eBay Australia is set to bring its sneaker Authenticity Guarantee to life when it launches the 'eBay Museum of Authentics.'
The Australian-first sneaker event will present a collection of some of the world's rarest sneakers to sneakerheads in Melbourne.
Over three days, the eBay Museum of Authentics will exhibit rare kicks including:
- Air Jordan 1 Chicago 1985 - 1986: Game-worn and dual signed by the player that changed the game of basketball, Michael Jordan. Following its release nearly 30 years ago, this is one of the most coveted sneakers today. The shoe is in a size 13 and 13.5 to fit Michael Jordan’s famously different shoe sizes. A similar pair was last sold for over USD $500,000 (around AUD $745,000).
- College Dropout Bapestas 2007: Precursor to the Yeezy sneaker business, this is the first sneaker designed in collaboration with rapper, music producer and fashion designer, Kanye West.
- Nike Hyperdunk Back to the Future 2008: There were only 350 pairs of this sneaker released. The shoe pays homage to Back to the Future with a 'Marty McFly' colourway. The exhibited pair is signed by Kobe Bryant.
- Pharrell x Chanel x NMDs 2017: A limited release blending luxury and streetwear with only 500 pairs created. Current listings price it between AUD $12,000 to $18,000.
- Air Yeezy 1 Zen Grey 2009: Nike's first signature sneaker with a non-athlete, which debuted during Kanye's 2008 Grammy performance before releasing to the public in 2009.
In addition to eBay's curated exhibit, Melburnian sneaker collector Michael Fan will be displaying 14 rare pairs from his collection of close to 700 sneakers.
Yeezy footwear innovation designer, Cesar Idrobo, has also created an exclusive sneaker prototype that will be on display at the eBay Museum of Authentics.
Further, eBay Australia’s sneaker expert Alaister Low will also showcase key pieces from his personal collection including Shaquille O’Neal signed Shaq Attaqs and vintage Jordan 1 High Breds.
Low said the Museum of Authentics taps into the growing sneaker resale and collecting market.
"We know the sneaker obsession across the globe hasn’t heeled.
"The category has continued to grow on eBay Australia with triple digit growth over the past three years.
"eBay’s Museum of Authentics will give sneakerheads a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most coveted sneakers in the world, while knowing they’re getting the real deal thanks to our Authenticity Guarantee," he said.
Alongisde viewing some of the world's rarest sneakers, the first 100 visitors to the Museum of Authentics each day will be gifted with a candle that smells like new sneakers.
The candle mixes scents of leather and glue to replicate the smell of new kicks.
The eBay Museum of Authentics will be located at Neon Parc, 15 Tinning Street, Brunswick from Friday April 29 to Sunday May 01 from 10am-5pm.
Entry is free.