Case Study
Air Jordan 1 '85 High 'Banned' · February 14, 2025
Elevating a limited Jordan release into a premium, invite-only gallery experience.
Pitch deck development, limited access ticket design, in-store gallery curation, and event planning support for 1 of 23 Air Jordan 1 '85 High 'Banned' retailers.
Role / Scope
Concept
Pitch deck development, event idea support, store buildout planning, and Air Jordan budget approval support
Experience
Limited ticket design, invite-only access, in-store art gallery curation, and premium release atmosphere
Execution
Printed materials, recap imagery, gallery/event details, and guest experience support
1 of 23
Selected retailers
Oneness was one of only 23 retailers selected to receive limited Air Jordan 1 '85 High 'Banned' stock.
100%
Sell-through
The invite-only release sold through quickly with limited availability and heavy demand.
Approved
Air Jordan event budget
The pitch deck and event concept were approved by Air Jordan, securing funding for the experience.
Invite-only
Ticketed access
A limited event ticket system elevated the release and gave the purchase process a more premium feel.
Project Overview
The access system became part of the story.
The Air Jordan 1 '85 High 'Banned' release was built around scarcity, heritage, and an elevated retail experience. Oneness was one of a limited group of retailers selected for the release, and the event needed to feel more considered than a standard sneaker drop.
My work centered on the pitch deck, the limited ticket system, in-store gallery curation, printed/event materials, and the broader buildout plan. The ticket design referenced and reconstructed the original NBA ticket from the NBA game where Jordan wore the black and red ('bred') colorway, turning access itself into part of the concept.
Access Design
The invitation made access feel collectible.
The limited ticket was designed as more than an entry mechanic. It referenced the original NBA ticket from the game where Jordan wore the black and red ('bred') colorway, helping turn the purchase process into part of the release story.
Gallery Experience
The room made the release feel upper-echelon.
The Louisville location was blacked out, employees wore all-black event attire, guests were asked to dress well, and the gallery became the focal point of the release. Champagne, Air Jordan 1 'Banned' cookies, and light hors d'oeuvres added to the premium tone of the night.
Event Details
The small touches helped sell the world.
Takeaway
A rare release treated with the ceremony it deserved.
The Air Jordan 1 '85 High 'Banned' project shows how access design, pitch storytelling, gallery curation, and a premium guest experience can elevate a limited sneaker release beyond transaction and into a memorable retail moment.