Sustainable Sneakers As A Canvas For Contemporary Art

Not all sustainable brands are created equal. As a Philippine homegrown sneaker brand, LAKAT has pioneered the use of innovative, ethically-sourced, local materials. The emerging, sustainable label has also created a fully local and ethical supply chain. They have engaged weavers from Kabankalan, rubber farms in Mindanao, and shoemakers from Marikina to make up a fully local and ethical supply chain. It was a concept and undertaking that inspired consumers and conscious retailers to rethink their strategies in creating a truly sustainable fashion industry.

LAKAT has always walked the talk. From sourcing raw materials, down production, manufacturing, marketing, and retailing methods, every aspect of the brand stays true to the ideals of slow, conscious fashion. Its founders Michael and Banj Claparols begin, “The production of each sneaker leaves a positive socio-economic impact on Philippine weavers and farmers in Negros and Mindanao. It also supports the livelihood of those involved in the supply chain to inspire a new model for a truly sustainable value chain.”

Pineapple fibers used in making LAKAT shoes are sourced from discarded leaves typically thrown after harvesting pineapples. Extraction is made using solar powered energy, which ultimately equates to a lower carbon footprint. “We’ve also given careful thought to our packaging,” says Banj. “Using recycled and recyclable fabrics, cartons and scraps, we’ve lovingly packed each pair of LAKAT sneakers to invite our customers to walk with us and leave a positive footprint on the planet, people and communities.”

This mindset has allowed the brand to distinguish itself from a marketplace crowded by greenwashing. It has also set a very steady, slow, yet thoughtful pace in terms of introducing new styles and ideas. Since launching in 2020, LAKAT has released three signature styles–high cut, low cut and slip on sneakers. Colors are updated every season, which has made LAKAT a collectible for the future-forward, sartorial set. Within style circles, the brand is regarded as the “sustainable sneaker for cool kids.”

LAKAT’s Creative Director, Luis Espiritu, has lent his unique vision in color play and a unique voice for storytelling through style since the brand’s inception. His pipe dream has also brought to life a new, limited edition series that marries art, design, fashion, and sustainability. This collection, which was a year in the making, is called the LAK+Art Series. Luis remembers, “I pitched the idea of wearable art sneakers to Banj and Mike even before we launched LAKAT.” But true to form, the team agreed that it first had to perfect production and manufacturing before presenting it as a canvas for art.

“The idea really came about from issues that surround fashion today,” says Luis. More often than not, wearable art is manifested only through fine jewelry, haute couture pieces, and other precious objects that only see the light of day inside museums. “We seldom come across a piece of wearable art that you can wear everyday. I’m talking about something that’s accessible, functional, practical yet fun and creative,” he observes. The creative director began exploring the contemporary art scene, identifying in his mind local artists whose values and sensibilities align with LAKAT. By early 2023, an exploratory meeting with Garapata (Dex Fernandez), Lilianna Manahan, and Doktor Karayom (Russell Trinidad) was set.

All three artists were immediately excited to work on a new canvas: sustainable sneakers from LAKAT. Luis adds, “Each of these renowned young artists have a signature character or creature. They have a strong sense of identity. All of them also wear sneakers. It is a part of their lifestyle. So, we gave them free reign to do what they wanted as long as it was within the capacity of production and our supply chain.” As designs and styles were drafted, the imaginary worlds of Garapata, Lilianna Manahan, and Doktor Karayom were translated, transported, and transplanted onto the street-inspired sneakers of LAKAT.

The Infestation of Varied Species by Garapata

Garapata (aka Dex Fernandez) is known locally and globally for his illustration of ticks. The interdisciplinary artist, who has exhibited in various parts of the world is predisposed to creating large scale street art, murals, and mixed media installations. He explains, “Over the years, Garapata has become my iconic character–and now a brand. It represents our complexity as human beings. With multiple legs and feet, we are constantly searching for the right host to feed on. A place to live and grow together or where we can just be alone in peace.”

His artwork for the LAK+Art Series is a play on irony and wit. He ponders, “When you think about it, shoes are supposed to protect our feet. But in this collection, they are also infested with these garapatas (ticks). It reminds us that wherever we go, we have parasites as companions feeding on us–in a cute and charming way”

Clarence’s Afternoon Stroll by Lilianna Manahan

Lilianna Manahan is an alumni of Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design. She was also recognized by the first Maison et Objets Asia as one of the Rising Asian Talents. Her body of work spans both the whimsical and industrial realms. As an artist, Lilianna’s expressions are informed by process and craft. This creative approach has resulted in structural sneakers for the LAK+Art collection that reimagine shape and silhouettes.

She calls her artwork for the limited edition series Clarence’s Afternoon Stroll. “Luis kept asking me about this bird that I had been drawing for fun since high school and finally showed it during lockdown on social media.” she says. “I illustrated him in different postures and mundane or near-death situations that I guess reflected the whole atmosphere of the lockdown. He eventually acquired the name Clarence. I’ve been experimenting with sculpted paper and enjoying seeing how sculpting paper can be translated into other materials like metal, and textile. So I put all these things together since it made the most sense and challenged myself to apply this aesthetic to the sneakers.”

Naengkanto by Doktor Karayom

Russell Trinidad’s moniker, Doktor Karayom, pays homage to the struggles of an artist, which he likens to passing through the eye of a needle (karayom). It also echoes his fascination for the human body. The shock value behind his imagery makes a strong first impression. But it is his uncanny ability to infuse his art with lore, style, personal anecdote, and poetry, that leave a lasting impact.

He draws from personal experience in the creation of Naeengkanto (which roughly translates to spell bound or bewitched) for the LAK+Art Series. Doktor Karayom details, “I was a curious and restless child. So spirits and otherworldly creatures would play with me. And because I was often exploring, I always found myself in different places–getting lost and eventually finding my way.” He likens this childhood memory to the bright red sneakers embroidered with his signature figures and flowers. “The message I hope to convey through this artwork is that wherever you might find yourself–lost or just finding your way—for as long as your feet are firmly planted on the ground, you will grow and bloom.”

The LAK+Art Series featuring Garapata, Lilianna Manahan and Doktor Karayom will launch on February 15 during the year’s biggest art event, Art Fair Philippines. A limited number of sneakers will be available for sale during the fair. Luis emphasizes, “Apart from this being an exciting collaboration between the worlds of craft, art, and design, the LAK+Art Series is also a first in Philippine fashion. While we’ve seen Filipino artists lend their vision to brands in the past, this will be the first time that a homegrown label like LAKAT will showcase world class Philippine contemporary artists.” And this speaks volumes to the lengths that innovation, creativity, sustainability, and artistry can go when rooted on purpose.