Gaudy colors, XXL shirts, various and possible patterns at the limits of what is allowed. And so, yes, also sneakers impossible not to notice. The strong return of the ’90s, with all their charge of cheerfulness and excesses, is now more than evident: it is demonstrated – in case there was still any need – by the imminent reboot of Beverly Hills 90210 (albeit orphaned of Luke Perry, alias the brooding Dylan); and emphasized by Netflix, which has given its users the opportunity to go back in time by two decades and relive in 148 episodes the adventures of Will, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the famous sitcom that transformed Will Smith into a true style icon.
Will the heartthrob, Will the carefree, Will obsessed with his Jordans. And this is how StockX, the reselling platform that allows you to sell and buy sneakers, garments, and streetwear accessories, has identified some of the most iconic Jordan models that appeared in the various episodes of the series. And fans of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air still have the opportunity to get their hands on them. Let’s see them together.
Jordan 5 OG Black Metallic – Episode #1 (01×01) “Bronze Face Will”
There is no doubt about it: in the ’90s, the Jordan 5s were indisputably the most popular sneaker model. This is evident from the very intro of the series, where Will flaunts a pair of Black Metallics. The original 1990 model is practically impossible to find now, but the Air Jordan 5 OG Metallic sneaker was re-released by Nike in 2000, 2007, 2011, and 2016. A tribute to a great icon.
Jordan 5 Retro Grape Fresh Prince (2018) – Episode #5 (01×05) “A Cousin’s Oven”
To celebrate Will Smith’s fiftieth birthday last year, Nike released this model inspired by the AJ5s that the main character of the series loved to wear frequently, strictly without laces. The direct reference to the sitcom is unequivocal: no laces for this shoe, complete with sealed eyelets. Even the “Air Jordan” inscription is done with the same graphics as the series’ logo.
Jordan 7 OG Hare (1992) – Episode #54 (03×05) “Almost a Father Boy”
Popular as ever in the ’90s, the Hare colorway of this model became famous thanks to a 1991 commercial where Bugs Bunny – yes, the Looney Tunes rabbit himself – laces up a pair of Hare Jordans to challenge a group of bullies bothering him with the help of Michael Jordan. Space Jam would come shortly after.
Jordan 7 OG Cardinal (1992) – Episode #66 (03×17) “A Risky Ceremony”
First sold in 1992, this model was unique for its time. It had perforated leather on the side and used Nike’s Huarache technology, an internal neoprene flap designed by the famous Nike designer Tinker Hatfield.
Jordan 11 OG Columbia (1996) – Episode 143 (05×19) “Will’s Primetime”
The “Columbia” colorway of the Air Jordan 11 was first released in 1996, and Michael Jordan wore that design during the NBA All-Star Game of that same year. The distinctive features? White upper and Columbia Blue patent accents, a tribute to the colors of Jordan’s college team, the University of North Carolina.