Oh, Greenpoint. The weather’s been so on-and-off you’ve been looking more like Graypoint.
Here’s something to add vibrancy to any further dull days. We can’t promise to actually make the sun stay out (fingers crossed!), but, this might lighten the dreary weather. We unearthed BANGS — a Brooklyn-based sneaker brand that pops with color and might just raise a smile.
Based on the green army-style sneakers that founder Hannah Davis spied while teaching in China a few years back, BANGS canvas-style shoes are a rival to your usual Converse, Vans, et cetera.
Not only are they admirably chic and cheerful, but 20% of BANGS net profit is pledged to nonprofit partners, particularly the microloans project Kiva. For the uninitiated, this worthwhile and successful initiative supports entrepreneurs in developing countries – normal folk trying to expand the small businesses that will lift them out of poverty.
So it seems BANGS checks out as a bona fide social enterprise, which is nice. Their people have a fresh Kickstarter campaign to develop their next line of shoes, BANGS 2.0, which promises to feature monochromatic styles on a white sole, as well as some more vibrant flashes of color.
They already achieved their initial funding goal (this canvas is clearly covetable), but by helping them to reach their stretch target, you could get your hands on a pair from the Classic line. Founder Hannah Davis says she hopes they’ll appeal, since they are “unique and sleek with edge – like Greenpointers.” The flattery!
As the age-old saying goes, get brightly-colored sneakers and be happy. (They probably don’t keep the rain out, though.)
BANGS is also launching a tour of NYC markets, an initiative they dub BANGS Takes Brooklyn. They’ll be at a different market every weekend, starting with Coco 66 Pop Up Shop this Saturday.