9LIST
Read the DEC ISSUE #84 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.
Whether it's via Instagram or candid shots in your favorite weeklies, you have seen athletes, celebs, their children, entertainers and more rocking backpacks that are designed at another level (bold graphics, wings, fun fabrications)! From backpacks, accessories, and apparel - this pop art is a coveted favorite that has become a collectible by those in the know. Known as Sprayground, its founder and designer, David Ben David aka DBD, has taken his love for traveling, surfing and skating to build his empire on bags that allow you to keep it moving! With a background that also embraces the street art scene - he continues to challenge himself with new designs that have added to the cult phenomenon of the brand!
As we transition into Spring, designers are already seasons ahead in terms of design, shooting project and being inspired. We took some time to chat with DBD to find out more about the brand, celebrities who have embraced his collections, his collaborations and more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came up with Sprayground?
DAVID BEN DAVID: I love to travel with bags, from surfing to skating when I was a little kid, I always had bags. But I always had a black bag, so boring and generic, right? So then the idea came to me: let’s spice up this category. There was an opportunity there. I just created one bag, the Hello My Name Is bag, because I was from the whole street art scene, where that sticker is very iconic in my world. So I put it on a bag and it sold out very quickly. I was freaking out, because I was, like, am I going to be a one-hit wonder? I had to challenge myself. So I came up with the Money Stacks bag, [which] was better than the Hello My Name Is bag and everyone–every celebrity, athlete, musician–wore that bag. And ever since then we’re getting a lot of traction. We are now sold in over 80 countries.
AM: What is the Sprayground aesthetic/lifestyle?
DBD: The Sprayground aesthetic/lifestyle can be categorized as being one of ambition and drive. It's comprised of luxury and the jet setter life, always on the move, all the while maintaining a certain level of style that can only be achieved through our unique designs and silhouettes.
AM: Why do you think a number of celebrities and entertainers are drawn to this brand?
DBD: Artistic, different, they appreciate the edgy designs and lifestyle. Bold, you feel empowered when you put on Sprayground.
AM: Who is the Sprayground guy and girl?
DBD: Sprayground's demographic is so vast as we have kids from ages 12-16 to adults and celebrities like Chris Brown, Odell Beckham Jr and Spike Lee wearing our bags.
I would say our core demo is 17-30, currently skewed male, however; our female demographic is expanding drastically, especially since we launched a female oriented capsule for our 2016 Back to School Collection in early June and will continue to launch female oriented capsules called “The Duchess” collection.
Sprayground’s guy and girl is alternative, edgy, collective, fun and fashionable.
AM: In addition to your core line, you have a number of collaborations or special collections - what have been some of your favorites and what should we keep an eye for out this Spring and Summer?
DBD: Spongebob was a cool story. The actual creator of Spongebob approved the designs himself, which they never approve anything. We have a Simpsons collaboration launching that the creator of Simspons approved those designs as well. Keep an eye out for more exciting collaborations coming this Back to School season!
AM: What are your personal favorites in your lines?
DBD: Each bag I create is like a new baby... I love them all.. I created them.
AM: Who would you love to see wearing Sprayground that has yet to rock it?
DBD: Happy seeing “people," all people are celebrities under God’s eyes.
AM: Where do you find inspiration when you are thinking of the next season or campaign?
DBD: Living in this creative and vibrant city, New York. Also, traveling. In each season, every piece tells a different story. Our collections play and have multiple different themes. Every campaign has energy and color. We cater to everyone.
AM: In your personal time, where can we find you brunching, going to happy hour and working out?
DBD: 4 thinks I like: Family, Traveling, G-d and creating.
AM: When you're not designing where or what can we find you doing?
DBD: I'm always in a state of creating...building a brand is like fighting a battle..the second u stop, the next brand can advance.. it's about always being new, innovative and building and motivating a team around you.
| PHOTOS COURTESY Sprayground | Odell Beckham Jr; NFL Giants | Young Thug; Rapper | Ruby Rose; DJ, Actress, Model, Recording Actress, TV Presenter, Former MTV VJ | Chris Brown |
Read more from the Feb Issue and see Statement Bound, A Conversation with Sprayground's David Ben David in mag.