Runsy x Beams T, 2024

2 t-shirts

Commissioned by Beams T

Esperanza Rosas, Artist & Designer

This collaboration was exclusively released in-store and online in Japan through Beams T. As her first collaboration in Japan, Runsy aimed to showcase her drawings and create designs that reflect her identity as a Mexican-American woman from Chicago. Both tees feature her character Runsy, a caricature of herself that helps tell this story.

The white t-shirt depicts Runsy wearing a clown mask, alluding to the popular phrase "Smile Now, Cry Later," which pays homage to a significant motif in Chicano art. This phrase is often associated with themes of resilience and the complexity of emotions. It was crucial for her to include this t-shirt in the collaboration to highlight not only her art but also her culture in Japan.

The black tee references the movie Space Jam. In the original photo, Bugs Bunny stands next to Michael Jordan; for this design, she drew Runsy beside him. As a proud Chicagoan, she wanted to capture the greatness and nostalgia associated with the city, reflecting the dream of countless kids growing up wanting to be "Like Mike." Drawing herself alongside Jordan symbolizes that imaginary co-sign, representing her pride and connection to Chicago.