Who Made the Paris Dunks?

By Anna Duncan

The Nike Dunk has become a staple in the world of sneakers since its release back in 1985. The shoe was originally designed for basketball players but quickly became popular among skateboarders and sneakerheads alike.

Over the years, Nike has released countless iterations of the Dunk, each with its own unique design and story behind it. One of the most popular Dunks of all time is the Paris Dunk.

The Paris Dunk was first released in 2003 as part of Nike’s “City Pack” collection. The collection featured Dunks inspired by different cities around the world, including Tokyo, London, and Barcelona. The Paris Dunk was designed by French artist Bernard Buffet and was inspired by the city’s art scene.

The shoe features a black and white colorway with a graphic print on the side panel that resembles brushstrokes from a painting. The words “75” and “Paris” are stitched onto the heel in red, paying homage to the city’s zip code and flag colors.

The Paris Dunk quickly became a must-have for sneaker collectors around the world, with pairs selling for thousands of dollars on resale sites. But who actually made this iconic sneaker?

The Paris Dunk was produced in Nike’s factories in Asia, specifically in China and Vietnam. Nike has factories all over the world to ensure that they can meet demand for their products while keeping costs low.

However, while Nike may have physically produced the shoe, it was designed by Bernard Buffet, a French artist known for his expressionist paintings. Buffet passed away in 1999 before he could see his design come to life on a pair of sneakers.

In conclusion, while Nike’s factories may have physically produced the Paris Dunk, it was designed by French artist Bernard Buffet who drew inspiration from the city’s vibrant art scene. The shoe has since become one of the most coveted Dunks of all time and is still sought after by collectors to this day.