Erik Bjerkesjö and BRANDBLACK Present the "Totems" Sneaker
A basketball sneaker with military cues and details from gladiator sandals.
Streetwear-inspired performance-wear label BRANDBLACK has collaborated with Swedish-based designer Erik Bjerkesjö to produce the “Totems” sneaker. A true collaborative effort, its name represents the back-and-forth of ideas that occured between the two parties during the design process. The result is a functional basketball sneaker that performs just as well on the hardwood as it does on the runway. The militaristic sneaker features elements from Jamal Crawfords signature BRANDBLACK line mixed with a gladiator sandal. “From the very beginning I was blown away by JCIII, and I wanted to add a kind of futuristic industrial take on the shoe. Something from my handmade shoemaking history, but also from my childhood, and Swedish background,” says Bjerkesjö. Details include a gusset tongue, quilted shroud, and a boot-inspired toe shaping. The limited-edition “Totems” sneaker will release exclusively on January 23 at Sneakersnstuff Paris as well as February 4 at Storm Copenhagen.
