In these days of the internet, MSCHF is an inescapable name that regularly induces some eyebrow-raising—and in some cases, even a new trend that will stay in the most fashion-forward influencer’s closet.
As the minds behind the viral Big Red Boot and the microscopic “Louis Vuitton” bag, MSCHF has become the hub for the more eccentric side of style, dashed with a serving of satirical, tongue-in-cheek commentary. Below, here is the essential info behind the art collective rocking today’s viral pages.
What Is MSCHF?
While its fashion-leaning creations have riled up the internet with conversation and general curiousity, MSCHF (pronounced “mischief”) isn’t a clothing or a footwear label per se. Formally labeled as an “art collective” on their website, the New York-based brand was founded by the former Buzzfeed employee Gabriel Whaley in 2016, who already had a proclivity for making certain subjects viral.
Now a famous name in the scene, MSCHF creates satirical pieces meant to spark thought, and often in an unapologetically absurdist manner with “products” or “drops” every two weeks. According to the collective, MSCHF’s creations toy the lines and meanings among art, fashion, tech, and capitalism, subverting pop culture into tools for critique.
Aside from viral fashion pieces, MSCHF has produced much-talked-about creations beyond whatever’s wearable. Among them include “Eat the Rich” popsicles, which featured billionaires’ cartoon-ified faces on ice pops; an ATM that ranked the cash balance of users; and literal spots on a Damien Hirst painting, which sold for $480 each.
What Are MSCHF’s Most Famous and Controversial Fashion Pieces?
The spotlight has often stayed on MSCHF’s fashion creations, which land in viral territory time and time again, which even find themselves in controversial and legal disputes.
1. Air Max 97 Jesus Shoes (2019)
What can likely be seen as a prototype of the MSCHF the internet now knows, the custom pair of Air Max 97s dubbed the Jesus Shoes took direct inspiration from the story of Jesus Christ walking on water. The sneakers feature insoles with holy water reportedly sourced from the River Jordan, while it was scented with frankincense to mirror the shoes worn by Vatican priests. On its exterior was the inscription “Matthew 14:25,” while a steel crucifix acted as its lace lock.
Nike Air Max 97 MSCHF INRI Jesus Shoes, $2500 (approx. P141,515), MSCHF, sotheybs.com*
2. Birkinstock Sandals (2021)
With only four pairs sold, the Birkinstock takes exclusivity to a different degree. Much like what the name implies, the sandals are crafted out of Hermès Birkin bags, and taken from rare materials like ostrich, taurillon, and crocodile leather. The pairs were sold for $34,000 to $76,000, with rapper Future wearing one that cost $48,000.
Birkinstock, $34,000-$76,000 (approx. P1,924,604 to P4,302,056), MSCHF, mschf.com
3. Air Max 97 Satan Shoes (2021)
As a sequel to the Jesus Shoes, MSCHF released the custom-made Air Max 97 Satan Shoes in collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X. The sneakers were designed with a pentagram lace lock and alleged real human blood in its air bubble. Six hours after it was released, Nike filed a “trademark infringement and dilution complaint” against MSCHF, but they soon reached a settlement a week later.
4. Wavy Baby Sneakers (2022)
In April 2022, MSCHF released the Wavy Baby sneakers alongside rapper Tyga, which featured a wave-like silhouette for its sole. Vans then sued the collective prior to release, stating its alleged similarity to the Vans Old Skool. Still, MSCHF continued on and released 4306 pairs of the $220 sneakers, with the lawsuit still yet to be resolved.
Wavy Baby x Tyga, €356 (approx. P21,758), MSCHF, klekt.com*
5. Super Normal 2 Sneakers (2022)
Taking on Nike once more, MSCHF dropped their own take on the white-on-white pair that resembled the Nike Air Force 1s. The art collective’s version involved more wave-like overlays, and the pair went on to have releases featuring different colorways.
Super Normal 2, $145 (approx. P8207), MSCHF, mschf.com
6. Gobstomper Sneakers (2022)
In the same year, MSCHF and Jimmy Fallon teamed up to create the Gobstomper, a pair of sneakers inspired by Willy Wonka’s color-changing candy, Gobstoppers. Over time, the sneakers would unveil four layers of colors after frequent use.
Gobstomper Gralay Goose, $195 (approx. P11,038), MSCHF, mschf.com
7. A.C1 Sneakers (2022)
The art collective dropped a new line of sneakers again with the AC.1 sneakers, which resembled the silhouette of medical aircast boots.
AC.1 Sneakers, $450 (approx. P25,472), MSCHF, mschf.com
8. Big Red Boot (2023)
Frequent internet users will recognize MSCHF’s Big Red Boot, which is often likened to Astro Boy’s red-rounded footwear, and even Dora the Explorer’s faithful monkey companion Boots. Made entirely from TPU rubber shell, the outlandish boots soon landed on timelines, and even to fashion influencers’ must-haves.
Big Red Boot, $350 (approx. P19,294), MSCHF, mschf.com
9. BWD Sneakers (2023)
Following the Big Red Boot, MSCHF continued its streak of clever footwear with the BWD sneakers, a pair that could both be worn front or backwards, thanks to its opening on both ends.
BWD Shoe, $135 (approx. P7641), MSCHF, mschf.com
10. Microscopic “Louis Vuitton” Bag (2023)
As part of Pharrell Williams’ auction during Paris Fashion Week, MSCHF took the tiny bag trend to minuscule levels with the microscopic “Louis Vuitton” bag, a handbag that measured 675 by 222 by 700 micrometers. It appeared like a tiny green speck to the naked eye, and sold for $63,750 at the auction.
11. MSCHF x Crocs Big Red Boot (Yellow) (2023)
After the viral success of the Big Red Boot, MSCHF teamed up with another modern footwear powerhouse Crocs. The two brands brought about a new edition of the Big Red Boot fronted by Paris Hilton, now in a yellow tone that included Crocs’ quintessential holes in its silhouette.
MSCHF x Crocs Big Red Boot (Yellow), $450 (approx. P25,472), MSCHF, mschf.com
How Do Celebrities Wear MSCHF Creations?
The more experimental names in the entertainment industry aren’t ones to shy away from MSCHF’s offerings. Ahead, see how some of them styled the works of the art collective.
1. Andrea Brillantes
Fusing the quintessential Y2K style, Gen Z actress Andrea Brillantes fronted MSCHF on the local shores with her styling of the Big Red Boot, complete with a sweetheart tank and a mini denim skirt.
2. Vice Ganda
Tie dye and distressed denim are the way to go for Vice Ganda, who went on a casual route in pairing the Big Red Boot.
3. Yeonjun from TXT
K-pop idol and Tomorrow x Together member Yeonjun was a vision in street style as he donned MSCHF’s Crocs collaboration, serving a bright yellow pop of color.
4. Donald Glover
Not one to back down from an eccentric fashion choice, actor, rapper, and all-around entertainer Donald Glover sat courtside in a casual ensemble, punctuated by the BWD sneakers.
5. Future
Nothing says “glamour” more than a Birkin-fied Birkenstock! As one of the lucky four who calls the Birkinstock their own, rapper Future flaunted his Porosus pair with a lavish floor-length fur coat.
*Note: Some of the prices mentioned in this article have been sourced from authorized resellers and not directly from the brand's official website. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it is important to note that prices may vary depending on the reseller and the region. We encourage readers to visit the official brand website or consult authorized resellers for the most up-to-date pricing information.
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