designboom · Creativity & design

Stefan Sagmeister and ekn Translate Global Data into Wearable Footwear

Graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister has collaborated with ekn footwear to create a sneaker and a boot that visualize global data on renewable electricity generation and street homelessness. The designs accompany Sagmeister's exhibition 'Finally, Something Good.' in Paris.

The project merges Sagmeister's data visualization with ekn's shoemaking, aiming to bring art beyond the gallery. Sagmeister stated shoes are seen by a wider audience than art in an exhibition space.

The 'Bring It On' sneaker features colorful suede visualizing worldwide renewable electricity generation from 1965 to 2022. The complete dataset is printed on the footbed. Sagmeister highlighted renewable energy improvements.

The 'Like a Complete Unknown' boot displays embroidered graphics representing street homelessness data across six OECD countries. Sagmeister acknowledged the data's imperfections due to varying national definitions.

Translating the graphics into functional footwear involved adapting visualizations to the shoe's curves and construction. The process included iterative sampling and adjustments with manufacturing partners.

The collaboration addresses the tension of selling luxury footwear that addresses social issues. Sagmeister noted the awkwardness of a €350 boot featuring homelessness data.

Ten percent of each sale supports relevant organizations: €35 from each boot goes to the Coalition for the Homeless, and €30 from each sneaker to Future Cleantech Architects.

Both models are handmade and produced via a limited pre-order system from October 14 to November 15, 2026. This made-to-order approach aims to reduce unsold stock and aligns with ekn's responsible manufacturing.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.