END. is a destination menswear and sneaker emporium, with cutting-edge outlets located both in their home city of Newcastle Upon Tyne and Glasgow. A large-scale online presence has seen the brand become renowned around the globe, their clean aesthetic now instantly recognizable.
Bodega is a footwear and clothing institution innovatively concealed behind a convenience storefront in the heart of Boston, MA. For over a decade it has sold hard-to-find items from sought-after brands, building an incredibly loyal following in the process.
Once again, two of the biggest and most influential retailers in the world were brought together to collaborate as part of the 2017 Sneaker Exchange series. Their challenge: to find common ground and reinterpret two adidas models, together building a pack with a defined concept that would result in two outstanding sneakers.
The END. x Bodega Pack examines adidas’ rich history while simultaneously questioning the future of athletic footwear. Vintage sneaker connoisseurs will be thrilled by the revival of the Haven – a 1970s running classic – which here receives luxurious make over in soft suede. Another model making a big impression this year is the brand new Iniki Runner, which deliberately toys with the juxtaposition of a classic aesthetic with modern elements such as BOOST™ sole and an ultra-contemporary silhouette.
With this pack END. and Bodega both showcase their incredible knowledge of contemporary clothing, with this keen eye for detail taking precedence when it came to selecting the sneaker’s materials. The upper on the Iniki Runner and the 3-Stripes on the Haven are reworked in a patchwork, extending the theme of repurposing and ever-evolving roles. Design influence is taken from Boro denim and the Japanese Sashiko stitching method, originally used for repairing jeans but used increasingly for decorative purposes in contemporary menswear. A constant design element throughout the pack is the gum sole which rounds off the “crafted” look and feel of both silhouettes. The END. x Bodega Haven and Iniki Runner are both perfect for the sneaker enthusiast who is inspired by the past, but constantly looks to the future. True excitement lies in the discovery of where we are headed.
General Release: July 8th, 2017 at global Consortium accounts.
