Jonathan Grado

Thanks to the vampires in Sinners, I realized I never wrote about Grado Labs and Coogi partnering up to collaborate on limited edition headphones.

I love movies, it’s why I try to shoot my photo series through a cinematic lens. I also love music, it’s why I stopped playing piano when I was twelve to avoid bringing down the whole industry. Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, is a great film where music itself (and the wardrobe, set design, and everything else) plays an integral part in the story.

What sweater was that at the end of Sinners?

During the epilogue of Sinners, Michael B. Jordan’s character is seen in a colorfully textured sweater. This is a Coogi sweater, specifically "The Gambler" sweater. They're an Australian fashion company that's immediately identifiable by their unique patterns. If you recognize them, it's most likely due in part to icons like Biggie Smalls. The second it came on screen I remembered working with them on a collaboration Grado headphone.

Coogi x Grado Labs x E&J Headphones

In 2019, E&J came to us with an idea for a three-way collaboration:

— E&J would supply custom wood
— Coogi would provide the sweater material
— Grado Labs would craft the headphones

We partnered to create a limited run of headphones featuring headbands made from authentic Coogi sweater material. Each headband was cut from real sweaters, meaning no two headphones were exactly alike. Every piece had its own unique pattern, just like every Coogi sweater is a one-of-one. Grado Labs has always been about attention to craft and individuality. Coogi, with its rich, vibrant designs, fit right into that spirit. My family and I were happy to celebrate the idea that no two people (or headphones) should look the same.

We’ve been asked to use special headbands before (Poké Ball red, bison leather) but working with Coogi was something different. Their sweaters are thick and intricately woven, so adapting them to the curved shape of a headphone headband took some trial and error. But in the end, the texture and dimensionality of the knit made every headphone feel unique.

It’s nice when my love of movies and music overlaps, this time thanks to vampires and a sweater. I’m happy my piano career didn’t pan out.

Photos courtesy of E&J

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