Emma “Stitch Gawd” McKee — the Chicago-based cross stitch artist known for her work Chance, the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar and more — has designed a pair of special-edition sneakers that she’ll present Tuesday night to Chicago Bulls mascot Benny the Bull.
McKee is the third designer to make custom sneakers for Benny the Bull through an annual project facilitated by the payment network Klarna. Last year’s edition was designed by Don C, who also serves as the Bulls’ creative strategy and design advisor and personally selected McKee. He was preceded by local artist Chuck Anderson.
“I often tell people that my work is a love letter to the city of Chicago, so to be able to do this project is basically a dream come true. ” McKee told Footwear News on a call Monday.
The all-red sneakers look to the old Chicago Stadium as inspiration, as do the Bulls’ City Edition jerseys for this season, with four key design elements modeled after Klarna’s “Pay in Four” feature. The shoe’s pull tabs feature the years “1929” and “1994,” which was when Chicago Stadium was open. Three stripes on the side represent the Bulls’ first three championships that came in the arena’s last four years. Benny’s hair then inspires the multi-color shoe laces, while the all-red color scheme is a nod to the mascot’s original shoes.
Benny the Bull is also cross-stitched on the tongue, while his name appears on the strap sitting above the toe. On the collar, four gold stars reflect the same motif on Chicago’s city flag.
“I’ve always thought of [Benny] as a Marty McFly type, or a Zach Morris or a Fresh Prince. So I wanted a shoe that spoke to that visually,” McKee said. She also added that the sneakers shape take after the Air Jordan 5 and Air Jordan 6, the latter of which Michael Jordan wore during his first NBA championship.
“McKee is someone that’s always carrying herself in super creative manner, and she’s always represented Chicago’s super creative sprit,” Don C added.
McKee says the Bulls were an early window to falling in love with the city after moving to Chicago in 2011. She didn’t know much about the city but because of its association with the team she decided to take herself to a game at the United Center. The hair on the back of her neck stood up when the Bulls introduction song, “Sirius” by the Alan Parsons Project,” started playing, and she’s been hooked ever since.
McKee is also grateful to be the first woman to take part in this project. Making it a full-circle moment, she had asked Don C in a panel years ago how he would use his role with the Bulls to get more women involved in working with the team.
McKee will present the shoes to Benny the Bull along with Don C during Tuesday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons. To celebrate the ocassion, fans will have the chance to win a poster designed by Don C commemorating the sneaker. Those sitting in the Klarna section will also receive a custom Benny the Bull T-shirt designed by McKee, and one fan chosen among them will receive a delivery from Don C himself with the tee and poster.
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
