Jordan Brand has forged numerous partnerships over the decades, each contributing a unique chapter to the brand’s legacy. While names like Union LA and Travis Scott have left indelible marks, A Ma Maniére stands as an unparalleled collaborator.

James Whitner’s Atlanta-based boutique has cultivated a signature aesthetic, one characterized by an understated luxury that stands in stark contrast to the often polychromatic offerings of other collaborators like DJ Khaled and J Balvin.

Their approach is defined by restraint with the paintbrush, but punctilious on materiality and craftsmanship. This philosophy is exemplified in their use of premium textures, such as the snakeskin accents on their Air Jordan 1, and the branded studs on the “Violet Ore” AJ4.

Every year, the two have come together in the kitchen to cook. For 2024, the duo has prepared a feast for the senses, with the Air Jordan 3 slated for an August debut, followed by the Air Jordan 4 in September.

Leading up to their releases, let’s dive into the realm of luxury and legacy as we explore the best of A Ma Maniére and Jordan Brand.

Limited to a scant 230 pairs, 2019’s A Ma Maniére x Jordan Proto-Max 720 features a utilitarian aesthetic defined by a reflective upper that commands attention. The heel’s signature strap is emblazoned with the audacious proclamation “MY WAY” (“A Ma Maniére” translated to English), and a testament to the brand’s unwavering individuality.

A blacked-out Air Max 720 unit provides a grounding counterpoint, subtly adorned with the “A OVER EVERYTHING” insignia. To complete the design, the pair incorporates glow-in-the-dark elements and discreet branding throughout—subtleties one would come to expect of AMM.

Within the expansive A Ma Maniére x Jordan Brand catalog, the Jordan Air Ship pack emerges as a bold departure from the label’s signature aesthetic. While the collection maintains the brand’s penchant for understated luxury, it introduces a striking chromatic contrast that sets it apart from previous collaborations.

This effort retains the core elements of A Ma Maniére’s design philosophy, notably the use of pre-aged details on the midsole and collar. However, the introduction of a contrasting color palette adds a fresh dimension to the familiar silhouette. This unexpected approach showcases the brand’s willingness to experiment while staying true to its core identity.

At the time of writing, select sizes are still available on the A Ma Maniére website.

Even though the Air Jordan 2 may not enjoy the same cult following as some of its successors, its understated elegance has garnered a dedicated fanbase. A Ma Maniére’s interpretation of the silhouette is a testament to the shoe’s potential, standing as a pinnacle of the model’s design evolution.

Released in 2022, this collaboration encapsulates the essence of A Ma Maniére’s aesthetic, from the carefully curated color palette to the selection of materials. It serves as a compelling argument for the silhouette, demonstrating that even the lesser-known models can be transformed into iconic footwear when imbued with the right design sensibilities.

For those seeking a truly exceptional Air Jordan 2, this A Ma Maniére collaboration is it.

With the “Black Cement” and “White Cement” colorways holding an almost mythical status, the Air Jordan 3 stands as an undisputed icon. A Ma Maniére’s interpretation of the silhouette, while undeniably well-executed, finds itself overshadowed by the original’s rich cultural significance.

The collaborative effort embodies the design hallmarks that have defined AMM’s aesthetic, yet it struggles to compete with the narrative power of the original colorways. The Air Jordan 3, inextricably linked to Michael Jordan’s rise to superstardom and the iconic Spike Lee commercials, occupies a unique space in the pantheon of sneaker history.

Although the AMM version is undoubtedly a worthy addition to any collection, it is the original colorways that continue to reign supreme.

The Air Jordan 12 does not need collaborators to hold down its legacy. Worn by Michael Jordan during the legendary “Flu Game”, the AJ12 has been canonised as a cultural touchstone.

AMM’s MO to this legendary silhouette is marked by a profound respect for its heritage. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the brand has chosen to elevate the original design through the careful application of premium materials.

The introduction of suede imbues the Air Jordan 12 with an unexpected level of sophistication, seamlessly transitioning the shoe from the hardwood to the boardroom. This subtle yet impactful alteration underscores A Ma Maniére’s ability to harmonize innovation with tradition.

It is in these understated refinements that the true power of the collaboration lies. The A Ma Maniére x Nike WMNS Air Jordan 12 speaks volumes without resorting to overt embellishments, echoing the quiet confidence of genuine greatness.

A Ma Maniére’s effort introduces a dual-gendered exploration of the Air Jordan 5, aptly titled the “Dusk” and “Dawn” pack. The nomenclature carries a symbolic weight, contrasting the masculine energy associated with darkness with the feminine essence of light.

While the pack adheres to the Air Jordan 5’s hallmarks, including the serrated midsole inspired by the P-51 Mustang fighter jet, AMM’s signature is evident in the attention to detail. The pre-aged elements, such as the slightly yellowed TPU mesh panel, imbues the shoe with a sense of lived-in luxury.

This collaboration stands as a testament to AMM’s ability to elevate classics while maintaining their core essence. A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro SP sits adjacent to Supreme’s, presided only by Off-White’s, among the best collaborations over the silhouette.

Few collaborations command the level of anticipation as those involving the Air Jordan 1. A Ma Maniére’s interpretation of this iconic silhouette stands as a paragon of the brand’s collaborative prowess.

Characterized by a restrained color palette and acute attention to detail, such as the snakeskin accents on the profile Swooshes, the A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG represents the quintessence of both parties. There’s no environment where the pair would feel out of place, from the hardwood court to the asphalt streets, to the marble floors of heritage houses. It’s where street culture and alta moda converge.

Widely acclaimed as Sneaker of the Year in 2022, A Ma Maniére’s Nike Air Jordan 4 redefined luxury within sneaker culture.

Characterized by a monochromatic palette centered around the Violet Ore hue, the shoe exudes a sophisticated restraint that is atypical of Jordan Brand collaborations. The incorporation of velvet quilting into the interior elevates the pair to unprecedented degrees of opulence, while the overall aesthetic maintains a mature elegance.

This collaboration represents a harmonious fusion of luxury and streetwear. The colorway, rarely seen in such prominence, lends the shoe a distinctive and unforgettable character.

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To close, the compilation focuses on released collaborations, thus it’s essential to acknowledge the forthcoming A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Jordan 3 “Black” and “Fossil Stone” 4s. Nevertheless, if the leaked images carry any veracity to how they will look in reality, expect them to command a prominent position within the pantheon of A Ma Maniére x Jordan collaborations.

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