[Update 4 Jan 2023] More campaign images have surfaced for this fantastical Melting Sadness x Crocs collection. While no firm release dates have accompanied these images, we are sure more details will hop into our field of vision as we approach the rabbit’s year. In the meantime, look to the top slider for closer looks! 

Melting Sadness’ brand ethos has always centred on making art approachable through whimsical graphics, and their youthful creative energy has been employed numerous times by adidas. While the Chinese label’s ties to the Three Stripes remain strong, with an adidas Adimatic in the making, Melting Sadness is looking to introduce its cast of characters to other lands — namely, the cushioned resin world of Crocs.

Revealed by Melting Sadness’ founder Zhang Quan on Instagram, the brand’s signature bunny-suit-wearing KARORO has been tasked with being the central motif of this collaboration with Crocs. And as cartoons have made us believe, there’s nothing that rabbits love more than fresh, crunchy carrots… Which is exactly what the Crocs has been transformed into.

Donning a Vitamin A orange, the sandal’s  “running mode” straps complement this carrot color in a vegetable green. Specks of dirt is printed across the perforated front, establishing that this vegewear is freshly pulled from the earth. Driving the reference home are strategically placed Jibbitz: a melting carrot top, flower pot and Melting Sadness logo.

Aside from a carrot, a second design is also available if you prefer to wear the animal. Literally. Under Melting Sadness’ fantastical hands, the Crocs silhouette has been outfitted with a cobalt blue fursuit, complete with long ears on the top. It’s basically KARORO’s signature outfit in shoe form.

As of now, no concrete dates have been attached to these teaser images, but we expect them to make an appearance in the coming weeks. Stay tuned as we’ll update this article with the latest information.

While Crocs is undergoing a bunnification, Shushu/Tong has created a sporty Mary Jane with ASICS.

Images via @zmuyou & @jasonliu.studio.