CELEBRITY
Rare ‘Spike Lee Oscars’ Air Jordans Donated To Homeless Shelter Now Up For Auction
Sotheby's
A rare pair of golden Nike Air Jordans are up for auction after they were discovered in a donation bin at a shelter in Portland, Ore., and proceeds from the sale will benefit the shelter, according to auction house Sotheby’s.
The ‘Spike Lee Oscars’ Air Jordans were never released to the public, and made their debut on Spike Lee’s feet at the 2019 Academy Awards. The metallic gold sneakers feature elephant print edges and a red interior, with an oversized Jumpman insignia and a custom logo for Lee’s 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks production company on the heel.
The Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘Spike Lee Oscar’ shoes were discovered earlier this year in the donation bin at Portland Rescue Mission’s Burnside Shelter by a man in their long-term shelter program. They appeared to be in brand new condition, and a shelter employee sought to have them authenticated, according to a statement from the shelter.
A local sneaker shop offered $10,000 for the sneakers on the spot, saying that they were one of only four or five pairs ever made, though they were not Lee’s personal pair. Instead, the shelter reached out to Sotheby’s.
The shelter also reached out to legendary Nike designer Tinker Hatfield, whose name appears embroidered on the shoes. He donated a replacement box for the shoes along with a previously unpublished Design Concept Board, complete with an autograph.
Im thrilled the shoes ended up here. Its a happy ending to a really great project, Hatfield said.
The lot offered by Sotheby’s includes the shoes, box, signed and framed design proof, and letters of authentication and provenance along with photo evidence of Hatfield’s autograph.
The auction house said 100% of the hammer price will go to the Portland Rescue Mission, which has provided food, shelter, clothing and other services to people experiencing homelessness and addiction since 1949.
TMX contributed to this article.
