Miami Beach, December 5, 2024 — Art Basel’s magnetic energy drew yet another groundbreaking collaboration to its shores this year, as American artist Rob Pruitt and luxury sneaker brand Autry unveiled their limited-edition sneakers at an event that transformed a humble gas station into a dazzling art installation. Dubbed the "Autry Art Station," the space shimmered with chrome and metallic accents, offering a bold reflection of the sneakers themselves—wearable art pieces that blur the lines between fashion and collectible culture.
At the heart of this partnership lies Pruitt’s fascination with juxtaposition. Known for his exploration of Americana through surreal yet approachable artistic lenses, Pruitt infused the classic Autry sneaker with his signature chromatic flair. The sneakers, clad in a mirror-finish chrome leather with puffy silver laces, exude an ephemeral brilliance, elevating them far beyond functional footwear.
“Nothing is more beautiful than the classic Autry sneaker. Its nostalgia floods me with the impulse to chrome it, celebrate it, and envision it moving into the future. The reflective leather turns every expectation around.”Rob Pruitt, Artist
Pruitt’s ethos resonates not only through the sneakers but also in their presentation. Each pair is housed in a sleek plexiglass box adorned with his iconic smiley motif, accompanied by transparent dust bags that position the shoes as gallery-worthy masterpieces.
The event’s location, a nondescript gas station at 331, 23rd Street, was transformed into a chrome-drenched spectacle. This metamorphosis embodied the ethos of both Pruitt’s art and Autry’s resurgence—finding beauty in the unexpected and elevating it into something extraordinary. Attendees, including high-profile figures like artist Bradley Theodore, influencer Malaika Martelly, and stylist Keino Benjamin, were immersed in a high-octane fusion of utility and artistry.
Beyond the visual allure, the Autry Art Station encapsulated the clashing yet harmonious relationship between everyday Americana and high-concept creativity. The chromatic design mirrored the sneakers themselves, creating a seamless thematic narrative for the event.
With only 2,500 pairs available globally, the Rob Pruitt x Autry sneakers are bound to spark debate among enthusiasts: should they be worn or displayed? Priced at $380 USD and available exclusively at autry-usa.com, these sneakers cater to a discerning audience that appreciates both fashion and fine art.
The design’s intentional ambiguity—walking the line between everyday utility and elevated artistry—makes them a compelling addition to any collection. Whether paired with high-fashion ensembles or encased in their plexiglass housing, the sneakers challenge traditional notions of functionality versus curation.
This collaboration also underscores Autry’s remarkable renaissance. Once a staple of 1980s athletic footwear, the brand fell dormant in the late 1990s before being revitalized in 2019 by a visionary team of Italian entrepreneurs. Their mission to blend heritage with modernity has found its perfect expression in the Rob Pruitt collaboration, demonstrating the brand’s ability to honor its roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.
Rob Pruitt’s illustrious career spans decades, marked by a playful yet poignant exploration of American pop culture. From his chrome-plated Andy Monument in New York’s Union Square to exhibitions at prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Aspen Art Museum, Pruitt’s work bridges the accessible and the avant-garde.
With the Rob Pruitt x Autry sneakers, the artist once again distills complex cultural themes into an object that is at once universal and aspirational.
The Autry Art Station wasn’t just a backdrop—it was an experience that embodied the spirit of Art Basel Miami Beach. By transforming a mundane space into an artistic oasis, Autry and Rob Pruitt created a moment that transcends both sneaker culture and contemporary art.