The Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 ‘Bred’ – a true grail. No debate. First released in 1985, this was one of the first sneakers Michael Jordan helped shape after signing with Nike. Fast forward 40 years, and the OG pair makes a long-awaited comeback.
Back in the ‘80s, basketball sneakers all looked the same, until the Air Jordan 1 ‘Bred’ dropped. The bold black-and-red colourway broke the mold, earning the nickname ‘Banned’ after the NBA reportedly fined MJ $5,000 a game for not following uniform regulations (something about needing 51% white on the shoe). But instead of backing down, Nike paid every fine and turned it into one of the most legendary marketing moves in history.
Nike ran with the controversy, dropping the iconic “They can’t stop you from wearing them” ad featuring MJ in the Breds. Now, before the real sneaker-geeks in the Community call it out – the actual ‘banned’ sneaker was the Nike Air Ship, designed by Peter Moore. But facts aside, the ‘Bred’ AJ1 remains one of the most revolutionary sneakers of all time.
GREATNESS REIMAGINED
With the ‘Bred’ (or ‘Banned’) cemented in sneaker history, we’ve teamed up with 12 visionary artists from the Offspring Community to reimagine one of Jordan’s most iconic moments. Each artist has put their own spin on an MJ image from ’85, blending past and present to celebrate his impact on sport, rebellion, and our Community.
Meet the creatives behind the work – 12 talented artists pushing boundaries and redefining sneaker culture through their own unique styles.
createdbycait
I’m an illustrator and creative from Warwickshire. Most of my work focuses on sneakers and sneaker culture, taking influence from the history or name of a pair when creating sneaker pieces. But I also love creating pieces around sports, music and food. I’d say my style is just fun and playful illustrations!
I have more Jordan 1s in my collection than any other silhouette as they’re so versatile and timeless – there’s a pair for any occasion. In my opinion they are one of the most iconic pairs to exist and completely changed the sneaker industry.
danbatch
I’m a London-based 3D animator and videographer. My main style is 3D animation using Blender to create short, ad-like content. I find this style allows me to explore multiple different avenues ranging from basic to abstract.
The Jordan 1 is an iconic pair of sneakers that embodies everything a timeless sneaker should have. Its simple design makes it incredibly versatile, while a colour change can completely transform the shoe’s style. The cultural significance of the shoe is also enormous. Without the Jordan 1, we might never have had so many other iconic models over the years.
cjcreates__
I’m Chapter-Jane, a 25-year-old artist from East London with a love for bold, vibrant art. Inspired by cartoons and my lifelong love of anime, I use traditional painting techniques but bring a unique twist by working on unconventional surfaces like skateboards. My work is all about creativity, expression, and finding new ways to make art stand out.
m._fernandes
I’m Mel, a sneaker, art and music enthusiast with a passion for creating pieces that fuse all three seamlessly, influenced by GTA, tattoo and ‘Chicano’ styles.
What I love most about Jordan 1 is its versatility. With a 1 you’re bound to have pairs that match every fit whilst still being a classic (and comfortable!) shoe.
navindernangla
Navinder Nangla here aka Van Goth. I’m a polymath artist, also the most ‘fassionable’ living artist. My art is very ‘pop’ touching on cultural moments in history. I’m also dicklegssick(dyslexic) so I like to champion this in my art as it’s a blessing and I believe a superpower. It makes me create and think differently to others. ‘Fassion is my Pashion’ is my mantra.
theartistshay
My name is Shanice and I’m an animation graduate, digital artist, and passionate sneaker collector. Sneakers are more than just footwear to me; they are a canvas for storytelling. Through my art, I strive to creatively tell stories that bring to life the essence of each silhouette. I explore this in different ways, whether through literal or symbolic interpretations of a silhouette’s name, colourway, or its history.
The Jordan 1 stands out to me for its simplicity and versatility. It has a unique ability to elevate a person’s presence, allowing individuals to make it their own and express their personal story.
mndstudios
My inspiration comes from culture and life experiences. I was born in Indonesia and spent part of my childhood there before moving to London. Growing up, I enjoyed Indonesian and American cartoons & comics, and have always loved drawing grotesque monsters. Over the years, my style has evolved, experimenting with acrylic paints, pencil and pen sketches, digital art, and video editing. I describe my art as finding beauty in chaos. My work reflects past traumas and represents the experiences people go through, using those struggles to find strength and joy in life. I value all of life’s experiences, both good and bad.
Jordan 1s remind me of the nostalgia, from seeing them go from a sports shoe to a fashion icon. My younger sister, who inspires me a lot, plays basketball both competitively and for fun. I love hearing about her passion for the sport and the shoes.
mrjosephyemiart
I’m Joseph Ijoyemi, a Swedish-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist based in South-East London. My work navigates the intricate layers of culture, migration, social issues, and identity. Rooted in both figurative and abstract styles, my art draws from personal experiences and employs diverse materials and imagery to weave compelling narratives.
I’ve recently ventured into sound art and moving images – blending recordings and samples to create rhythms that resonate with my exploration of archives and cultural memory. Through my art, I want to story tell and create immersive experiences that challenge people to rethink societal norms and engage with the diverse world we live in.
sneaksketchuk
I’m Paul, an illustrator from the North-East. I’ve been drawing sneakers under the guise of @sneaksketch for a few years now and it all started with the Jordan 1. Any time I’m creating I always like to put a bit of a spin on things so that the sneaker isn’t always the main feature of my work. I like to create other areas on the canvas to draw people’s eye too, and this piece was no different.
Growing up the 1s were always a sneaker I loved the look of but were out of reach. Now as an adult they’re the cornerstone of my collection and a constant ‘go to’. Their bold but understated look just makes them so easy to wear no matter the day or occasion.
streetstyle28
I’m a London-based law student with a deep passion for graphic design and sneakers. I’m a true sneakerhead at heart. My designs are heavily influenced by sneaker culture, and I draw a lot of inspiration from the Community. I love creating graphics that capture the essence of the sneakers I admire, breathing life into their stories through my art.
As a lifelong fan of Michael Jordan, I’ve always been in awe of his accomplishments – both on and off the court. The Jordan 1, for me, is more than just a sneaker; it’s a symbol of the legacy that started the entire sneaker culture movement. My first pair of Jordans were the 1, and that moment was a game-changer for me – sparking my journey as a sneakerhead. There’s just something indescribable about the Jordan 1 that connects with people on a deeper level. It’s not just a sneaker; it’s a piece of history
snkrrgirl
I’m Jay, better known as @snkrrgirl! As a fashion-obsessed artist, I create looks and artwork inspired by my daily experiences. This year, I’m pushing myself to create even more. My work spans from sketches to canvas paintings and everything in between – always with expressive details that bring each piece to life.
Jordan 1s have pure icon status. Classic yet versatile, they add the perfect edge to any outfit and tell a story with every wear. For me, fashion and art are inseparable, and Jordans are the perfect canvas.
illestration
I’m Olivia, a multidisciplinary artist from London. With over 10 years’ experience, I have built a diverse portfolio of work for international clients across the music, advertising and media industries. Drawing from influences rooted in pop culture, film, music and sport, my focus resides in bold, vivid painting and textural, detailed clay modelling.
My intention with the clay sneaker pieces is to portray the importance of street culture and the value that sneakers hold today. I believe that sneakers are not simply items to be worn but culturally significant symbols that people want to display proudly in their homes. Each piece is a true homage to its original design and reflects the beauty of every sneaker.
kwoky_
I’m a Kiwi artist living in London, creating art daily for both work and play. My style is heavily influenced by Japanese ‘anime’ and comic books, blending bold lines with dynamic perspectives to amplify movement and energy in the human form.
The Jordan 1 is more than just a sneaker – it’s a symbol of history, innovation, and cultural impact. From its groundbreaking design to its role in shaping sneaker culture, it’s the shoe that started a movement. Its legacy continues to inspire artists, athletes, and sneakerheads across generations.
