Satellite Voices

Munich

K1Xclusive & *folorunsho

May 22

Munich's K1X collaborates with the young African artist collective for a Colette exclusive

• Text by Christine Bierhals



After the success of K1X's initial DCAC Sierra Leone series in 2011, K1Xclusive is ready to take this unique collaboration - between the young African artist collective the *folorunsho project and basketball brand K1X - to the next level.

For this project, 20 street kids from Freetown, Sierra Leone, created a stunning variety of patterns using traditional and improvised batik techniques. These extremely personal fabrics were then manufactured into 20 one-of-a kind sneakers each, that will be sold exclusively at the concept store Colette in Paris. Each pair of the handmade pieces is absolutely unique, named after their maker and limited to 20 pairs per style.

The shoes come with a documentary photo book that illustrates the creation process - and gives a revealing glimpse into the lives of adolescents in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The profits of this limited edition go back directly to the inspiring creators, who are looking to ameliorate their circumstances of living. These young men, who are known as the Lion Base crew, grew up in excruciating circumstances and have become a creative brotherhood through shared experiences and common interests. The proceeds will help 20 hustling adolescents to afford shelter as well as schooling.