Saeed Ferguson, known for closing his All Caps Studio last year, is making a comeback with a sneaker collaboration with P.F. Flyers. The collaboration marks the debut of his new label, Projeck Frog, and will release this weekend.
Ferguson's Journey in Retail
Ferguson spent nearly a decade at P's & Q's, a well-known streetwear store in Philadelphia, where he rose to become the manager and buyer. He simultaneously developed All Caps Studio, which caught attention with a collaboration with Zara in 2024, described by GQ as a 'buzz-beater'.
Designing the Grounder Sneaker
Collaborating with P.F. Flyers, Ferguson chose the Grounder model, originally made for the U.S. Army in the 1940s, for his design. The sneaker's features include heavy canvas uppers, waxed laces, a lugged outsole, and a reinforced toe bumper, designed for rugged terrains.
The design was influenced by Wissahickon Valley Park near Philadelphia and Ferguson's interest in nature and frogs. The Brazil-nut poison frog inspired the shoe's color palette, utilizing earthy tones with vibrant orange stitching.
A Sneaker for All Terrains
The Grounder is crafted from rugged cotton canvas with a texture reminiscent of tree bark or reptilian skin. This design appeals to sneaker enthusiasts, as canvas sneakers gain popularity in menswear.
Beyond Footwear Design
Ferguson cites Virgil Abloh as an influence in building a creative identity beyond one discipline. He aims to create a world through storytelling and design, beginning with this sneaker collaboration.
The P.F. Flyers x Projeck Frog Grounder will be available for $125 on May 16 through pfflyers.com and Ace Outpost Philadelphia.
Source: https://www.gq.com/story/pf-flyers-projeck-frog-collab
