Nike Womens Cortez Triple Black
The non-conformists, the anti-social, the anti-mass.
The meeting of the non-traditional into the sneaker world is an unexpected yet unifying aspect of streetwear. Just like the Cortez which pushed Nike forward in sport but also in fashion, Shelflife used sneakers to expose the world of graffiti, which oftentimes sits on the fringes of society. Ultimately, shoes have a way of touching every aspect of community and culture.
Stepping away from the prototype of “sneakerheads” comes Zoey, Tsele and Anita. A group of creatives who profiled Zoey, an incredible young black tattoo artist based in Cape Town. Together, they interpreted the Nike Women's Cortez PRM “Triple Black” through the lens of what her life has felt like: a dream. The team added themes of home, chaos and weightlessness to encapsulate her self-described journey to pursuing her passion as a tattoo artist!
We sat down with Zoey to find out how growing up led her to be a part of the local tattoo subculture.
ZOEY'S DREAMSCAPE:
“I am Zoey Springbok, almost 25-years-old professional tattoo artist and body piercer for roughly 2 years, very modest humble beginnings with the urge to create from an early age. I tattoo out of ‘More Than Hype Tattoo Art Collective’ (MTH) in Cape Town, South Africa. Regardless of what I am doing, I am fighting to improve.”
SL: What is your name and/or chosen name?
ZS: Zokwanda Springbok (please call me Zoey).
SL: When did you get your first tattoo and why?
ZS: Growing up in stock road (THE HOOD), I was tattooed at 15-years-old (the worst tramp-stamp spider ever). At that stage I was hanging out with rappers, and street culture and tattoos were trending… wanted to fit in and be part of the crew .
SL: Who was your first tattooed icon?
ZS: I feel tattoos themselves are iconic. I do think some of the big icons could have chosen better artists.
SL: What made you take the leap into becoming a tattoo artist?
ZS: I spent a lot of time at MTH getting bad work covered, and became close to the team. My creative potential was noticed and I was fortunate enough to get an apprenticeship, which I am eternally grateful for. It honestly changed my life.
SL: How do you feel about tattoos becoming more popular in modern culture?
ZS: I feel that tattoos show commitment and also can be therapeutic and spiritual. Having said that, I don't think they are for everyone… tattoos need to keep an element of mystery, I believe.
SL: What is the one thing you love about tattoo culture and the one thing you would like to change?
ZS: I LOVE TATTOOING WITH MY ENTIRE SOUL! THE GOOD AND THE BAD. FOR ME AS A TATTOO ARTIST, IT'S THE FIGHT TO CONSTANTLY IMPROVE.
The one thing I strive to change is the way clients are dealt with. We need to humble ourselves and be more accommodating with less of our own egos, which make tattoo studios an intimidating place.
SL: What is your absolute favourite thing to tattoo?
ZS: I love black and grey and colour. Favourite subject matter- CARTOON ANYTHING.
SL: If you weren’t a full time artist what would you be doing?
ZS: I would be doing very creative hair and nails with crazy skilled nail art.
SL: Give one piece of advice to a younger version of yourself reading this now.
ZS: DON'T GET TATTOOED IN THE HOOD AT 15! If you are given an opportunity, take it with both hands. Stay humble, believe you can, and never ever stop learning. OH and thank you for this opportunity .
SL: Give the world a link to your shop / portfolio / social media (wherever is the best place to find you!)
THE TEAM:
Anita Hlazo AKA @afrogrunge
Showcasing her work at South African Fashion Week to being featured on an editorial in Vougue Italia, Anita is a fashion designer, now officially a stylist and creative director in learning from Cape Town. At its core, Afrogrunge offers a space for P.O.C’s who love alternative-grunge aesthetics. Due to the lack of acceptance, representation and understanding of her personal expression, Anita fulfilled those gaps through fashion.
“It was an amazing experience to be a part of this project and work with such amazing talent. This project has broadened my scope in talent, capacity and has been a huge learning point. I loved that I got the opportunity to be in the forefront of black girls in the alternative space being highlighted in such a scope. Danko! To many more and Zoey is that girl.”
Tsele Nthane AKA @melanateyourmood
“I’m really curious about the human experience, the human condition. I have a keen focus on diversity, exploring themes of freedom and expression across the city-scape”. Feautured in both Vogue Photography and i-D, Tsele is a Cape Town-based young rising star in the photography scene. His work sits at the intersection of culture, society and fashion, and combines a documentary feel with aesthetics drawn from contemporary youth culture. Tsele uses this form of art as a medium to explore emotion and subjects that are difficult to vocalize.
THE CORTEZ:
The “Triple Black” colourway comes constructed in a mix of premium materials, including an all-black upper made with a textured overlays. The Swoosh, toe cap, and overlays on the upper are done up in a brushed suede, contrasting against the smooth leather base and tongue. The Cortez is rounded off with speckling on the sole, to further distinguish itself from your average all-black offering.
THE COMPETITION:
In celebration of the Nike Women's Cortez PRM “Triple Black” we’ve created a hand crafted all-black shoe box, in collaboration with Philip Kramer, featuring a carefully designed recess to tuck the sneakers in comfortably and to store your laces.
Upon opening the box you’ll find a voucher for a consult and tattoo session with Zoey at More Than Hype Studios in Cape Town.
When purchasing the Cortez for the following month, you will be entered into a raffle where you can win the limited edition box and voucher. We will give away one box per door (Cape Town, Joburg and Online). There are only 3 boxes ever made for the giveaway!
This collectors gift truly boasts more than its intricate carvings and all-black detailing!
Dedicated to the Misfits!
The Nike Women's Cortez PRM “Triple Black” drops on Monday the 19th of June, in-store and online for R2099 in UK3-UK8 (no UK7-UK8 available in Cape Town).