THE
BLACK RADIO EXPERIENCE
CASE STUDY
A custom footwear collection created in collaboration with
Robert Glasper.
CLIENT: Robert Glasper / The Black Radio Experience
PROJECT: The Black Radio Experience
EVENT: Blue Note Jazz Festival – Napa Valley
CATEGORY: Artist Collaboration
SERVICES: Creative Direction • Custom Footwear Design • Handcrafted Leather Art
The Overview
Our collaboration began with Robert Glasper's custom performance pair, designed specifically for him to wear during the festival.
Once the creative direction was established, that visual language expanded into a series of bespoke sneakers for featured artists—including Common, Pete Rock, Jill Scott, and John Legend—while additional wearable variations were created for Robert Glasper's management and production team.
Each pair was individually handcrafted while maintaining a cohesive design language, transforming a single collaboration into a unified collection that celebrated the artists, the team behind the experience, and the cultural spirit of The Black Radio Experience.
From One Vision to a Collection
Robert Glasper's custom high-top Air Force 1s served as the foundation of the collection. Developed through direct collaboration with Robert, the hero design established the visual language that would guide every subsequent pair.
From there, the collection evolved into handcrafted variations for featured artists including Common, Pete Rock, John Legend, and Robert Glasper's team. While each pair maintained a cohesive visual identity, subtle adaptations reflected the personality and presence of its recipient.
One notable exception was Jill Scott's pair. At her request, the design embraced a more feminine aesthetic through the incorporation of crystals and pearls, demonstrating how the collection could evolve while remaining true to its original creative vision.
Robert Glasper & Team
Worn on stage and
during festival.
Jill Scott
Personalized Interpretation
& Gifted
John Legend
Gifted
Pete Rock
Gifted
Common
Gifted
THE DESIGN
Every pair shared a common visual identity while incorporating details unique to its recipient. Portraiture, waveform graphics, typography, and premium finishes came together to create a collection that balanced individuality with cohesion.
DESIGN DETAILS
CUSTOM ARTWORK
Hand-painted portraiture, waveform graphics, and event-inspired visual storytelling.
FOUNDATION & CRAFTSMANSHIP
Built on authentic Nike Air Force 1 silhouettes, the collection began with Robert Glasper's custom high-top performance pair. Each subsequent design was individually prepared, hand-painted, and finished while preserving the visual language established through the original collaboration.
PERSONALIZED FINISHES
Individual names, signature graphics, and custom elements tailored to each artist and team member.
About Sole Surrealism
Sole Surrealism is the signature collection of wearable artist Jheri "Coco" Cavitt, where custom footwear and apparel become one-of-one works of art. From luxury commissions and live entertainment to brand collaborations and collector pieces, every project is designed to transform storytelling into something that can be worn, experienced, and remembered.
LET’S CREATE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL
From luxury brands to live experiences, I collaborate with artists and organizations to transform stories into handcrafted works of art.