Raised in the Wakefield section of the Bronx, Jae Tips have been pushing culture for decades now. Although the multi-hyphenate has gained a following with his music, custom fitted baseball caps, and online personality, the young creative has fueled most aspects of his life via sneakers. This weekend, Jae Tips unveils his first-ever retail sneaker collaboration at ComplexCon: A Saucony Grid Azura 2000.
Saucony Originals isn’t part of the mainstream sneaker zeitgeist, but the Massachusetts-based institution has tapped several small-scale creative forces over the past few years, creating some refreshing and compelling products and campaigns along the way. Jae Tips’ first project with the company is no different: the self-proclaimed “Uptown Savior” has been making a killing with a number of multi-color items, including pins, tote bags and more.
The Grid Azura 2000 by Jae Tips falls in line with the artist’s other work. For starters, the shoe box demands attention just like its contents, playfully reading “JAE TIPS FIRST SHOE IN COLLABORATION WITH SAUCONY ORIGINALS”. The sneaker itself boasts disparate colors and patterns across its entire build. “GRID”-branded midsoles revel in pink flair and is complemented by a semi-translucent outsole. Mesh construction up-top is given a number of makeups and overlaid by everything from purple suede to the type of floral print you’d find on your grandmother’s sofa. “Remember Who Fronted” messaging makes an appearance on the midsole’s medial heel, while “Made by Jae Tips” is embroidered on the inner heel. Lastly, “SAVIOR WORLDWIDE” lands on top of the left shoe’s tongue, nodding to Jae Tips’ brand.
Enjoy a closer look at the pair ahead, and find the sneakers at ComplexCon (Booth A42) on Saturday and Sunday, November 19th to 20th. An online release may follow, but no details have been disclosed by either party as of yet.
For more sneaker news, check out the “Pistachio” New Balance 993 and 2002R by Ronnie Fieg.
