stumbled upon this rare pair at the bottom of a bin.
While they were initially skeptical if the shoe was authentic, they were excited to learn that this pair is real, thanks to local sneakerheads and experts. The icing on the cake is that the original designer of this project, Tinker Hatfield, got wind of the pair. He then visited the Portland Rescue Mission to authenticate the pair further, give insight into its lineage, and provide a signed box and artwork from the design process as a gift.
“I’m thrilled the shoes ended up here.” “It’s a happy ending to a really great project.” Hatfield told the Portland Rescue Mission staff.
Now, Soetheby's is the curator of a special auction for this rare size 12.5 pair, one of possibly five in existence. 100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to the Portland Rescue Mission.
The Spike Lee x Air Jordan 3 Retro Gold Oscars PE auction is live and will conclude on December 18, 2023, exclusively at Sotheby's. The lot is expected to go for between $15,000 to $20,000. You can bid on the Spike Lee x Air Jordan 3 Retro Oscars PE here! Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on this auction and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Spike Lee x Air Jordan 3 Retro Gold Oscars PE
Images via Sotheby's
