John Geiger Joins The Burgh Boyz Podcast

Photo via @nikgeiger2 Instagram

Shout out to interview maestro Quentin Cuff for asking designer John Geiger the right questions to get him talking game on episode 25 of The Burgh Boyz podcast. Geiger spoke about his work at the Nike campus, living in Miami, trading sneakers with 2 Chainz, and more. Cool tidbits and anecdotes drop throughout the interview session. Of note, Geiger said he and Nike are “working on something for 2018.”

Entertain yourself. Listen to the new The Burgh Boyz episode with Cuff, DJ Motormane, and DJ Spillz featuring DJ Solo Dolo and Geiger (23:14).

Quentin Cuff: I know that you really hoop... and if anyone looks this up on YouTube, there's a crazy video of Geiger fighting somebody in the middle of a game.

John Geiger: Yeah, the [2003] state championship game.

An Appropriate Place to Discuss Sneakers

Curated by Sean Beauford

There is cultural significance in sneakers. Beyond wearing a shoe for comfort and function, some people wear certain brands and silhouettes because they symbolize a popular adoration for sports, music, creativity, and style. Some people have accomplished great achievements in their shoes that the footwear itself becomes historical in-line with the person's legend. Heroes like athletes Allen Iverson and Michael Jordan, musical talents like Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, as well as genius Steve Jobs all triumphed in their Reebok, Jordan, adidas, Nike, and New Balance sneakers respectively. Factors such as these, along with special colorways and limited collaborations with exemplary design houses, make many sneakers attractive to wear and valuable to collect.

Frequent curator of art exhibitions in the Pittsburgh area Sean Beauford expounds sneaker culture with his new forum. "GRAIL abandons the idea of sacred material possessions, reconsiders consumption, and urges thoughtful creating," is written at ongrail.com. 

Through an exhibit and panel discussion, artists John Geiger, Dylan Graves, LinShuttr, as well as entrepreneur Soley Ghost, and moderator Grits Capone underline the significance and complexity of iconic shoes, nicknamed after the Holy Grail.

GRAIL's cast mates all have their own contribution to or appreciation for sneaker culture. John Geiger's imagination has led him to craft many unique designs with Nike's Air Force 1 and his own collection of footwear. Artist Dylan Graves offers an abstract representation of Jordan Brand's beauty while illustrator LinShuttr plays into MJ's icon. Soley Ghost is the proprietor of a couple sneaker shops, like East Coast Boutique in New Jersey. Poet and journalist Grits Capone will concentrate the conversation on an all-encompassing culture.

Establishments in Pittsburgh's East Liberty support Beauford's GRAIL and GRAIL TALK. The Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents the show, and sneaker consignment store Refresh PGH sponsors the affair. Music by iB-Rease will aid the atmosphere. GRAIL will open on Thursday, October 13 at Ace Hotel, also in East Liberty. Discussion will be held from 6-7 p.m. and after the gallery will unveil.

Ace Hotel

120 S Whitfield St

Pittsburgh, PA 15206

John Geiger and Premium Co. Make Impact in Pittsburgh Market

Hannibal Hopson and Rieko Copeland in John Geiger's "Pixburgh Merch" documented by Alex Young

The line to purchase John Geiger and Premium Co.'s merchandise, at one point, stretched through Ace Hotel's aged gymnasium and outside down a set of steps. A lot of people flocked to the boutique hotel in Pittsburgh's East Liberty area to purchase Geiger and Premium's apparel, and sneakers made custom for the city of Pittsburgh.

Heritage from the city, like sports and industry, influenced the product on display. Geiger and Premium Co.'s pride for the city was evident. "We Made the Pirates Hat More Famous Than a Pirate Can," read some shirts and sweatshirts. "Allegheny Steel" boldly read tees by Premium, and fingers flexed the letter "P" to praise The 'Burgh.

Attendees shopped the diverse collection, which also included jackets, listened to DJ Pete Butta spin, and mingled with well-dressed creative people from the city. Local photographer Jimmy Schaffer captured the event well.

Family, fans, and friends appreciated Geiger and Premium's offering because it could have landed anywhere in the country, but Geiger specifically chose Pittsburgh. The city is his home, despite spending time in glorified places like Los Angeles and Miami.

"The market in Pittsburgh is smaller, so this can really make an impact," Geiger said. "If this were in L.A. 2,000 people would show up." However, the authenticity is felt more in his hometown.

Geiger had to build to this point, though. His work with Nike's Air Force 1 models and taste for other legendary footwear, such as his crafted "Golden Child" Yeezy, gain the 30-year-old national recognition. Now, with his reputation he is able to create shoes under his own label, John Geiger Collection.

Once his made-in-Italy footwear releases under his personal brand, Geiger sees his work with the Air Force 1 coming to an end.

All of this is fine because whatever is next for John Geiger he takes Pittsburgh with him. His completed pop-up shops and his future projects are influenced by The 'Burgh even if they are just from birth rights.

Fortunately, for those who were not in the city on August 5 and August 6, they are able to buy some remaining pieces from the collection at Premium Co.'s online shop here.

Allow curated looks from InTheRough along with models Hannibal Hopson and Rieko Copeland to capture the theme of Geiger and Premium Co.'s "Pixburgh Merch."

"Pixburgh Merch"

Ace Hotel, a communal space, hotel, and restaurant in Pittsburgh's East Liberty, prepares to hold a pop-up shop for designer and Pittsburgh native John Geiger, accompanied by Premium Co., a Washington, D.C. based menswear label.

Along with retail of custom Air Force 1 and adidas Stan Smith sneakers, Geiger will specifically offer apparel noting Pittsburgh, the City of Champions.

Geiger shows love for 'The Burgh in his clothing run which honors two legendary cultural contributors. Calling it "Pixburgh Merch," the archival designer pays tribute to David "The Cobra" Parker, a former Pirates Outfielder and the first professional athlete to earn a million dollars-a-year thanks to the contract he signed with the baseball team. Also, Geiger advantageously flips a famous Jay Z lyric from his song "Empire State of Mind."

Serving hoodies and T-shirts, Geiger adorns both with text made popular by the stylish Pirates ball player. "If You Hear Any Noise It's Just Me And The Boys Boppin," originally read a poem Parker authored and lettered on a black shirt. Currently, the phrase will feature on the back of Geiger's hoodies. Additionally, the Jay Z lyric is switched to support Pittsburgh, "We Made the Pirates Hat More Famous Than A Pirate Can," reads the front of Geiger's Pixburgh hoodies. The hoodies come in various colors, like black, camouflage, orange, and yellow. The hand-gestured "New P Logo" is utilized on both Geiger's Air Force 1 and throughout the collection, like on the tan T-shirt.

The entire range from Geiger and Premium Co. is uniquely designed, and exclusively for the city of Pittsburgh. "For Pittsburgh By Pixburgh" tags each piece.

People in the city have the opportunity to purchase the capsule on August 5 at 7 p.m. Ace Hotel will host the pair's shop only until August 6. Follow Geiger on social media as he continues to tease the collection.

Ace Hotel

120 S Whitfield St

Pittsburgh, PA 15206

John Geiger and Premium Co.'s Sneakers for Pittsburgh

While working on his own footwear label under his personal moniker, John Geiger continues to push contemporary style and Pittsburgh heritage.

His crafty work with the Nike Air Force 1 sneaker, and imaginative designs admiring his hometown, the city of Pittsburgh, reach broad appreciation.

Previously linking with other creative forces in the Steel City for a two-day pop-up shop selling items unique and exclusive to the metropolis, Geiger again sets Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on a pedestal. 

This time, partnering with Premium Co., a fashion label based in Washington D.C., Geiger offers another pop-up shop and some detailed sneakers. 

Held at Ace Hotel in Pittsburgh's East side, Geiger and Premium create custom Air Force 1 Low and adidas Stan Smith, respectively. Both pairs are clean white with text and graphics inspired by Pittsburgh lasered on. 

Geiger's shoe, called the "New P Logo," features a hand depicting the letter P with the thumb, index, and middle fingers, as well as the phrase "For Pittsburgh By Pixburgh John Geiger '16" on the outer heels of the shoes. The toe box on the pair makes the map of Pittsburgh. Also, Geiger presents a black and white version of the Air Force 1 Mid model. 

Premium Co.'s delivery, "Burned Bridges," depicts burnt bridge planks as the adidas three stripes logo, plus "Premium Pixburgh '16" and "Burned Bridges" font and illustrations on the outer heels.

Keenly, Geiger and Premium use the nickname "Pixburgh," a slang and cultural reference to the city, in both their creations. It is a testament to their smart design and attention to the popular nature of The City of Bridges.

In addition, view Geiger's progress with John Geiger Collection here and shop Premium wear here.

The fashion labels' pop-up shop will take place August 5-6. Shoe sizes 7-14 are available.

Ace Hotel

120 S Whitfield St

Pittsburgh, PA 15206