The Graduate Eugene hotel is located in Oregon and it holds an impressive collection of vintage Nike footwear models and posters. Recently, it acquired the ultra-exclusive 'Moon Shoe' to join its coveted capsule after obtaining it at Sotheby's for over $400,000. The Moon Shoe is limited to only 12 pairs ever produced and were originally made as a gift for a selection of Olympic hopefuls in the 70s.
The namesake is inspired by the footprints resembling waffle patterning in the dirt, which recall the look of footprints on the moon. The Moon Shoe fetched by Graduate Eugene was originally gifted to runner David Russell, who was the owner of the footwear for over 40 years. Russell states, "I never could have imagined these shoes being commemorated in such an exciting and monumental way [...] I stashed them away with other running memorabilia for decades thinking only my children would care."
Coveted Vintage Sneaker Collections
Graduate Eugene Recently Acquired the Exclusive Nike Moon Shoe
Trend Themes
1. Vintage Sneaker Collections - Opportunity for businesses to curate and showcase rare and exclusive vintage sneakers to cater to the growing demand from sneaker enthusiasts.
2. Limited Edition Footwear - Market for limited edition sneakers continues to thrive, presenting an opportunity for brands to create exclusive releases and collaborations to attract collectors and sneaker aficionados.
3. Memorabilia Curation - Businesses can explore the market for curated memorabilia collections, connecting with athletes and collectors to acquire rare and valuable items for display and sale.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Hotels and resorts can enhance their offerings by showcasing and curating vintage sneaker collections as a unique attraction for sneaker enthusiasts and collectors.
2. Fashion - Fashion brands and retailers can tap into the growing market for limited edition sneakers by collaborating with artists, designers, and athletes to create exclusive releases that cater to sneakerheads.
3. Sports Memorabilia - Companies specializing in sports memorabilia can explore partnerships and acquisitions to acquire and curate rare athlete-related collectibles, including limited edition sneakers, to offer to collectors and fans.