The "Follab" 

A Yeezy concept (in no way affiliated with Adidas or Yeezy brand) I had designed back in October has been stolen and produced by Xinyida Store on Ali express/Ali Baba. I have a bitter sweet feeling that the product has come to life in some aspect but also shows a big issue within the industry and the creation of fakes and stealing of independent designers work. 

Seeing the funny/crazy side of it all I've decided to add the project to my portfolio under the name of "The Follab (fake collab)" a fake collaboration with Ali Express and Xinyida store. 

As shameful as it is to steal an idea, this whole situation really made me think of how we hype products and make them so limited that it creates a market for these companies to create fakes for people who really just want to buy into products and a brand but don't have the financial means or get unlucky in a raffle. As much as I love these hype products and how they can drive an industry forward, I really see 3D printed footwear as a way we can produce on demand. It creates localised manufacture and helps us push the industry forward and let the best product win. Big things to come with all this emerging technology and the introduction of NFTs and blockchain to the fashion industry.

Would love to hear your guys thoughts?

Thanks Ali Express/Xinyida for the free clout...