# Retro Cigarette-Packaged Kicks Jason Ruff Repurposes Cigarette Packaging for his Sneaker Art By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2013-10-22 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sneaker-art References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/these-classic-nike-sneakers-are-actually-made-out-of-ci-1447833906) & [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2013/10/cigarette-packaging-shoes.html?utm_content=buffer45d37&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer) Jason Ruff’s sneaker art features painstaking recreations of classic [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drip) kicks made out of cigarette packs and duct tape. At first glance, the colorful, geometric-pattered shoes could actually pass as a pair of [retro high-tops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-force-1-low-dirty-triple-white). Ruff’s inspiration came from elusive objects from his adolescence: in this case, sneakers and smokes. He describes the finished product as, “mixing the unattainable objects of my youth.” As an adult, Ruff now has access to the type of income necessary to buy cigarettes and sneakers, but the youthful envy and longing he experienced when he was a kid tight on cash has allowed him to create these groovy, elaborate [sneaker sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelnimbus-101-1). Art and sneaker fans alike will surely enjoy these awesomely retro kicks. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Repurposed Art:** The trend of turning unconventional materials into art invites the opportunity for disruptive innovation to merge industries and reduce waste. - **Nostalgia-inspired Creations:** Nostalgia continues to inspire creativity and innovation in product design, opening up possibilities for unique marketing opportunities. - **DIY Streetwear:** The trend of DIY streetwear supports opportunities for customization and personalization, as well as sustainable fashion innovation. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art:** The art world can leverage the trend of repurposing everyday objects, including waste, to create sustainable and eco-friendly pieces, showcasing the intersection of creativity and responsibility. - **Fashion:** The retro sneaker art trend represents a new niche in fashion industry that promotes creativity, sustainability, and customization. - **Tobacco:** The tobacco industry can embrace the opportunity to expand into new markets by providing sustainable and eco-friendly options for smokers, including repurposed packaging as collectible items. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sneaker-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drip.md) - [Artist-Backed Breakdancing Sneaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jam-sneaker.md) - [Graffiti Artist-Made Rare Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stash-1.md) - [Sneaker-Inspired Chair Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/markvonrama.md) - [Sneaker-Celebrating Whimsical Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gone-coastal.md) - [Video Game Console Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-snes.md) - [Sneaker Fused Ceramic Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drip-exhibition.md) - [Charm-Accented Technical Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bentgablenits-1.md) - [Maximalist Pop Art Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keiichi-tanaami.md)