Let me tell you, what a model! It oozes power on the street; suped up with an impeccable leather interior, multi-faceted paneling and stitching, high-quality material rims with an imprinted tire fiber pattern, and infused with superior technology and zero toxic emissions! I bet your engine is getting revved up to hear how many G’s were dropped for what sounds like a mega-purchase auto.
Well, shift back to first gear because this pimped out creation is the latest collaboration between Funk master Flex, Ford, and JB classics to create a collectible sneaker. With Funk master Flex having a fine appreciation for tricked out whips, Ford’s long-established credibility in the automobile segment, and JB Classics love for pumping out colorful kicks into the market; a gnarly sneaker was molded and brought into existence. This creative circle showcases just one facet of the calibrated infusion amongst a slew of heavy-hitting industries. Looking beyond the musician and car sectors you’ll also be sure to find a strong intermingling amongst the artist, designer, and sneaker cultures.
It all started back in 2000 when Kobe Bryant asked Adidas to design a sneaker which would set him apart from mainstream NBA stars. In response, Adidas decided to approach Audi for the design concept, as the Audi emblem has always been rooted with the philosophy of simplicity and no frivolous styling; not to mention the TT Roadster was all the hype in L.A at the time. In effect, the successful tri-fold collabo applied the necessary torque and etched the way for future unions of talent and vision.
While Funk master Flex knows how to throw down, Run DMC legends Russell and Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons have dipped into the sneaker industry with the inception of their company Run Athletics. Also, Rev Run’s daughters Vanessa and Angela injected some girly flavor to the masculine line-up with their Pastry collection, which targets stylish young ladies. It’s a confectionary of their Cake, Fab cookie, and Marshmallow collections—just to name a few—which will have you wanting to treat yourself with an indulgent new pair. Singer and designer Gwen Stefani has also recently teamed up with Royal Elastic to create a sneaker collection which features classic styles with specialized detailings inspired mainly by her own closet treasures and of course music.
Tune the station to designer allure, and you’ll come across the rockin’ fourth collaboration between Marc Jacobs and Vans. The slip-ons, high-tops, and chukkas have been quick sell-outs in stores nationwide, as Marc Jacobs fans are going gagah over the poppin footwear. In addition, the pairing of Stella McCartney and Adidas to create stylish sneaker designs for yoga, running, gymnastics, and general workouts, has also been a banging hit with the eye-jolting color-ways and unique textures. Mihara Yasuhiro, freelance designer and artist has been in a long-standing alliance with Puma. In his latest futuristic sneakers collection, his story was that of creating a product which resembles humanoids or human machines with lots of metallics and mechanical detailing: “Sublime meets ridiculous” is how he personally describes his work with Puma.
While fashion design is an art-form, so is K-Swiss and their K-Spray Tour which combines art, street life, and sneakers. The shoes are animated with jazzed up splashes of bouncin’ graffiti by master artists. Recently, Vans joined forces with renowned cartoonist Robert Williams to bail out some spankin new kicks for their Vault Collection. The cartooning, skate, and sneaker cultures chilled in a setting inspired by cars and music, as Vans decided to bring in 5 hot rods and the band Hotrod Trio to serve as powerhouses for inspiration. While cartooning has its cool-factor, tattooing is yet another expressive avenue; Chester Bennington, lead singer of Linkin Park and co-founder of Club Tattoo, has just collaborated with Etnies to create two styles with the creative technique of tattoo artists from the parlors.
Solo is no way to go, crossing spectrums sheds new light and vibrant concepts. Whatever your fancy: cars, music, designer clothing, art, or all the above; you’ll be sure to shimmy and bust out into a full-on victory dance when you find the pair customized for you, so go out there and find your personal stamp.