Autry and acclaimed American artist Rob Pruitt have joined forces to unveil a groundbreaking limited-edition sneaker collection. Presented at the “Autry Art Station,” a reimagined gas station in Miami Beach, this collaboration blends Pruitt’s celebrated artistic vision with Autry’s storied heritage in footwear. The launch, held on December 5, 2024, showcased the sneakers in a dynamic setting that fused futurism, nostalgia, and Americana culture.
The sneakers, limited to just 2,500 pairs globally, are inspired by Pruitt’s renowned chrome-based projects, including his iconic tire sculptures. Designed with a mirror-finish chrome leather, puffy silver laces, and Pruitt’s signature on the side and outsole, the shoes offer more than function—they are wearable works of art. The collection, priced at $380 USD, is available exclusively at autry-usa.com.
The venue, located at 331 23rd Street, was transformed into the “Autry Art Station,” a bold installation that reinterpreted a utilitarian gas station as an artistic experience. Decked in chrome and metallic finishes, the space reflected Pruitt’s distinctive style, blending practicality with creative expression to immerse visitors in a high-energy celebration of art and design.
Rob Pruitt expressed his passion for the collaboration, stating, “There is nothing more beautiful and excellent than the classic Autry sneaker, which floods me with the impulse to chrome it, to put it on a pedestal, to celebrate its nostalgia and envision it moving into the future. The ephemeral reflective effect of the mirror-finished leather turns every expectation around.”
Each pair of sneakers is housed in a plexiglass box reminiscent of museum displays, adorned with Pruitt’s signature smiley-face motif, a recurring element in his artwork. Transparent dust bags add another layer of refinement, highlighting the sneakers’ status as collectible items that bridge the gap between utility and artistry.
The launch brought together Autry CEO Roberta Benaglia, artist Rob Pruitt, Bradley Theodore, Vuk Cuk, influencer Malaika Martelly, and Art Basel executive Arjun Verma. Other attendees included Chris Lavish, Flash Gea, Barbara Torasso, Bradley Carbone, Starr Hawkins, Keino Benjamin, and Saint Germain, among many more. The event highlighted the collaboration’s cultural significance, drawing attendees from the worlds of art, fashion, and design.
Autry, a brand founded in the 1980s by Jim Autry, experienced a renaissance in 2019 under the stewardship of four Italian entrepreneurs. Combining its athletic roots with modern design sensibilities, the brand continues to deliver timeless, versatile footwear. Rob Pruitt, a celebrated artist whose works are housed in prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Hirshhorn Museum, has built his career exploring American culture through a surreal, pop-infused lens.
This partnership between Autry and Rob Pruitt redefines the boundaries of sneaker culture, positioning the collection as both a fashion statement and a piece of collectible art. With its innovative design and limited availability, the Rob Pruitt x Autry collaboration offers a unique opportunity for sneakerheads and art aficionados alike to own a piece of this extraordinary fusion.
