As a compass for all things considered trendy and/or hip, the modern sneaker game is a sphere that proudly embraces creativity and innovation, making the foot savvy accessory a necessary figure in each of our daily stylings. One brand that is notably breaking the mold and that is pushing the standard ideals surrounding the role of the sneaker in the larger picture, is CROSTY.
Brothers and founders of the Georgia brand George and Shota Mikaia's mission is to heartily consider the core values when approaching the creation of their kicks: "Modern design, forward-thinking energy. Creativity. Acceptance. Progress. Freedom. Those Georgian values had found their home. CROSTY. For those that walk their own path."
In an exclusive interview, VMAN chatted with the Mikaia brothers about their inspirations, what it means to be a co-ed brand, and the ultimate story of how CROSTY came to be. Peep their kicks below and read our interview the founders of CROTSY below!
Can you tell me the story of how CROSTY came to be?
Growing up in war-torn Georgia wasn’t easy for me. However, this period taught me the importance of fighting for freedom and self-development. Since childhood, I’ve been obsessed with creating things and always dreamt of designing something that I could show to the whole world.
The story of CROSTY started in 2015. It was the year when I saw the possibility to tell the story about freedom with sneakers. However, it turned out harder than I expected. Georgia did not have a developed fashion manufacturing industry and to achieve the quality I was looking for was almost impossible. In order to better understand the essentials of crafting a high quality product I went to Italy for a while. There, by an odd quirk of fate, I met the founder of Buscemi, John himself. He gave me motivation to develop and helped me with necessary contacts. This was the turning point for CROSTY, and the impossible became possible. I returned with the sense that we had all the necessary skills to produce premium quality sneakers in Georgia and offer them to the whole world.
What are some inspirations you draw from when creating each style or colorway?
My main inspiration and core value is freedom and everything evolves around it. While designing, first of all I tell the story, express emotions and only after that comes the visual side of product. I find inspiration in everything around me, nature, architecture, retro car lines or modern art installations. I see myself as a sneaker DJ who is trying to mix inspirations from different objects, until harmonious drop is achieved. All my designs are driven towards the pursuit of freedom and it will always stay that way. I am not creating just nice kicks, I am trying to create a story of freedom and make every owner of CROSTY a part of it.
Did you always imagine CROSTY being a co-ed brand?
Absolutely, CROSTY has no age, no gender, no race, and no frames.
How would you describe the type or types of people you design for?
I design for those who are not afraid to be themselves, are bold enough to explore new trails. Those who find freedom as their core value and have courage to defend it. When designing I think of someone who always moves forward and never stops.
What’s next for the CROSTY brand?
Currently we are working to increase brand awareness in the US and at the same time we are in the middle of creating a new collection. In the near future we picture CROSTY on shelves of big department stores and concept stores around the world. We see CROSTY as a global brand telling a story of freedom.
