The Vitra Design Museum is set to debut a groundbreaking exhibition titled Nike: Form Follows Motion, marking the first museum showcase dedicated to the iconic sports brand. The exhibition will run from September 21st, 2024, to January 15th, 2025, offering an in-depth look at Nike’s rise from a small startup to a global leader in both sports and design innovation. Curated by Glenn Adamson, the exhibit highlights Nike’s design journey, from its founding in the 1960s to its present-day focus on sustainability and cutting-edge materials.
The exhibition is structured chronologically, beginning with a section called Track, which explores the brand’s early years. It showcases Nike’s first designs, including the original Waffle Sole developed by co-founder Bill Bowerman. Visitors will also learn about Nike’s grassroots marketing efforts and its collaborations with athletes like the Tigerbelles, a trailblazing team of Black female athletes.
The second section, Air, focuses on Nike’s explosive growth in the 1980s, particularly through its collaborations with star athletes like Michael Jordan and Serena Williams. Iconic products like the Air Jordan and Air Max are prominently featured, highlighting Nike’s influence on both sports and popular culture.
In Sensation, the third section, the exhibition delves into Nike’s technological innovations. Visitors will get a glimpse into the Nike Sport Research Lab, where products like the Nike Free and Vaporfly were developed to enhance athletic performance. This section also explores the company’s commitment to sustainability, with innovations like Flyknit and Nike Grind made from recycled materials.
The final section, Collaboration, celebrates Nike’s partnerships with designers, athletes, and communities. Fifty unique footwear designs, some created through collaborations with fashion icons like Virgil Abloh and Comme des Garçons, will be on display. This section emphasizes Nike’s role in shaping contemporary culture and its commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The exhibition offers rare insights into Nike’s design archive, with most of the exhibits sourced from the Department of Nike Archives. Check out our conversation with Glenn Adamson to discover how this show goes beyond celebrating sneakers—it’s an exploration into the very DNA of a brand that has influenced everything from streetwear to social justice movements.
Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum
Photography by BERNHARD STRAUSS
Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum
Photography by BERNHARD STRAUSS
Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum
Photography by BERNHARD STRAUSS
Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum
Photography by BERNHARD STRAUSS
Oregon, 2024
Courtesy of NIKE, INC., photography by ALASTAIR PHILIP WIPER
Courtesy of NIKE, INC., photography by ALASTAIR PHILIP WIPER
Courtesy of NIKE, INC.
Courtesy of NIKE, INC.
Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum, photography by UNRUH JONES
Courtesy of NIKE, INC.
