Texas-based bourbon brand Bulleit is taking its recent 3D theme in stride. In April, the company unveiled an elaborate 3D printed bar (as well as 3D printed cocktails) as part of a marketing campaign. Now, it is taking things a step further with a pair of 3D printed sneakers. The limited-edition shoes were unveiled last night at the Bulleit 3D Printed Frontier Experience in Dallas.
Why has a bourbon company become a keen spokesperson for 3D printing, you might ask. We can imagine that the headlines are at least a part of it. But Bulleit also says its interest in the technology is part of a larger campaign aimed at highlighting and collaborating those working at the forefront of design and culture.
The colorful sneakers were created in partnership with design and manufacturing firm Tangible Creative and Dallas-based artist Kyle Steed. The pattern on the shoe was reportedly inspired by Steed’s interpretation of “what it means to be on the Frontier of culture” and brings together abstract shapes that represent various human elements.
“The sneaker and mural designs represent the community of artists, designers and leaders in tech and innovation who come together to push the boundaries of the cultural frontier,” said Steed. “When we talk about innovation, it’s just as much about human connection as it is technology. Where we are many parts ourselves as individuals, only by coming together as a community of creators and innovators can we make something bigger.”
The shoes took over 200 hours to design and reportedly took twelve days to 3D print. Starting today, Bulleit will be selling a limited number of the 3D printed sneakers for $250 a pair. The shoes, available to those of legal drinking age in the U.S. (21+), are being sold through Sneaker Politics.
The Bulleit 3D printed bar, for its part, was designed and manufactured in collaboration with architecture and design practice FAR frohn&rojas and a 3D printing team from Machine Histories. The cocktails were realized in partnership with Benjamin Greimel, the founder of Print A Drink.
“As the Bulleit 3D Printed Frontier Experience moves across the country, we are seeking new collaborators and pioneers on the frontier of 3D printing who can enhance everything around our 3D printed bar experience,” commented Sophie Kelly, Sr. Vice President of Whiskey at Diageo North America. “It’s important to us to collaborate closely with people from the local communities we visit, and Kyle Steed and Tangible Creative are both pushing the boundaries of their craft in fresh and exciting ways. With the launch of our new limited-edition 3D Printed Sneakers in Dallas, together we are reimagining the bar experience in 3D – which includes where people drink, what people drink, what people are wear wearing, and what people are talking about.”
