Melbourne Boutique Up There Taps 3 Local Artists to Rework the Clark’s Originals Wallabee

As a devoted admirer, let me share my excitement about Up There Store’s latest project! Based in Melbourne, this rustic boutique with a knack for men’s fashion, sneakers, and accessories, has embarked on an extraordinary venture. They selected three members from their vibrant community to redefine the classic Clark’s Originals Wallabee. This creative crusade was a breathtaking fusion of craftsmanship and creativity, resulting in 14 custom silhouettes that metamorphosed into wearable art!

Artist Mike Kennedy established an impactful twist on the traditional guardian figures of Melbourne’s Chinatown temples – the temple dogs, known for their protective roles. His vibrant depictions of stylized dragons, bats, spiders, and dogs were a tribute to the local folklore and Up There’s distinctive color scheme.

In the process, Anthony Wicks from Anthill Workshop brought Kennedy’s sketches to life by employing old-fashioned chainstitching machines for embroidery. The outcome was a textured depth that seemed both nostalgic and contemporary, a complex dance of stitch and narrative.

The artisan Chase Shiel played a crucial role in transforming the vision into reality, as his skills revolve around dismantling and recreating items. Despite working within the limitations of a machine not initially intended for footwear, Shiel painstakingly crafted every pair of Wallabee and Desert Trek, ensuring that each set was unique with his precise attention to detail.

As a devoted follower, I’m thrilled to share that all the custom pairs have been given away in our recent raffle! Keep your eyes peeled for exciting new ventures brewing within the vibrant community of Up There. Take a moment to appreciate the captivating designs we’ve showcased above – they’re just a taste of what’s to come!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by UP THERE (@uptherestore)

Read More

2025-03-07 13:25