Few brands have shaped the intersection of sport, fashion, and culture quite like Nike. With Nike: Form Follows Motion, the Vitra Design Museum presents the first-ever museum exhibition dedicated to the brand’s groundbreaking design history. Running through May 4th, this show peels back the layers of Nike’s evolution — from its humble origins as a track-and-field startup to a global design powerhouse influencing everything from sneaker culture to sustainability. Through a curated selection of rare prototypes, historic designs, and cutting-edge research from Nike’s archives, the show immerses visitors in the brand’s legacy of performance-driven innovation and cultural transformation.
The exhibition unfolds in four thematic sections, beginning with Track, a deep dive into Nike’s early years. Visitors are introduced to the brand’s founders, Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, and their game-changing approach to athletic footwear. Artefacts from this era include Bowerman’s kitchen experiment (the first Waffle Sole) and stories of athletes like the Tennessee State Tigerbelles, who redefined representation in sports. Moving into Air, Nike’s cultural explosion in the 1980s takes centre stage. The era of Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and LeBron James saw the rise of sneaker mania, with classics like the Air Force 1 and Air Max cementing Nike’s place in pop culture. The introduction of visible Air technology revolutionised footwear, blending performance with aesthetic appeal.
For those fascinated by the science of sportswear, Sensation explores Nike’s commitment to biomechanics and material innovation. This section offers an inside look at the Nike Sport Research Lab, where cutting-edge technologies like Flyknit and Vaporfly are developed to push athletic performance to new heights. Sustainability also takes the spotlight, with exhibits showcasing Nike’s efforts in ethical material sourcing and circular manufacturing. The exhibition concludes with Relation, a celebration of Nike’s collaborations with cultural icons and designers, from Comme des Garçons to Virgil Abloh. Featuring limited-edition sneakers and moments that shaped sneaker culture, this section highlights Nike’s deep ties to fashion, music, and global youth movements.
More than just a showcase of products, Nike: Form Follows Motion is a testament to the brand’s ability to influence design, technology, and social change. With exclusive access to the Department of Nike Archives, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the creative processes that continue to redefine sportswear. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a design enthusiast, or simply curious about the forces shaping contemporary culture, this is an exhibition that cannot be missed.
The exhibition Nike: Form Follows Motion is on view until the 5th of May at the Vitra Deisgn Museum, Charles-Eames-Str. 2, D-79576 Weil am Rhein, Germany.
