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Trainers
1999 and 2012
In 1999 after the success of my first gallery show at the Dazed & Confused Gallery in Old Street, Gary ‘Adidas’ commissioned a project called ‘I Signed’ for artists to customise Adidas trainers. I chose the Forum boot unit. My mission statement was to create the first “sustainable trainer upper” where I not only changed the shape of the boot by utilising the original forum ankle strap as a new lacing unit stand. I requested Adidas only use their deadstock textiles to create the upper, meaning that no two trainers were the same. Each trainer also had it’s unique tongue tag proudly proclaiming ‘Made in Germany’ at the original Adidas factory. Only 100 pairs were ever made.
This was a childhood dream come true to have your own ravers foot unit to proudly rave around in, with all your philosophies intact. It was called the NOKI Piston or Oink Not Piss.
Following on in 2012 for the Olympics, Adidas asked me back to be part of their customisation workshop set up at Westfield Centre, to customise various trainer units to be gifted to winning athletes. I was proud to present trainers in person to David Rudisha of Kenya, for winning Gold in 800m and to the British Women’s Hockey team, for winning Bronze.
Media for Trainers
Adidas Builds Olympics into Custom Shoes
July 2012
Adidas is launching a social media campaign that invites sports fans to nominate their favourite moments from the Games and have the opportunity to win a pair of Olympic-themed customised Adidas shoes. The artists customising shoes from the park include shoe customiser Nash Money, accessories designer Fred Butler and street artist Dr Noki. Read More