Sneakers and the world of music are two cultural elements that have evolved over the years, finding a fascinating interplay that combines style, artistic expression, and movement. From iconic sneakers that have set trends in the music scene to collaborations between brands and artists, there’s a unique relationship between sneakers and the world of music.
This relationship occurs mainly through what is called star collaborations, which can be from music, sports, or different artists. These celebrities team up with sports brands, leaving significant profits. So these collaborations between entertainment stars and sports brands become powerful partnerships.
The marketing strategies that certain brands develop in collaboration with a celebrity generate a whole story about the celebrity and are aimed at a specific and well-targeted segment. For example, in some shoe brands such as Puma and Adidas, they are strategies that are focused on aspirational issues, while those of Reebok men’s shoes are aimed at young people and for this reason they follow a line that develops more accessible models in terms of prices. compared to the other brands.
The history of sneakers in music
Men’s shoes have had a prominent role in the history of music. Since the early days of hip-hop in the ’80s, sneakers have become a symbol of identity and style for rap artists. Brands like Adidas and Nike became popular thanks to their association with artists and groups like Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys, who brought the shoe into the mainstream. These artists not only wore sneakers as part of their clothing, but also mentioned them in their lyrics, further increasing their cultural impact.
Collaborations between artists and sneaker brands
Currently, collaborations between artists and different shoe brands are a common practice. Brands like New Balance sneakers recognize the power of partnering with popular musicians to create special editions of sneakers that capture the essence of their musical style. These collaborations not only generate exclusive and highly demanded products, but are also a form of joint artistic expression.
A prominent example of a collaboration between music and sneakers is the alliance between Adidas and Kanye West. The Yeezy line of sneakers, designed by West, has been a resounding success in the market and has generated a cult phenomenon. The fusion of West’s distinctive style and Adidas build quality has created a perfect synergy that has transcended the boundaries of the world of music and become a fashion icon.
The best collaborations in the history of Reebok
Like many other sports brands, it has collaborated with various celebrities and personalities over the years. These collaborations are usually designed to launch special editions of shoes that combine the style and image of the famous with the aesthetics and quality of Reebok. These collaborations help generate interest in the brand and attract a broader audience.
Some of Reebok’s most notable collaborations with celebrities include the recent union between singer Anuel AA, who signed a long-term alliance in which they plan to launch a variety of products and special projects. During 2018 Reebok teamed up with rapper Cardi B and the collaboration between the two included a line of sneakers inspired by her style and personality so particular to her.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar has collaborated with Reebok on several occasions. His collaboration focuses on the idea of unity between different communities and has led to unique designs and powerful messages. Many of these products have already become traditional and are part of the line of classic Reebok Men’s Shoes.
Model Gigi Hadid has also worked with Reebok to design a sneaker collection, her modern and sophisticated style reflected in the collaboration designs. Also added is the fashion designer, Victoria Beckham, who has participated with the brand in the design of a line of clothing and shoes. The collection combines elegance with sporty elements, as could be seen in the outfits worn in the early 2000s by the Spice Grils group.
These are just a few of Reebok’s most well-known celebrity collaborations, but the brand has worked with many other artists, athletes and personalities to launch limited editions and special collaborations. Each collaboration seeks to merge the style and influence of the famous with the Reebok identity, offering unique and attractive products for fans of both parties, seeking to capture new segments and increase sales.
Geoge Rubin Domingu, a sneaker expert, shows an unboxing and outfit with the Reebok Anuel, “they are classic Reeboks that go with a vest, a beanie and you already have your first outfit. The second outfit with a puffer. They can already be found in some stores.
The case of New Balance
New Balance has collaborated with various celebrities and prominent personalities in different fields. In the field of sports, with the world-renowned athlete such as the Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, considered one of the best runners of all time.
In music, New Balance has worked with artists such as Jaden Smith, son of actor Will Smith and rapper known for his music and his commitment to the environment. He is also with singer Aaron Neville and the rock band Kings of Leon.
New Balance has collaborated with designers and fashion brands to create exclusive collections. In the case of the New Balance 550 model , launched in 1989, it had a new version in 2020 with a retro imprint by Teddy Santis, a prominent design personality. The same is true of other models such as the New Balance 530, Solebox x New Balance 575 “Being Hunted”, and Bodega x New Balance 577 “HYPRCAT”, among many others.
These collaborations with celebrities usually register millions of dollars in sales for both artists and the company, and that is why more and more brands are jumping on this trend that is increasingly booming and that is useful to attract the public. consumers of the new generations who also move in the field of social networks where they follow each of the celebrities.
Artistic expression and authenticity
Men’s shoes in the world of music are not only a matter of fashion, but also of artistic expression and authenticity. Artists often choose their shoes carefully to reflect their personal style and artistic identity. Shoes can be a way to communicate a message or a statement of intent, allowing artists to express themselves beyond their music.
In addition, urban shoes for men also play an important role in live performances. Performers need comfortable footwear with good traction to move freely across the stage and provide an engaging viewing experience. The shoe, with its combination of style and functionality, meets these requirements and has become a popular choice among artists of different musical genres.
Sneakers and the world of music have intertwined in surprising ways, creating a symbiotic relationship between style, artistic expression and movement. These two cultural spheres continue to influence each other and define trends. The shoe has left an indelible mark on the world of music, and its impact will remain relevant well into the future as both continue to evolve and shape contemporary culture.
The fusion between brands and celebrities: business strategies
By partnering with well-known celebrities in their respective fields, men ‘s sneaker brands seek to attract the attention of those people’s fans. These fans are usually loyal followers and are willing to purchase products associated with their idols, thus establishing a well-defined target audience and all marketing strategies are focused on attracting that segment.
In the background, celebrity collaborations can add credibility and prestige to a sneaker brand. By partnering with successful and respected people in their fields, brands can improve their image and market positioning. Association with recognized figures can also help brands stand out from the competition.
Celebrities often have a large following on social media, giving brands a unique opportunity to reach massive audiences quickly and effectively. This generates online advertising and promotion, which can translate into greater brand recognition and increased sales.
Celebrity collaborations often result in the release of limited edition sneakers, especially if brands team up with well-known fashion designers or international clothing brands. These exclusive models become collector’s items highly desired by fans of men’s shoes.
Ultimately, celebrity collaborations allow brands to tell stories and convey messages through association with those iconic figures. These stories can inspire consumers and generate an emotional connection with the brand and its products. Identification with the lifestyle of celebrities can translate into increased sales and this can also positively influence consumers, increasing purchases of these models or exclusive lines.
In short, collaborations between sneaker brands and celebrities offer mutual benefits. Brands obtain greater visibility, credibility and access to new market segments, while celebrities can monetize their influence and associate with renowned brands, this commercial union is called in the world of marketing, co branding.
What is cobranding?
Co branding is a term that is used to define a temporary relationship or alliance between two companies, brands, etc., in order to increase their sales and position their new products, through the value that the other brand gives them. personality or company
It is believed that cobranding as a marketing strategy was born in the 1950s when Renault launched a new car on the market and the jewelry brand Van Cleef and Arpels designed a gemstone steering wheel for that car model. With this action, Renault stood out in the market for offering an exclusive and unique car for sale.
That was the kickoff for many brands and companies to start making agreements with each other to join efforts and stand out with the products they offer in the market, being completely innovative. Through this marketing strategy, companies that collaborate with each other seek to expand their reach, improve their image, position their products and generate more benefits.
Co-branding between sectors is one in which you work with celebrities or famous personalities and it is generally always used for the same purpose and that is that a certain product has a good image. Through these actions, those who benefit are the owners of the brand thanks to the popularity of the famous , which makes their product become known much faster.
The unions between both parties are usually for a certain time or often as a common sponsorship where the image of the prominent character is not damaged if the product later turns out to be a failure, or has a bad image.
