Who Designed the Paris Dunk?

By Michael Ferguson

The Paris Dunk is a sneaker that has captured the attention of sneakerheads all over the world. The shoe is known for its unique design and colorway, but who was the mastermind behind its creation?

The designer of the Paris Dunk is none other than French artist Bernard Buffet. Buffet was a painter, Illustrator, and printmaker who was born in Paris in 1928. He gained fame in the 1950s for his expressionist style, which often featured dark and moody themes.

In 2003, Nike teamed up with Colette, a Parisian boutique, to create a limited edition Dunk to celebrate their 8th anniversary. They wanted to create a shoe that reflected both Colette’s signature blue color and the artistry of Paris.

Enter Bernard Buffet. Nike approached Buffet’s estate with the idea of using one of his works as inspiration for the shoe. The estate agreed, and Nike chose Buffet’s “Nature Morte” painting as the basis for their design.

The Paris Dunk features a mix of blue hues on its upper, with hits of black and white on the sole and laces. The shoe also features “75” on the heel tab as a nod to Colette’s address in Paris.

Buffet’s “Nature Morte” painting features similar colors to those used on the shoe, with shades of blue and black dominating the piece. The painting depicts objects such as bottles and glasses arranged on a table.

Overall, the Paris Dunk is a unique collaboration between two iconic brands – Nike and Colette – inspired by the artistry of Bernard Buffet. Its design stands out among other Dunks due to its use of color and attention to detail.

In conclusion, while many people may not know who Bernard Buffet is, his influence can be seen in one of Nike’s most iconic sneakers – the Paris Dunk. And while this collaboration may have been a one-time thing, it’s clear that Buffet’s legacy lives on through the shoe and the art world as a whole.