The unveiling of a special edition 'Hip Hop Royalty 6-Inch Boot' by Timberland commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 'Original Yellow Boot' and the birth of Hip Hop. The brand acknowledges the influence of the Hip Hop community on its history, and Senior Footwear Designer Chris Dixon draws upon past design elements to create the new product.
The shoe's use of Helcor materials resembles the feel of vinyl records, while the grey soles are inspired by New York City's "Concrete Jungle" moniker. The "Sedgwick Avenue" wording on the green tongue labels is an homage to the address of the house party where Hip Hop is said to have originated in the Bronx.
Online retailers are currently selling the Timberland Hip-Hop Royalty Premium 6-inch Waterproof Boots for $210 USD.
Hip-Hop-Commemorating Shoes
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Trend Themes
1. Hip Hop Commemorative Merchandise - There is an opportunity for other brands and merchandise makers to create products that honor the history and influence of Hip Hop.
2. Celebrity-endorsed Footwear - Creating special edition footwear inspired and endorsed by high-profile celebrities in various genres of music, sports, and entertainment can lead to a new customer base.
3. Nostalgic Design Elements - Using design elements from the past or from a specific era and combining them with modern materials and technology is a way to appeal to the nostalgia of customers and create unique products.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - There is an opportunity for other footwear companies to create special edition, themed shoes that honor specific cultural influences.
2. Fashion and Apparel - Designers can use nostalgic design elements and cultural references to create unique clothing and accessories that appeal to a specific customer base.
3. Music Merchandise - Musicians and music labels can capitalize on the popularity of merchandise by collaborating with brands to create products that honor the history and influence of specific music genres and culture.