SNEAKERS WAS THE NEXT LOGICAL CHOICE FOR BUBBLEGUM LEATHER’S MASTER CRAFTSMAN, SHIRAZ PARKER.
Bubblegum Leather has taken the world of fashion accessories by storm. As the first South African leather brand to feature in the New York high-end store, ‘Flying Solo’, this brand only continues to reach new heights in the fashion industry.
Expanding the Bubblegum Leather range
With his rich history in and experience as, a leather craftsman, founder and owner, Shiraz Parker wanted to expand the Bubblegum Leather range. Shiraz says he has been dealing with a lot of brands and designers over the years. He also has experience in the sneaker industry.
“After reaching our first milestone I wanted to expand the range and sneakers was the next thing on the list.” – Shiraz –
Shiraz says he has been pursuing new designs for the last two years and goes on to say that he has been collaborating with parties in Italy and “… playing around with a lot of sketches.”
Parker says there is a lot that goes into the designs, starting with the sketches, to the rendering unto design platforms and utilizing the different textiles.
Italian collaboration for the relationship and reputation
For Shiraz the choice of collaborating with the Italian craftsmen was an obvious choice as it is about the quality and ensuring the best product is delivered to the client.
“… just an obvious option for me. They know me and what Bubblegum Leather stands for.” -Shiraz-
The sneaker range carries the Bubblegum Leather’s bespoke promise and is hand-stitched in Italy, from where it is shipped around the world. Shipping is free for the European market. The sneaker range is hitting New York stores on 1 July and will be expanding to Barcelona and the rest of Europe soon.
More to come for Bubblegum Leather
Shiraz proudly shared that, like the luggage range, the sneakers will also be seen at the Milan Fashion Week in February 2023 and also in Paris Fashion Week later this year. Parker says he is hard at work with the range for the events. The range is unisex, but a kids-, women’s- and evening range will follow.
For more on the available ranges from Bubblegum Leather visit: www.bubblegumleather.co.za
Annette Havenga – Happening News SA©