Nicki Minaj released her first-ever sneaker collection when teaming up with Loci earlier this month to lace the Barbz with some new footwear for the spring.
Following the collaboration with the sustainable apparel brand, PETA gave the sneaker its stamp of approval while thanking Minaj for electing to use vegan materials for the Loci’s 11 different designs.
“Nicki Minaj has earned some serious kudos from PETA for her new sneaker line with the all-vegan brand LØCI, which will make a big difference by sparing vulnerable cows the slaughterhouse knife and showing that innovative animal-free materials — such as the recycled bottles, cork and bamboo — used for these shoes, are truly the way of the future,” the pro-animal rights group tells Billboard. “We look forward to seeing kind Barbz across the country rock these sneakers in good form.”
PETA also publicly saluted Minaj with a message to the Barbz on X on Tuesday (April 16).
“Calling all the barbs We’re excited to see that @NICKIMINAJ’s new line of #vegan sneakers spared cows & other animals by not using leather,” the nonprofit organization wrote.
An attached graphic added: “No stuffed animals for this line! The collab with Loci uses recycled bottles, recycled nylon & brass, cork, bamboo, & bio leather instead of animal-derived materials.”
The Nicki Minaj x Loci collab “epitomizes Nicki’s bold and vibrant style,” per the company’s website. She blends “high-fashion chic” with her love of streetwear throughout the 11 pink concepts. The collection arrived on April 12 and still has stock available, ranging from $185 to $200.
A side panel is inscribed with the Loci logo, essentially a slashed zero glyph. A sovereign portrait of the rapper’s face is included on the sneaker’s tongue in an ode to the company’s British roots and Minaj’s queen aesthetic.
The “Super Bass” rapper called the exclusive sneaker collaboration “an absolute dream come true.”
“Thank you to my team for helping me make this dream come to fruition,” she wrote to social media in March. “This isn’t a sponsorship. I’m an owner & partner & we will be showing you the first complete collection on 4/12. Love you BARBZ. THANK YOU.”
Nicki is rocking her Loci kicks across the border as she prepares to hit the stage in Montreal and Toronto for shows the rest of the week. The Pink Friday 2 World Tour still has stops on tap for Chicago, Detroit, Brooklyn, Minneapolis and more.
Check out the sneaker collection below.
