EVERY shoe tells a story, and this colorway of ANTA KTX that Klay Thompson personally wears in his games carries significance for Filipinos –or at least, for this local artist.
Behind the “Rocco” edition of the KTX signature shoe is homegrown graphic artist JP Pining, whose collaboration with ANTA came unexpectedly.
When Captain Klay first visited the country back in 2023, Pining was among the eleven artists that dedicated an exhibit for Thompson, organized by Big Boy Cheng in Secret Fresh.
And his artwork of Thompson’s furry best friend, Rocco, became one of the NBA star’s favorites in the show.
Klay has been with Rocco, an English Bulldog, since his NBA Draft days and has always called him his 'lucky charm'.
“It was a group exhibit, and I’ve thought of ways to stand out, and since I am a dog owner myself, I closely follow Klay and his relationship with his dog, I decided to showcase Rocco, and luckily, he liked it,” Pining shared with SPIN.ph.
Klay's 'soft spot'
ANTA, at the time, was quick on their feet in tapping Pining as they anticipated the release of the 10th signature shoe of Thompson.
Almost a year in the making, it happened, and the Dallas Mavericks guard has been sporting a design made by a Filipino.
“It’s a personal approach for Klay, it reveals his soft spot,” Pining added.
With the show boasting a white mesh upper, Pining played around with colors to incorporate his art style into the shoe.
“Color combinations and geometry, have always been my style. As an artist, may inaalagaan akong colors and I execute them with all of my designs,” he shaed.
Apart from the vibrant details all around it, the highlight of the shoe is a miniature version of the artwork found in the back part of the tongue.
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