LOCAL artist group Aral Cru took inspiration from the Filipinos' 'burning love' for basketball to make the adidas BYW Select 'Alab Ng Puso' shoes happen.
No longer strangers to the adidas community, the trio – consisting of college friends turned co-artists Cinos, Frank, and Bvdot – began its relationship with the brand three years ago when they created a custom floor mural displayed at the basketball section of the adidas Brand Center in Glorietta.
Alab ng Puso
Today, their story comes full circle as they find their designs coming to life once more with a basketball shoe collaboration.
With a concept that embraces the Filipino qualities of passion and grit, the silhouette – aptly themed Alab ng Puso – comes in a red-blue-yellow colorway inspired by the Philippine flag and also features a design language that speaks about the enduring and burning love Filipinos have for basketball.
“The story behind Alab ng Puso is that it comes from the burning desire of Filipinos towards basketball. It's deeply embedded in the hearts of the Filipino culture, […] and anywhere in the Philippines, whether the streets or remote islands, you would see a basketball court,” says Frank, one-third of the trio.
Conceptualized, designed, and produced in close collaboration between artist and brand, the end result is a silhouette that combines cultural designs and the street art and graffiti aesthetic. For one, the Philippine flag-inspired colorway is accented with splashes of orange, symbolizing the flame – or passion – of Filipinos for the game.
Unique spray paint gradient
Aral Cru also ensured their style is not lost in the release.
Both the forefoot and insole design are home to a unique spray paint gradient effect that makes use of the group’s signature approach.
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