The Nike Dunk, a silhouette originally designed for basketball, has transcended its sporting origins to become a streetwear icon. Among its countless collaborations and iterations, one stands out for its unique elegance and enduring popularity: the Nike Tiffany Dunks. While not an official collaboration with Tiffany & Co., the shoe's association with the iconic jeweler through its colorway and a significant early collaboration has cemented its place in sneaker history. This deep dive explores the history, variations, pricing, and cultural impact of these coveted kicks.
The Genesis: Diamond Supply Co. and the 2005 Dunk Low Pro SB
The story of the "Tiffany Dunks" begins not with Nike directly, but with Diamond Supply Co., a skateboarding apparel and footwear brand founded by Nicky Diamonds. In 2005, Diamond Supply Co. teamed up with Nike SB (Skateboarding) to reimagine the Dunk Low Pro SB. This wasn't just a simple colorway change; it was a meticulous recreation of Tiffany & Co.'s signature robin's egg blue, a shade so iconic it's almost synonymous with luxury and sophistication. This teal, often referred to as "Tiffany blue," was applied to the suede upper of the Dunk, instantly setting it apart from the usual array of bold and vibrant SB releases. The subtle branding, featuring Diamond Supply Co.'s logo on the insole and a small Tiffany-esque box on the packaging, further enhanced the luxurious feel.
The collaboration was a resounding success. The limited release nature, combined with the unexpected elegance of the colorway, created an instant collector's item. The shoes became highly sought after, setting the stage for the enduring legacy of "Tiffany Dunks" and influencing countless future releases. This 2005 release is arguably the most valuable and sought-after of all the Tiffany-esque Dunks, commanding exorbitant prices on the secondary market.
Nike's Subsequent Embraces of the Tiffany Blue Hue
The success of the Diamond Supply Co. collaboration clearly resonated with Nike. While the brand has never officially partnered with Tiffany & Co. on a Dunk, the "Tiffany blue" has made recurring appearances on various Dunk models over the years. These subsequent releases, while not directly linked to Diamond Supply Co., have continued to capitalize on the popularity of the original and solidified the "Tiffany Dunk" moniker in sneaker culture. This has led to a complex and often confusing landscape of variations, making it crucial to differentiate between the original and subsequent releases.
Understanding the Variations: A Collector's Guide
The term "Nike Tiffany Dunks" encompasses a range of shoes, making accurate identification and valuation crucial. Here's a breakdown of some key variations:
* Nike SB Dunk Low Diamond Supply Co. (2005): This is the original and most valuable iteration. Its distinctive features include the specific shade of teal suede, Diamond Supply Co. branding, and the iconic box packaging. Identifying genuine pairs is paramount due to the high number of counterfeits in circulation.
* Subsequent Nike Dunk Releases in Similar Colorways: Many Nike Dunk releases have incorporated similar shades of teal or light blue. These are often referred to as "Tiffany Dunks" by collectors, but they lack the official Diamond Supply Co. collaboration and therefore carry significantly lower value. Identifying these requires careful examination of branding and overall build quality.
* Customizations and Replicas: The popularity of the Tiffany Dunks has also spurred a market for custom-painted shoes and replicas. Distinguishing these from genuine pairs requires expertise, often involving close scrutiny of materials, stitching, and branding details.
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