Bodega Taps Seven Creatives To Transform Their New Balance X-Racer Into Unique Pieces For Charity

Michael Le June 22, 2020

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In honor of their forthcoming New Balance X-Racer collaboration, bi-coastal retailer Bodega has enlisted a number of creatives to produce exclusive items within their respective expertise. From bespoke sneakers by The Shoe Surgeon to 1-of-1 artwork by Jacob Rochester, the seven piece collection aims to use this artistic concept for the greater good. All proceeds will be donated to HOLA – Hearts of Los Angeles, Center for Black Equity, The Loveland Foundation, Artists for Humanity, Inner-City- Arts, and Black Artist Fund.

With the X-Racer and its accompanying apparel acting as the central inspiration, every artist produced something extremely special and unique. The Shoe Surgeon, whose work often begs a luxury price tag, has developed an interesting arrangement of trail-appropriate and premium materials in a colorway not too far off from the base design. From natural leather “N” logos to earth tone fabrics, the designer wanted to approach the theme of “Adapt” in a way that made sense. Utilitarian loops, directional compasses, and reflective accents align with the silhouette’s core purpose while various textured leathers boast Dominic’s signature.

Kumanokoido, helmed by the Tokyo-born, Brooklyn-based artist Junichi Nakane, has crafted his flagship bears in a style comprised of various textiles and loud graphic works. West African Wax prints, vintage swatches, and militaristic camos patchwork together in the shape of the plush whose subtler zipper and branded tabs sit just along the back. Moreover, both Jacob Rochester and Steph Morris have depicted the collaborative silhouette on canvas, painting its likeness in motion and still, respectively. Yeenjoy’s component, which evokes a heavy artisan feel, borrows traditional Chinese porcelain techniques for something wholly modern. Shaped to the guise of a shoe horn, the craft acts as an incense holder while doubling as displayable art.

Studio Hagel, in slight departure from the rest, has used the collection to shroud the shoes rather than highlight it. Composed of various olive to black materials and stamped with the BODEGA branding, the wrap acts as an outdoor gaiter for the shoe itself, amplifying it in a way that makes sense on a functional level. Greater Goods has used the various apparel pieces in a similar manner, reconstructing them to the shape of two totes. The collaborative New Balance shorts were used as the template for the smaller option while the large carrying bag emulates the ever-large Ikea Frakta with the help of the capsule’s pants and the short’s offcuts.

Take a look at the entire series below, and if you’re looking to enter the raffle, head over to bodega.com.

In other news, another split New Balance 327 was revealed.