My MANy Bags News #135

Gucci - Mark Ronson Sneakers debuts on 23 October 2009

With the successful collaborations with artists, designers,celebrities being evident in brands like Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, Uniqlo and H&M, Gucci is the next in-line to tap onto this money making strategy to further brand interest. Hence, Gucci started the Gucci Icon-Temporary initiaitive and as a start, has reigned in the minds of Mark Ronson, a renowned DJ to create a new line of limited edition sneakers.

Gucci's Mark Ronson sneakers will made its retail debut on 23rd October in Gucci's first Icon-Temporary store on Crosby Street, New York city. Both Frida Giannini and Mark Ronson will attend the kick-off party and the store will be opened to the public from 24th onwards for a duration of 2 weeks. The temporary space will then migrate to Miami in December 2009, with London and Tokyo scheduled for their turns in 2010,

These limited edition sneakers will have a new exclusive design specially created for each destination in addition to the 18 styles available. 16 for men and 2 for women. Not only will the sneakers come with a special gold and silver dog tag but also other customisation details to add exclusivity. Initials of customers can be engraved onto the leather tags of shoe laces, in addition to special packaging for each destination city and a 12-inch vinyl record with tracks selected by Mark Ronson.

Gimmicky? Yes. Interesting concept? Yes. Good design? I beg to differ. From the 4 designs I see, the 2 chunky Nike types are a huge monstrosity (the gold one perhaps suited for Gucci wannabes on a Chinese New Year house visiting rampage) while the other boat shoe versions are somewhat bland and lack innovation. But I am sure, these limited edition shoes will find its fan base, just not from me.

So what do you think of these shoes?

Source: Selectism