Launches & Releases: Design-It-Yourself Keds Online

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Wow, it took us like two seconds to design this hideous pair of Keds via the shoe label's new customized Studio program! Using technology created by Zazzle.com, just choose from one of three styles (lace-up or one of two slip-ons), then click on the area (upper, tongue, inside and outside quarter, heel, insole) and choose from a number of colors, patterns and prints. You can also add text and upload photos. The whole process takes one to two weeks after ordering and costs $60. Per the release, the idea came from wearers own customization of the simple sneaks: “Since the launch of the Champion in 1916, consumers have been enhancing their Keds with their own personal style using markers, paints, pens and other creative tools,” said The Stride Rite Corporation prez and CEO Gregg Ribatt. Though this is not quite the same as dreamily penning "I love Jake!" in the middle of algebra, which also costs a lot less.
· Keds Studio [keds.com]