Archive x Grasshoppers x Flying Duck: A Celebration of Heritage and Artistry Designed by Ziyaad Samsodien

Archive’s mission unites Grasshoppers, a South African icon with a legacy spanning 58 years, with the talent of Ziyaad Samsodien, a 25-year-old illustrator whose inspirations encompass cartoons, internet subcultures, and the tapestry of South Africa’s landscapes.  Drawing inspiration from the essence of Oudtshoorn, the birthplace of Grasshoppers’ craftsmanship, his work integrates influences such as the leopard tortoise shell, Knysna dwarf chameleon, and the Swartberg mountain ranges into his designs. 

Each shoe and artwork tell a story, blending heritage with contemporary creative expression celebration of South African heritage. Facilitated by the design agency Flying Duck and Archive’s vision to build platforms for creative expression, this partnership merges Grasshoppers’ craftsmanship with Ziyaad’s creative perspective, breathing new life into the timelessness of a homegrown brand.