Often times we forget what makes sneakers and its culture so relevant. It’s not about the technology, or the collabs, or the colorways. Sneaker culture is about the people. Not to discredit the hard work and dedication that goes into each craft of a shoe, but it’s the consumers that makes the sneaker industry. We dictate the market. We camp out. We buy. We collect. But most importantly, we give life to the industry.
FBCC, also known as Dee-Nyce, launched his signature shoe the “Valedictorian VV1” that draws inspiration from a multitude of people. In regards to the design and colorway of the shoe, FBCC credits Kanye’s revolutionary shoe deals with both Louis Vuitton and Nike back in 2009. After serving time with the U.S. Coast Guard, FBCC came back to the states dedicated to the shoe game and school. After earning his degree at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, FBCC decided to create a one of a kind experience based on Kanye’s shoes and his Graduation album by encompassing a cap, gown, and diploma into the purchase of each shoe.
The VV1 has a white midsole and a tan upper with a bright pink inside the shoe that make this shoe a standout. The all-natural vegetable tan leather material that masks the upper is a luxurious touch that makes this signature shoe stand in a league of its own.
But the shoe itself has a deeper significance for FBCC. The inside of the tongue contains a range of Roman numerals that are homages to the women in his life by documenting their birthdays and making it a part of the shoe. “V IV” is his mother’s birthday, “IX III” is his grandmother’s who passed away two months ago from stage 4 cancer and “XX XVI” is his daughter’s who passed away eleven years ago. The 718/510 pays respect to New York and Oakland while the proceeding number is the shoe size.
Take a look at the “VV1 Valedictorian” and all its intricacies below. Be sure to follow artist on Instagram here. FBCC reminds us that our shoes play in a role in our every day lives. Not only with a sense of expression and style but a motive and platform. Would you like to see more brands, designers capture the human experience in shoes? Let us know in the comments below.
FBCC “VV1 Valedictorian” FBCC “VV1 Valedictorian” FBCC “VV1 Valedictorian” FBCC “VV1 Valedictorian”
