Brain Dead works in collaboration with Oakley Factory Team to launch a special iteration of the Paguro Mule silhouette. The shoe is a slip-on that is inspired by the Paguro crustacean as referenced in its namesake. It is also known as a hermit crab and it nods to its evolutionary development, seeing it come from shell to shell.
Similar to the animal, the mule has elements of a compound shape accented with intricate details that reference the organic casings of the crab. To construct the shoe, the team uses EVA foam to create the supportive body before it features TPU that provides wearers with a bounce and comfort with every step. Natural forms accent the upper with ventilation perforations.
Image Credit: @el_papi_kriko, @nninamuro, <a rel='nofollow' href='https://hypebeast.com/uk/2023/7/brain-dead-oakley-factory-team-paguro-spring-summer-2023-collection-release'>hypebeast</a>, <a rel='nofollow' href='https://wearebraindead.com/collections/paguro?pagination=3'>wearebraindead</a>
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Nature-inspired Footwear
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore environmentally friendly materials and designs that mimic organic shapes found in nature.
- Perforated Design
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate ventilation perforations in various industries such as apparel, furniture, and automotive for enhanced functionality and aesthetics.
- Collaborative Creations
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Foster more collaborations between fashion and outdoor brands to combine style and performance.
Where This Applies
- Fashion
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop sustainable and nature-inspired designs in the fashion industry, particularly in footwear and accessories.
- Outdoor Gear
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate functional and nature-inspired designs in outdoor gear like hiking boots and camping equipment.
- Product Design
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply perforated and organic design elements in product design, ranging from tech gadgets to furniture.
