While the band Jungle has recently become mainstream in the U.S. with the song Back on 74, fans of the band have been rocking with the group since “Casio, Heavy, California and Cherry“. The band has an immediately recognizable aesthetic. Utilizing the AMCK Dance Agency, a recognizable cast of characters convey the rhythm and sound of the complex music from the often-anonymous music group.
COMUNITYmade is a small startup based in Downtown Los Angeles. I consider them a best-kept secret of the sneaker industry. The label handcrafts their sneakers here in the U.S., in LA. Utilizing a sustainable method of make, the company reduces the carbon footprint in a variety of ways, but it’s the reshoring process reducing the need for shipping and warehousing that make the company special. Sneakers aren’t made until they are ordered.
This makes them a luxury brand with an important mission to reduce the amount of product being needlessly produced to drive growth. When this business method is utilized every sneaker becomes art and art requires materials and artisans.
In a new collaboration the materials are by a Dutch company, the artisans are Los Angeles based and for the first time COMUNITYmade has a partnership elevated by a creative angle from HPPYMDM. Check out this “Jungle-esque” introduction to the collab:
The What:
HPPYMDM: Happy Medium – an experimental Los Angeles fashion brand. The collab was created in The Arts District of Los Angeles, which is home to many talented artists including Breanna Browning the creator behind Happy Medium.
The Who:
BYBORRE : combines technology and craftsmanship to future-proof the textile industry. Since 2015, global industry leaders in fashion, sportswear, interior and automotive have worked with textile design tool BYBORRE Create™ to design high-performance textiles from the yarn up, add a brand-aligned aesthetic and regain control over its environmental footprint.
The How:
COMUNITYmade Premium & Custom Shoes Handmade Locally in Los Angeles: The collection features a unique 3D double layered knit utilizing high performance recycled polyester yarn made from post-consumption plastic bottles with a polyester filling. The design inspiration is based off of a relief map of LA so every pair of shoes will feature a different part of the ever diverse LA landscape. Designed, Developed and Produced in our boutique production facility in DTLA by our talented makers.
