Textile designer Chrissa Amuah has put her own spin on a pair of Allbirds trainers by embellishing them with geometric shapes informed by the Adinkra symbols used in Ghana.
The London-based creative overhauled the fabric design for Allbirds' Tree Runner sneakers, which have an upper body comprising one piece of knitted yarn made from eucalyptus trees.
Amuah designed two different patterns based on the age-old Adinkra symbols, which were used in West African societies, particularly among the Akan people of Ghana, as visual representations of certain concepts or proverbs.
Circular outlines and spots coloured in different shades of grey cover one shoe, while green V-shaped markings cover the other.

"The meanings of Adinkra are timeless and transcend all cultures," said Amuah. "Their purpose is to encourage and promote our personal well-being and social harmony." While both designs take cues from the Adinkra symbol known as Funtunfunefu Denkyem, which represents unity, the patterns also looked to other emblems for inspiration.
The circular pattern was informed by the Adinkrahene symbol ? the "chief" of Adinkra symbols ? which stands for authority, greatness, prudence, firmness and magnanimity, the designer explained.

The more angular, green-hued design was based on the Aya symbol, which translates to "fern" in English.
"Aya is a symbol of endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance and resourcefu...