Here's An Official Look at the 'Couture' Air Jordan 1 High

An initial look at the Air Jordan 1 High OF Defiant has surfaced. The color scheme is inspired by the NBA banning the black and red Air Jordan 1 in 1985.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Defiant 'Couture' BQ6682 006 Pair
Image via Nike
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Defiant 'Couture' BQ6682 006 Pair

The story of the NBA banning Michael Jordan from wearing the black and red Air Jordan 1 back in 1985 for not complying with the league's uniform rules at the time has become a major footnote in the lore of the legend's first signature sneaker. It has been used for inspiration in the past on limited releases like 2011's "Banned" Air Jordan 1, but Jordan Brand is once again going to take it back to Feb. 25, 1985 for a brand new makeup, the Air Jordan 1 Defiant. 

As a nod to the NBA banning the Air Jordan 1 for featuring too much color, the Defiant is given an all-black upper. A large red block has been painted on each side panel over the Swoosh, hence the "Defiant" moniker. To add to the retro feel, the pair sits atop a cream-colored midsole. 

According to @pyleaks on Twitter, the Air Jordan 1 High OG Defiant is slated to release on Feb. 23 for $175, a slight price hike from the usual $160 retail for most drops. 

UPDATE (02/12): New images have surfaced of the upcoming Air Jordan 1 High OG "Couture." Despite previous speculation and the shoe's resemblance to the "Banned" colorway, @J23app says that the pair's design is reportedly inspired by the craftsmanship of Italian luxury cars.

UPDATE (02/16): Here are official images of the upcoming Air Jordan 1 High OG Defiant "Couture" courtesy of Nike.

Air Jordan 1 High OG Defiant "Couture"
Release Date: 02/23/19
Color: Black/Gym Red/Muslin
Style #: BQ6682-006
Price: $175

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Defiant 'Couture' BQ6682-006 Medial
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Defiant 'Couture' BQ6682-006 Medial
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Defiant 'Couture' BQ6682-006 Top
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Defiant 'Couture' BQ6682-006 Heel
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Defiant 'Couture' BQ6682-006 Sole

 

Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Couture' Black/Gym Red-Musline BQ6682-006 (Lateral)
Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Couture' Black/Gym Red-Musline BQ6682-006 (Top)
Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Couture' Black/Gym Red-Musline BQ6682-006 (Heel)