ART:TECH X VOLTRA PRO
[ATXV21 / MODULAR UTILITY GAITER]
1/1 Handmade custom
Mixed media
2021
I was invited by Voltra Pro to customise their recently released Alev sneaker. Of course as a visual artist, the first thing that came to my mind (and what everyone else would expect) is the usual custom painting in my own style. Boring.
So i decided to challenge myself. Picking up my good old sewing skill from helping my mom at her tailoring shop when i was 12, I decided to come out with something that I would actually wear.
I don’t consider myself a sneaker collector, but definitely a sneaker head. I will only buy sneakers that i actually like and will wear. I guess like most sneaker heads, I would always prefer to spend more on sneakers than pants or tops.
After more than a decade of owning and wearing various quality sneakers, I recently started to question, why do I (and others) prefer to spend more on sneakers? When generally, everyday sneakers only serve a limited purpose compared to other clothing items. It is usually the most expensive thing on your body that will get dirty most often.
So i was thinking, what if sneakers could be as functional for everyday uses as pants or jackets? The major difference between both items is the ability to store things. I remember back in school, kids used to keep their money, exam cheat sheet and cigarettes in their shoes (*please stop smoking).
Inspired by this question & experience, I decided to upgrade Voltra Pro’s Alev with a Modular Utility Gaiter that could serve as an additional storage space for small everyday items as well as a weather protection cover.
As an alternate look, I paired the shoe with a Nike x MMW Vibram outsole for an added protection & to give it a tactical boot look.
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[Material used for this project are 100% up-cycled from used & discarded products.]
[Art:tech fabric logo tag & plastic buckle by Civilian Brands.]
[For display only.]
[1]
A:T GAITER +
VOLTRA PRO ALEV +
MMW VIBRAM OUT SOLE +
RANDOM AD-ONS
[2]
A:T GAITER +
VOLTRA PRO ALEV +
RANDOM AD-ONS
[5]
PROCESS
[4]
AD-ONS SAMPLES
"In the future, disability will be an advantage. Enabling body customisation to serve various purposes & challenges.
Paralympic will be the most exciting thing to watch. A transhumanist future." - A:T