Fashion

All The Sneaker Inspo You Need

by Rikki Byrd

Aeronautics and sneakers. Two words you never thought would come together — until Wednesday night's launch of the collaboration between infamous sneaker-boot brand Palladium and the 55th anniversary of Alpha Industries. Together, in one a room filled with cool kids and ultra-smooth boots and jackets, the two brands merged their history, presenting a collection worth talking about. While guests walked through the Stollway, bobbing their heads to tunes by DJ Soul, they engaged in a quick history lesson via stations representing the evolution of Palladium and Alpha Industries. Here's what I learned:

  • Palladium originally launched in 1920 to create tires for the aviation industry
  • In 1959 Alpha Industries began making military clothing
  • In 1949 Palladium boots, the Pampa, were introduced
  • Alpha Industries later came to be known for their military jackets, transforming them into a contemporary, casual brand
  • Both brands, Palladium and Alpha, share the history of military wear in their evolution, making the Palladium x Alpha Industries launch a perfect collaboration

The collection features an army green and navy blue palette seen in its military bomber jackets and high-top boots. There are also unique, fold-over pink sneakers with grey linings for women, as well as plays on the ever-present military theme with camo, canvas boots. In its lookbook, Palladium sets their models against a rough and rugged landscape, representing their brand's essence of producing durable and casual products for its unique consumers.

Amidst the hype, were the countless cool kids in the room, donning nylon pink sneakers, high-top Converse, Nike wedge sneakers and more, who attended the event sans Palladium and sans Alpha Industries products. Ready for a little shoe porn? Take a look at all of the cool sneaker candids I snapped while attending the launch.

Images: Courtesy Palladium (1); Rikki Byrd (10)