Bengaluru-based brands Comet and Naru Noodle Bar drop a sneaker collab that you did not see coming
I noisily tear open my Naru ramen noodle soup packet and a pair of sneakers tumble out.
These sneakers have — hold your breath — chopsticks sticking out of them, not by accident but by design. This is the result of a collaboration between homegrown sneaker brand Comet and Naru Noodle Bar, Bengaluru. While a footwear label and restaurant collab is unusual, it's not unheard of. In the past we have seen Burger King X Fila, (Dubai-based Pakistani restaurant) Ravi X Adidas, KOIO X Dominique Ansel.
But this is, perhaps, the first time, two young Indian brands are creating something like this.
The Comet X Naru sneaker comprises 400 pairs that will drop on August 2 at 11 am at Comet's store in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. Following which, a few pieces will drop on the website on August 3 at 6 pm. 'This is a Bengaluru first community drop. Both are Bengaluru brands. We've got lots of love from them and they have given us a platform to thrive on,' says Utkarsh Gupta, co-founder of Comet, adding that Comet's first collab was with artist Santanu Hazarika.
Naru has joined forces before, with chefs, restaurants, and local artists for T-shirts. 'But this is the first time we are collaborating with a sneaker brand,' says Kavan Kuttappa, chef and founder of Naru Noodle Bar. After a meal at Naru, Utkarsh was visibly impressed with the food, attention to detail, and how passionate Kavan was. That got him thinking. 'And after six months of planning, design and samples, we are here,' adds Kavan.
Kavan also was part of the design process. The shoe is black to match Naru's uniform. Then there is the winding Naru logo which resembles noodles and has the word Na in Kannada and rest in Japanese, which is embroidered on the shoe.
'We have also added minor elements at the back, like a monkey on the left and the noodle he is slurping on stretching to the right and ending in a noodle bowl,' explains Utkarsh. It is a black on black stitch and subtle. There are also some hidden elements. Kavan suggested putting Urumaki and Ajimata, inspired by their kitchen, beneath the heel tabs.
The final surprise is a pair of detachable chopsticks. Utkarsh says, 'As a founder I am looking for inspiration. And this is cool, unique, fun!'
The Comet X Naru sneakers are priced at ₹5,999.
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