APF X HOT SOX
Press Release
Art Production Fund And Hot Sox Join Creative Forces For A Charitable Collaboration
The art-driven non-profit and the novelty sock brand have teamed up with contemporary artists Deborah Kass, Barbara Kruger, Derrick Adams, and Rob Pruitt for a whimsical collection of socks exclusively available at Barneys.
Art Production Fund’s mission is to commission and produce public art projects to reach new audiences and expand awareness through contemporary art. They found an unexpected partner in Hot Sox, the sock company that elevates the everyday sock into a platform for creative expression. Both organization and company’s dedication to thinking outside the box brought them together for a playful collaboration featuring vibrant works from well-known artists Derrick Adams, Deborah Kass, Barbara Kruger, and Rob Pruitt. The set of 4 socks, one designed by each artist, is available exclusively at Barneys with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Art Production Fund.
“We always love integrating art in to everyday life and see it as a way to raise awareness of artists’ work,” says Casey Fremont, Executive Director of Art Production Fund. “A simple sock can be elevated by an artist’s design. Because this project supports APF’s mission, we focused on artists and artworks from our past public projects and our beloved artist towel series.”
Hot Sox echoed the sentiment, citing the sock as the perfect canvas for showcasing the esteemed contemporary artists involved. “Through the decades, as hemlines have gone up and down, hosiery has consistently played an important role in culture and fashion. Hot Sox is rooted in an appreciation of the arts and the diverse combination of technique and medium used in interpreting art into wearable fashion,” says Gary Henkin, SVP of Global Sales for Hot Sox.
For the artists, the opportunity was the chance to have fun and even get nostalgic. “When I was a kid, I was in love with rainbow toe socks made by the Hot Sox and gave my sister a pair for Christmas. She loved them,” remembers Rob Pruitt. “Ever since, Hot Sox has held a fond place in my childhood memories of my ‘best friend’ friendship with my sister. I think this may be part of the reason I’m so proud of my new panda bear socks produced by Hot Sox!”
Barneys Madison Avenue 60th Street windows will feature an installation of the collection from April 9 through 25.
