During my time as Creative Lead at Way to Blue, I was commissioned by Kojima Productions to design bespoke heels for Hideo Kojima's Nike × ACRONYM Blazer trainers, commemorating the fourth anniversary of Death Stranding.
Inspired by the game's vehicles, weapons and visual language, I developed two concepts that translated its futuristic aesthetic into wearable accessories. One concept incorporated a miniature laser projector designed to cast the Kojima logo onto nearby surfaces.
The designs evolved from initial concepts and cardboard prototypes into refined technical drawings and final 3D-printed components. The completed heels were then shipped to Mr Kojima in Japan, where they received an enthusiastic response and were shared on his social media channels.
In 2023, Hideo Kojima wore the custom-designed heels (without the laser projectors) when he spoke at Apple WWDC in 2023 — bringing the project full circle, from an initial creative concept to a finished piece worn on an international stage.
MY CONTRIBUTION
- Concept development
- Prototyping and final design
- Production oversight