Despite the sneaker collaboration becoming a trope of contemporary life, there are still instances in which seamless unions can surprise and delight. One such example is the latest team effort from Koio, the disruptive unisex sneaker label based in New York. Known for bringing together luxurious materials and quality craftsmanship to create its sophisticated, versatile styles, the label recently joined forces with the Los Angeles-based sculptor Bradley Duncan to create a limited edition sneaker that cuts a strong figure.
Born in Ohio, Duncan is known for his transformations of land, metal and organic materials into sculptural works of art. Trained at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, his works tend towards simplified geometric forms that evoke order, balance and form in its references of both modern and ancient architecture. Influenced as much by the design principles of the Shaker community, which originates from his home state of Ohio, as the vast geography and native flora and fauna of his current state of California, Duncan’s sculptures and site-specific environments create an arresting impact through their austerity.
Primo sneaker, by Koio x Bradley Duncan
Transformed into footwear, Duncan’s aesthetic has been adapted into a pared-back high-top sneaker that pairs a sandy-hued natural pebble leather with a clear rubber sole. Leather cord shoelaces enhance the linearity of the shoe’s details and architectural silhouette. Each topped off with a miniature version of Duncan’s carved triangular ‘Waveform’ sculptures, which has been seamlessly placed along the laces of every shoe, the earthy sneaker brings an element of elevation to everyday wear.
About adapting his creative process to something wearable, Duncan says, ‘I approached the shoe design process the same way I start most of our studio projects, with a vision. The vision for the shoe collaboration was illustrated through a collection of images I have taken over the past few years. Images ranged from my finished sculptures to natural phenomena. Koio translated and then we fine-tuned the details.’
‘Bradley has a unique approach that resonates a lot with Koio,’ adds Koio’s co-founder Johannes Quodt. ‘He uses natural materials and colors and transforms them into wonderfully geometric shapes. In that way, he creates an exciting contrast between the origin of his pieces and their final state.’
INFORMATION
-
The story behind Ethan James Green's sultry, star-studded 2025 Pirelli Calendar: ‘Becoming a Pirelli photographer, you’re included in a club’Ethan James Green is the latest photographer to shoot the Pirelli Calendar, drafting John Boyega, Hunter Schafer, Simone Ashley and more to bare all for his lens. Here, here tells Wallpaper* the story behind the sensual images
-
‘He made something not merely popular, but the rage’: unpacking Elio Fiorucci’s fabulous fashion legacyAn expansive new retrospective at Triennale Milano explores the colourful life and work of Elio Fiorucci, who is synonymous with 1970s hedonism and glamour
-
Björk and Aleph’s ‘Nature Manifesto’ resounds in the Pompidou escalatorsAn immersive sound piece by Björk and Aleph brings AI and ecological art together at the Centre Pompidou in Paris
-
Why the slipper is set to be this season’s definitive men’s shoeWallpaper* fashion features editor Jack Moss unpacks the rise of the men’s slipper, which looks set to become this season’s most ubiquitous shoe. Plus, five styles to channel the slipper’s louche elegance in your own wardrobe
-
‘There are no shortcuts’: Ten years of Hereu, the cult Spanish shoe brand where craft is front and centreDal Chodha visits Barcelona-based shoe and accessory brand Hereu as it reaches a milestone decade in business
-
Inside John Lobb’s sumptuous new Kyoto store, housed in a traditional wooden ‘machiya’John Lobb’s inviting new Teruhiro Yanagihara-designed Kyoto store is introduced with a series of images starring lauded Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda
-
‘Sensuous physicality’: Issey Miyake reveals barefoot sneaker collaboration with New BalanceThe Issey Miyake x New Balance MT10O is based on minimalist running sneakers from the 2010s, designed to replicate the feeling of running barefoot
-
These gravity-defying Santoni heels are a sculptural wonderA closer look at Santoni’s Victoria pumps, which are defined by the architectural rigour of their gently slanted heels – an ode to the heritage footwear brand’s roots in Le Marche, Italy
-
John Lobb’s ‘Cannon’ sneakers are an exercise in minimal designJohn Lobb’s sleek ‘Cannon’ sneakers continue the British heritage shoemaker’s foray into sportier terrain – crafted with all the precision of its classic styles
-
These innovative Dior shoes bridge past, present and futureInspired by an ornate Dior pump from 1962, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s just-released ‘62-22’ shoes give the classic design a futuristic update. Watch how they are made in this special short film
-
Superga’s ‘Artifact’ collection celebrates over 100 years of craftDesigned by Teppei Sugaya, the ‘Artifact’ collection by Superga explores the Italian shoe brand’s historic archive, with each launch arriving with a film celebrating artisans and hand-craft around the world
