What's a creative without the footwear to match their output? After all, renaissances don't happen barefoot.
A jack of all trades, master of…all of them? Rarely does a creative come along that knows how to translate their vision to whichever medium they touch. They might have a focus or specialty but that doesn’t stop them from being a champ across the board. But as it turns out, this idea of a human Swiss army knife proceeds the reference.
The Renaissance wasn’t just well known for its ideas, architecture, and art, but for the creatives themselves who were responsible for bringing it into the world, often ‘dabbling’ in multiple disciplines and absolutely crushing each one like it was light work. Painters doubling as map makers. Sculptors who could shred on the lute. Architects moonlighting as podcasters. All of these combinations probably existed hence the phrase 'renaissance man', as in a person making the most of life in this rare age of exploration. And if you think they were barefoot, you're trippin'.
However, fast forward to today and seeing as we live in an age where you aren’t sure whether a TikTok channel about someone reviewing the taste of deodorant is something we just made up or has a following of 1.9 million people, the idea of the renaissance man has been put into retirement, man. However just like there is a little aluminum in every stick of Axe, there is a bit of renaissance man in everyone, just waiting to be unlocked.
In the sneaker game, with so many styles out there and so many options coming out every day, there is a fixation on what’s ‘next’. But when the fatigue sets in and the market has had enough, a quick breather and period of reflection can be just what the doctor ordered. Yeah we are just talking sneakers here, no parallels to history at all. So why not look back at the memorable releases that went under the radar, buried by a constant flow of gear, to inspire the next generation? After all, a crucial part of creating new designs is drawing from the past. That’s what Da Vinci did anyway, but what did he know?
Beyond being referential, coming up with a design that is versatile enough to mean different things to different people goes a long way. It doesn't happen often but when it does, there is a chance not just to make history but inspire it. You know, like a jack of all trades, master of all.
With the Bodega X New Balance 9060 “Age of Discovery” we tapped into the past to chart out what’s next. Featuring signature elements of previous NB models like the 990 line, 860v2, and the 991, with a color scheme matching a renaissance style painting we had commissioned for the project, there is a lot to be explored.
And though the ancestral throughlines are clear, our 9060 has the originality to distinguish it from anything that has come before, with its assertive pod sole system and one of a kind color blocking. Intended to be universally approachable, our sneaker lends itself to the outdoor set with its rugged textiles, and chunky durability while the shape and colors put it on the guest list of the high fashion world as a season defining statement. Not to be left out is the accompanying apparel collection which lives in multiple worlds at the same time with pieces like the 2 in 1 Zip Off Pant and Mock Neck Pullover blurring the line between earth crunching GORP and street-centric staples.
So when it came time to share the 9060 “Age of Discovery” with the world, we knew we had to get someone who represented the well rounded nature of the collection and personified the idea of a modern day renaissance man. A multi-hyphenate creative who is able to express their style as well as their point of view across different mediums in an influential way. And with this modern day Michelangelo, ‘the shoe fit’.
He’s most certainly ‘where you got your mood-board pictures from’. With an original flow packed with laid back steeze and motion filled staccato that makes you want to articulate your body like he does his words, Aminé has a sound of his own, matched only by his unique vision for the videos his songs inspire, often featuring skits starring his friends – shout out Rickey! Bringing ear-worms set to bouncy bass and positive, youthful energy to the hip hop scene, Aminé is a breath of fresh air inspiring his peers and the next generation to refuse the call of the pigeon hole.
Just like in life, where Aminé’s aspirations go beyond music, touching everything from film & tv and fashion to graphic design and creative direction, our “Age of Discovery” shoot touched on the different outlets of a modern day renaissance man and explored how our 9060 and its supporting apparel collection fits right into any scenario, from producing and painting to sandwich...ing. So beyond seeing someone cool wearing cool gear, we hope the collaboration inspires people to embark on their own 'age of discovery' where leaving comfort zones and exploring new artistic outlets mean learning about personal expression and creativity.
Talent: Aminé @amine
Production Company: UNDERHILL PRODUCTIONS @underhill.film
Producer: Meetra Javed @meeetraaa / Alex Max @alexmax
Photographer: Tommy Boudreau @lenswithbenefits
1st Photo Assistant: Heins Evander @heinsevander
2nd Photo Assistant: Mason Fox @masonreidfox
Digital Tech: Marco Scozzaro
Stylist: Tinbete @tinbetewhut
HMUA: Allie J @everything_alliej
Set Design: Celina Arslanian @celinaarslanian
Videographer: Liam Reardon @liamareardon
Music: Nino Francis (@ninofrancismp3)
& Bodega
Release Info: Saturday, December 10, 2022
Available online at 12pm EST on a first come, first served basis.
This product is considered a Quickstrike (QS). All QS, limited edition, and brand collaboration products are final sale. Limit 2 pairs per order. Orders exceeding the limit will be subject to cancellation
