Rapper, songwriter and producer, J.Cole, is now adding designer to his list of talents. J. Cole recently revealed that he will be collaborating with Swiss luxury brand, Bally, for its upcoming Fall/Winter 2015 collection.
The limited-edition collection features rugged menswear including hiking boots priced between $695 and $1,995 and backpacks priced between $1,250 and $2,750. The boots will be in three colorways (eggplant, snakeskin, and olive green). Cole revealed to The New York Times why he chose to create hiking boots and backpacks specifically and his personal connection to those items. He stated, "As I'm getting older, I'm learning more about what my true style actually is. Becoming more confident in what I like. And I love simplicity and comfort. Comfort is king. I feel at home in a pair of comfortable boots, and I always have a backpack with me. I keep my life in my backpack. Current books I'm reading, my notebook with all my rhymes written inside and my laptop that holds all the music I'm working on."
To support the project, J. Cole traveled to Jamaica where he shot a promotional video with Bally. In the short film, titled Note to Self, J. Cole disconnects from technology completely and explores nature with the help of Bally gear. When asked about his experience making the film, he shared, "While I was visiting the Bally office in London, I noticed a black-and-white picture of Bob Marley wearing a pair of Bally boots. I was impressed with the heritage of the company and how many people and places they've touched that I had no clue about. Jamaica was already one of my favorite places to spend time, but filming there was a way to pay homage both to Bob and to the brand's legacy." The film will debut on Esquire on August 10.
