The sacai x Nike LDWaffle is getting a highly exclusive revamp to support Free Arts NYC, an organization that provides mentorship and art education to underserved youth. KAWS has teased reworked versions of the black and white colorway, which he's adorned with his signature motif.
The sneakers, which will be auctioned off as part of the non-for-profits 21st annual fundraiser today, see the Companion's cartoonish X-marked eyes decorate the heel, while the midsole receives a sharpie-ink smiley.
Taking to Instagram, the New York artist joked, "Sacai meant to send these to Free Arts for their benefit but they arrived at my studio first so.." The image displays accompanying signed and decorated shoe boxes that feature waving tombstones.
This isn't the first time KAWS has supported Free Arts. Last month, he donated his $250,000 "What Party" piece to their raffle that fans could enter to win for $100. Sacai then matched the first 500 entry donations up to $50,000.
With 70 percent of New York City's arts education budget being cut in 2021, it's an important time to support organizations like this one, and it's why so many artists are donating to their annual fundraiser this year.
The auction goes like at 12 PM EST today, October 16 on Artsy.com. Check out the other participating artists below.
