Karabo By You
AF1, CANVAS OF THE PEOPLE
Growing up in South Africa, Karabo Poppy was obsessed with art, but could rarely find herself or her experiences reflected in it. She found an exception in the barbershops and salons of Johannesburg. Her love for art grew around the colorful hand-painted signage, the bold typography, and the profiles of people with different hair styles lining the walls.
As an artist and designer, Karabo’s muse is the energy, diversity and grit of the streets of Johannesburg. She uses unconventional canvases like basketball courts and city streets—things people interact with in their everyday life. Her goal is to demystify the idea that art is inaccessible. She believes art is functional, which is why she is so drawn to sneakers for her artwork.
“Sneakers are the ideal canvases to give people access to art.”
Karabo’s canvas of choice for sneakers is the Air Force 1. Originally designed in 1981, the AF-1 has a unique legacy of customization, and marks the beginning of modern basketball culture and the early years of NYC hip-hop.
“My feet are my carriers when I explore areas of inspiration."
KARABO BY YOU
Karabo designed three themes on the AF-1 that pay homage to her South African aesthetic. Customize patches, patterns, colors, and even the comb on the dubrae.
