The self-taught graphic designer from New York ANDERSON BLUU continues to present us with hyper-worked and qualitative collaborations with the retail giant FOOT LOCKER. After Asics and Converse (articles available on this site), the legendary Italian brand DIADORA taps Anderson Bluu to design two limited edition sneakers. The talented designer brought his touch to the iconic N9002 runner and the retro Maverick tennis shoe, named respectively « Cabernet » and « Chardonnay » and introducing the « Wine Collection ».
This collection marks Anderson Bluu‘s third partnership with Foot Locker and first with its Footaction division.
The famous designer is known worldwide for connecting art with sneaker culture, as evidenced by his limited edition art prints inspired by basketball, pop culture and sneakers. For this project, the founder of creative agency Bluudreams (bluudreams.com), connected Diadora’s Italian roots to sneaker culture, by paying homage to Italian wine.
The designer explains, « I chose this theme (wine) because I saw a lot of similarities between wine and sneaker culture. I found it interesting that both communities have a very dedicated fan base and both shape a collection, of sneakers or wine bottles, with some pieces increasing in value with age. »
Italy is the largest producer and exporter of wine in the world. Anderson Bluu was inspired by the manufacturing process and named his sneakers after the most popular wines, « Cabernet » and « Chardonnay. »
The N9002 « Cabernet » is inspired by the navy blue grape skin used to produce red wine. This color is declined in 3 shades on the whole foot to get closer to the grapes. The shoe is adorned with premium materials. It consists of an aged suede upper that adds a « rustic » aspect referring to the Italian vineyards. The brandings appear embroidered with blue contrasting thread : Diadora and the model’s name on the light blue suede tongue, a bunch of grapes on the right side and Anderson Bluu’s « A » logo on the opposite side, a nod to the fact that he is left handed. To complete the look, the laces are presented in light blue and the inner lining is made of soft light blue leather. The whole is based on a white midsole speckled with blue, with a navy blue addition at the heel. The latter hue extends to the outsole.
The Maverick « Chardonnay » refers to the green grape skin used to produce white wine. It’s dressed in a green colorway in two shades, light and yellowed. The lifestyle sneaker is made of premium suede. The light green base is enhanced by the yellowed green tongue and side Diadora logo. Pale yellow laces, a vintage tongue tag and a soft bottle green leather inner lining complete the design. Brandings also appear applied in embroidery. On the heel counter, the word « Chardonnet » is revealed and on the back of the heel, white Diadora lettering adorns the heel tab, just above a dark green grape cluster. A dark green fabric border outlining the heel overlay adds flair to the pair. The whole is based on a white and green speckled midsole combined with a retro grey outsole.
Both pairs feature a cork-inspired insole with Anderson Bluu’s A logo, a nod to the corks on good wine bottles.
The shoes come in a special refined box whose design imitates wooden wine barrels.
The Anderson Bluu x Diadora « Wine Collection » will be released on March 24, 2021, exclusively on footaction.com and in Footaction stores, at a price around of 150$. Get ready and go for it !
