Keds, the classic sneaker brand, released a new collection of shoes designed by artist Jenny Holzer last month to celebrate the brand’s sponsorship of the Whitney Museum of American Art’s summer season.
As an avid supporter of contemporary art and music, Keds has embraced not just the Whitney’s show, which presents sound and image artists like Christian Marclay, but also the opportunity to collaborate with artists to develop original lines of shoes. The KedsWhitney Collection, which is available for sale at Bloomingdale’s, combines Keds’ traditional Champion style with the designs of three artists, all of whom were featured during the Whitney Biennial.
The first collection is by conceptual artist Holzer. On sale now for about $70 a pair, the line’s design is based on Holzer’s text series Survival, with its expression “protect me from what I want” printed right on the shoe. The next two collections, which are not yet released, will feature painters Laura Owens and Sarah Crowner. Proceeds from each collection will go to the Whitney Museum.
A blank canvas in material and concept, Keds shoes have embarked on a fitting partnership. Holzer’s simple quote says it best: “It's great that Keds and the Whitney are friends. I have a renewed respect for shoe designers.”
