Guillermo Bravo FSI-1 Kickstarter
3 MIN READ | FASHION | A.M.
Luis Velez and the team at Guillermo Bravo are back with a passion, having announced the FSI-1 (Future Standard Issue-1) as the third sneaker in their innovative product lineup to move into production. Luis partnered with GB’s Head of Footwear Design, Shu Jones, to imagine the future of footwear as genderless, intimate, sustainable and modular, aligned with contemporary footwear innovators like Matthew Williams, Peterson Stoop, Brandblack, and newcomers ACBC. The resulting collaboration is a stylish sneaker-boot-hybrid capable of responding to whatever the PNW can throw at it.
Head of Footwear Design Shu Jones introduces the FSI-1.
The FSI-1 represents a look both forward and inward, casting a vision for footwear as it might soon become in 2050. The team describes their resulting creation as nimble, “[allowing] people to consume less, but still express themselves and be the opposing force to the elements in their environment.” What this means for the Pacific Northwest is a commitment to form and function, weathering the various elements in impeccable, utilitarian, and forward-thinking style.
The FSI-1 features the following:
Detachable shroud
Newly released Vibram sole
Neoprene bootie
Sustainable design
Concept video illustrating customizable shroud.
As with several of Guillermo Bravo’s offerings, the FSI-1 is designed in Seattle and produced in partnership with manufacturers in Italy. This helps offset production costs whilst leveraging decades-old industry knowledge and modern production equipment and practices, the results of which speak for themselves.
The FSI-1 is currently on pre-sale via Kickstarter, where you can find more info pertaining to the product launch. The project budget has been set at $83,623 USD with at least $49,000 going directly into the production itself, and the remainder going into taxes, overseas shipping, fulfillment and other related expenses.
FSI-1 production samples illustrating customizable shroud.
As of this writing, 78 backers have helped Guillermo Bravo raise over $53,000 of their $65,000 Kickstarter goal with less than 36 hours remaining. The pre-sale is an all-or-nothing affair, and Guillermo Bravo have not announced what will happen should their goal remain unrealized. But if previous launches are any indication, where there is a will there is a way.
The FSI-1 is a refreshing take on modern footwear design, especially considering the many directions this can conceivably take in the future. Customizable colorways, personalized shrouds, individualized textures and textiles—these all communicate Guillermo Bravo’s commitment to the do-it-yourself aesthetic of their larger brand identity.
Guillermo Bravo FSI-1 conceptual colorways.
Over the last week, the team at Guillermo Bravo have celebrated with Seattle-area backers at exclusive hangouts and dinners at some of Capitol Hill’s best dining spots. They’ve even partnered with Lil Woody’s to create a specialty burger called “El Bravo” to celebrate this milestone in both the FSI-1’s production as well as the unmistakable and invigorating spirit sweeping throughout the city.
Learn more about the FSI-1 from Guillermo Bravo on their Kickstarter page and follow their Instagram for the latest updates.
Update: 4.11.2022
Guillermo Bravo have successfully ended their Kickstarter campaign having achieved the support of 95 backers totaling $65,554 USD. GB have released the following statement:
“To say that Guillermo Bravo has the best, most supportive community is an understatement. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have reached our goal of $65K! Thank you SO much to everyone who supported us in this lofty goal. GB truly would not be where it is without each and everyone of you. For everyone who pledged, stay tuned for an email this week to get your order going! Sneakers are officially in production & we can’t wait to get them to you.”