Source: CASBIA
I had a long, detailed idea for this post and then I realized that the brand isn’t well known and that it might be better to give you a series of pics and allow you to visit the site and check out Casbia. I’ve talked about the brand here before, but they’ve added more styles to their arsenal and they have stepped up their work in social media. What is really compelling to me is the consistent collab with Champion. While Champion has already slowed in the U.S., in the international market the heritage brand remains on trend and the footwear being created outside of the U.S. is in complete contrast to what they are placing on shelves in America, which is a cheap, low quality footwear product. Casbia is along the lines of Filling Pieces; as evidenced in the pic of the Atlanta Low below:
It makes sense. The American market is fickle and shifts quickly. Only 5 months ago Champion tees were flying off the shelves at Foot Locker and urban accounts were complaining that they didn’t have the apparel. Today, Champion gear is sitting on shelves and not selling as quickly. It could be that the market was saturated or it could be that heritage brands realize that they aren’t capable of maintaining a foothold in the U.S. so they deliver just enough to grab as much share as they can, for as long as they can before focusing on markets which are more consistent and willing to pay a premium price.
Made in Italy footwear is inherently expensive and while premium in the U.S. consist of Yeezy and Jordan Brand at between 190-280.00 the detail and quality of the Casbia shoes even in collaboration with Champion wouldn’t stand a chance in the footwear market in the U.S. unless it was in a boutique format presented as art because that’s what this is. Like COMUNITYmade, the brand I shared yesterday, buying a pair of Casbia sneakers isn’t something you do every weekend. It’s a thoughtful purchase which means the consumers shopping here are taking their time to consider their purchase. This type of consumer is waiting to be educated so that they can share the story of the brand. I mean, take a look at the AWOL AP Mud Combo below. Imagine every one walking in the room rocking the Jordan 11 and then you walk in with these:
That’s next level right there… don’t you agree? Well if you don’t agree, consider this. The way Jordan Brand is bootlegged and created an opportunity for sites like StockX and GOAT to rise, Casbia is bootlegged in the same way on the international market. It’s imperative that if you find the brand intriguing, you use the links on this site and don’t trust third party sellers.
Use the link below to visit the Casbia site: