Tretorn is a footwear brand founded in Sweden way back in 1891. While they’ve had many popular styles, the Nylite has been a staple for the company, and this year they are celebrating the shoe’s 50th anniversary. Instead of a cake and candles, Tretorn decided to partner with fifty unique artists, hand them over a blank pair, and ask each to do their magic. The results are amazingly creative and diverse.
Throughout the celebration, Tretorn will spotlight participating artists, and Jayson Atienza is currently in the spotlight. Born in the Philippines, but raised in Jersey City, this painter started off his career in advertising, but ultimately found his way to make art his day job. His work is focused on detailed line applications, but it often gets a highly saturated dose of color. Drawn to the distinct lines of the Nylite style, Atienza was easily inspired.
Also: Spotlight | Make a Splash in Dark Seas
Starting with drawn renderings of the shoe, Atienza tested out his concept and color application first on paper. Then with an idea in mind, meticulous hand painted art took form on the previously stark sneakers. What’s so cool about the finished products that have been shared so faris just how literally these artisans were able to apply their artmaking process to the sneaker canvas. Check out some of our favorites below:
Images courtesy of Tretorn.
Best Foot Forward | Tretorn Nylite’s 50th anniversary
Established in 1891 in Sweden, Tretorn is celebrating one of their most popular designs, the Nylite, with an artistic undertaking.
-
Starting Sketches
Painter Jayson Atienza did't go right for the Nylites in his process.
Photo: Tretorn
-
Creative Inspiration
After sketching out the Nylite silhouette, Atienza started concepting color application and treatment.
Photo: Tretorn
-
First Touch
Blue and red paint start to elude to the design aesthetic of Atienza but there's more to come.
Photo: Tretorn
-
Final Piece by @jaysonatienza
@jaysonatienza brought his erratic, colorful, line-focused design to shoe form.
Photo: Instagram
-
Ready to Get Started
Each artist received a pristine pair of white Nylite shoes.
Photo: Instagram
-
Work Underway by @emilio_ramos
A design so perfect it looks stuck on. @emilio_ramos painted on colorful clouds.
Photo: Instagram
-
Final Design by @adelerenault
@adelerenault took her beautiful, realistic feathers to the formerly white sneakers.
Photo: Instagram
-
On Display with @iam_ronbass
@iam_ronbass took the unique approach of dipping the soles in custom pastel liquid rubber.
Photo: Instagram
-
Work in Progress by @lucianofontanez
Work in progress by @lucianofontanez.
Photo: Instagram
-
Unexpected Treatments by @mitchcantdraw
We don't quite know if @mitchcantdraw can't draw, but he can definitely design. His inventive take on the Tretorn sneaker here.
Photo: Instagram
-
Attention to Detail with @travrocone
@travrocone went for superb attention to detail in a black and white iteration.
Photo: Instagram
-
Happy 50th Birthday Nylite
The sneaker that started it all, shown here in it's unaltered original form. Get the Nylite Plus, $70, in vintage white.
Photo: Tretorn
