Fresh Rags x Saucony Originals Grid Web Manatee Capsule

June 26, 2021

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Written by Michael Bickel

Fresh Rags x Saucony Originals Grid Web Manatee Capsule

June 26, 2021

·

Written by Michael Bickel

A Florida Story Beneath the Surface

For our first ever collaboration, we wanted to create something that felt true to where we come from.

Not just a sneaker, but a full story rooted in Florida. A project inspired by the environment, the energy, and one of the state’s most gentle and iconic animals.

The Fresh Rags x Saucony Originals Grid Web Manatee was built around that idea. A reflection of the springs, the stillness of the water, and the life that exists beneath the surface.

The foundation of this project started with the manatee.

Often referred to as the sea cow, the manatee represents a calm and peaceful presence in Florida’s ecosystem. Slow moving, weightless, and completely in tune with its surroundings.

We wanted to capture that feeling.

The focus became the natural habitat. Florida springs. Crystal clear water. Sea grass. Light moving through depth.

Everything about this project came from observing that environment and translating it into design.

You can see this directly reflected in the early concept work and visual references, where underwater tones, manatee imagery, and spring textures shaped the entire direction

This was never meant to be just a footwear project.

We built a full collection around the story to bring it to life across multiple categories.

At the center was the collaboration with Saucony Originals on the Grid Web silhouette.

From there, we expanded the world:

Headwear created in partnership with New Era
Tote bag, towel, and graphic tees designed alongside Anthony Bayshore
A full apparel capsule inspired by Florida springs and aquatic textures
A custom clear kayak created to fully embody the environment and lifestyle

Every piece connected back to the same source of inspiration. Water, movement, and the natural elements surrounding the manatee.

The collection itself reflects this through layered graphics, aquatic color palettes, and spring driven textures that mirror the visuals seen throughout the concept deck including tie dye water patterns, seagrass tones, and underwater imagery

The Grid Web silhouette allowed us to translate this concept into something wearable.

The direction was intentional and restrained.

Aquatic tones pulled from spring water
Textures inspired by underwater vegetation
Layering that reflects depth and movement
Subtle details that mimic light distortion beneath the surface

Nothing forced. Everything connected.

The goal was to create something that feels like you are looking through water, not just at a sneaker.

To stay authentic to the story, the editorial was shot at Kelly Rock Springs.

This location gave us a real connection to the concept. Natural water clarity, soft movement, and light interacting with the environment in a way that cannot be recreated.

The visuals focused on stillness and immersion.

Letting the environment speak while the product exists within it.

This project also carried a deeper responsibility.

Manatees have faced increasing threats due to habitat loss and declining seagrass levels, leading to a rise in fatalities across Florida.

Through this collaboration, Fresh Rags worked to raise awareness and support conservation efforts tied to protecting these animals and their environment.

Customers were able to contribute through donation initiatives and supporting products connected to the release.