Corteiz Set up Shop in an NYC High School to Drop Its ‘Honey Black’ Nike Air Max Collaboration

UK streetwear brand Corteiz and Beaverton, Oregon-based athletic footwear company Nike launched Saturday in New York City their latest Air Max 95 sneaker in a new “Honey Black” colorway. 

After teasing the launch Thursday by customizing a school bus with Corteiz’s signature logos, the grand reveal came early Saturday morning when coordinates were shared on social media. 

The location led fans to a bus stop where 250 people were allowed to board each vehicle, which then took shoppers on a brief 10-minute trek down Harlem River Drive to Harlem Prep High School — renamed “Honey Blacks High School” for the event. 

Those who weren’t able to get a bus ticket weren’t completely out of luck, as Corteiz founder Clint Ogbenna encouraged fans on social media to find their own way to the school. Once there, fans would have a chance to purchase the coveted Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 “Honey Black” sneakers as well as Corteiz apparel.

Outside of the school, Ogbenna greeted fans and signed shoeboxes for customers. The Corteiz founder shared images of the pop-up event on social media, adding that rapper Jadakiss attended and purchased four pairs of the sneakers for his family. Other images and footage from the event was shared by photographer Jordan Keyser. 

This sort of in-person activation is becoming the norm for Corteiz’s Nike collaborations, although each has been unique thus far. Previous NYC releases have featured repurposed bodega storefronts and newsstands while overseas launches have seen a penalty kick challenge and a pop-up store shaped as a shoebox. At this rate, there’s no way to forecast exactly what Corteiz and Nike will do next.

For those who weren’t able to make it to the in-person launches, the Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 “Honey Black” will be released once more on April 30 from crtz.xyz. Retail pricing is $190.

Readers can find a recap of Saturday’s happenings below.