Bespoke kicks designer Ceeze repurposes leftover uppers into crossbody bags

Robert Stockdill

Robert Stockdill

For the past three years, Connor Seltz and his New York City-based design studio Ceeze have been crafting distinctive custom footwear based on Nike’s Air Jordan kicks. 

That process has created quite a stockpile of spare uppers that could have gone to waste… except Ceeze has come up with a novel solution for repurposing them, creating a series of rectangular crossbody bags. 

The latest range features two different Air Jordan 1 uppers on the bags front face, accented with scrap suede and napa leather, all sustainably sourced.  

The third collection features loud colours and unique textures, including a bright orange and black Infrared bag, a multi-tone Lilac bag and a white/ green Ben G bag featuring a custom swoosh emboss. 

Bespoke kicks designer Ceeze repurposes leftover uppers into crossbody bags

The new range of CB bags went on sale on the Ceeze website this week, priced from US$365 to $435. 

The story of bespoke Ceeze 

Ceeze’s founder Connor was an athletic kid growing up and snapped up fresh sneakers on a monthly basis, so by the time he reached high school he owned a substantial collection. 

While recovering from surgery for a sports injury sustained during his university term at Montclair State in New Jersey, Connor started restoring and painting some of his older shoes. Encouraged by the feedback to his dallying, he decided to pursue footwear as more than just a hobby. 

Five years ago, Connor created a design studio working with brands including Sprite and Xbox and then in 2018 he released the Off-Louis Air Jordan 1 which went viral, and his shoes have been in demand ever since. 

Bespoke kicks designer Ceeze repurposes leftover uppers into crossbody bags

Last year, Ceeze expanded into accessories and leather goods, the first release its SS001 Sneaker Sculpture and then the CB-01 crossbody consisting of upcycled Air Jordan 1 uppers. 

The bags might look trendy, but their primary purpose is to turn scraps and waste materials into viable and fashionable consumer products. The first bag was the Black and Yellow CB-01 bag, featuring two different scrap Air Jordan 1 uppers on its front face, accented with scrap suede and napa leather, all sustainably sourced. 

Robert Stockdill

Robert Stockdill

Robert Stockdill is a content writer with more than 30 years of experience in five countries. His style has built upon award-winning success in news and features in the print media to leadership in digital communication, spanning news websites, social media, magazines, brochures, and contributing to books. Recognising the devastating impact of consumer behaviour on the planet and wanting to help make a difference Robert launched Viable.Earth as a platform to celebrate positive contributions by brands, companies and individuals towards reducing environmental impact and improve sustainability – especially in the fields of fashion, beauty, food, lifestyle, and transportation.

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