Florsheim launches Ben Smith Holiday collaboration collection

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Dec 11, 2016

Florsheim recently launched a holiday collaboration footwear collection with Pittsburgh-based artist Ben Smith.

 
The American heritage footwear brand partnered with the self-taught artist to create one-of-a-kind footwear hand painted with special formulated acrylic paint that will not chip, fade, or wear off. Customers work with Florsheim to select a shoe style, including
dress, imperial, royal imperial, boots, casual, and comfortech, before scheduling a consultation with Smith to discuss inspirations, color pallets and other treatments. Smith will then hand paint the custom shoes according to the digital rendering that was made during the consultation. The one-of-a-kind shoes will take two-to-four weeks to finish.
 
“This project with Florsheim was about pushing the boundaries of what can be done on a pair of shoes,” said Smith. “Working with the individuals on their own pairs really opened up new and unique possibilities. People have opinions on artwork but working with them one-on-one and drawing from their experience to co-create something bespoke really took it to the next level.”

Smith has collaborated with many brands in the past on fine art customization for fashion and lifestyle products. His signature label includes bespoke, wearable and functional artwork that expand the traditional view of fashion and design.
 
John Florsheim, the president and chief operating officer of Weyco Group Incorporated, said, “During our initial conversations with Ben, we realized his artistic process, care and detail works towards that same goal, taking it one step further. Allowing one’s freedom of expression combined with Ben Smith's contemporary inspired painting aesthetic, we’ve turned our handcrafted modern footwear into something unexpected, something worthwhile of a second look, because they really are works of art.”
 
In addition to launching the collection, Florsheim is offering a free one-of-a-kind Ben Smith collaboration shoe for one lucky customer. The sweepstakes ends on December 18, 2016.
 
The Florsheim x Ben Smith collaboration collection is available on the Florsheim website starting at $700.