The Sashiko Gals Worked Their Magic On The Colette x Air Jordan 1

A sentimental custom as we approach nine years without the brand.

Matt Varga 38 minutes

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The Sashiko Gals occupy an interesting space in sneakers and streetwear at large. A cooperative of 15 women ranging in age from 40 to 90 based in Japan, the group came together to assist in recovery from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake before reconvening in 2024 as a bona fide fashion label. They’ve since fostered collaborative efforts with New Era, New Balance, CP Company, and a litany of others on top of their own unassisted designs. After making a splash on our front page in late 2025 by crafting a one-of-one Vomero Plus for then-Apple-CEO Tim Cook, they’re back in the mix with a custom Sashiko Gals x Colette x Air Jordan 1.

Though the broad strokes of any of their work are somewhat routine going in, the actual craftsmanship on display is always a sight to behold, no less impactful with this already coveted F&F edition. Patches of multicolor denim collide as they replace much of the original surface area, applied in asymmetric fashion across the right and left shoe. Another hallmark of Sashiko expertise makes a great impact here, as exposed stitching weaves in right angles atop the base of the shoe. Where it’s clear that the Gals made a clear choice is on the heel, where the Colette logos and 2017 are left entirely unaltered, leaving the erstwhile French boutique’s legacy intact almost a decade later.

These are a one-of-one custom created for Sarah Andelman, the founder, creative director, and daughter of the namesake for Colette (her mother, Colette Roussaux). While none of us will be able to get our hands on this ritzy collaboration, we can still window shop all we’d like via studio shots; we’ve included those below.

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Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.