IN CONVERSATION WITH DAVID BEN DAVID
interview by JANA LETONJA
From the streets of the Bronx to the runways of New York and London Fashion Week, David BenDavid has turned a single backpack design into a global movement. In 2010, he founded Sprayground, the art-driven travel fashion brand that flipped the industry on its head with bold, collectible designs and its now-iconic shark mouth motif. What started with the instantly sold-out ‘Hello My Name Is’ backpack has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon, with collaborations ranging from the NBA to Porsche, Spike Lee to Star Wars, and a cult following in over 90 countries. With David BenDavid at the helm, Sprayground has transformed the humble backpack into a luxury statement piece for those who refuse to blend in.
You grew up in The Bronx, NYC and Miami. How did that world shape the DNA of Sprayground?
Growing up in the Bronx gave me my edge. The beauty about growing up in the Bronx is that everyone is from somewhere. A city of all wonderful different types of souls. These were my friends and people I grew up around, and a plethora of multi-cultures, languages and styles. The streets were my canvas. That mix of grit, creativity, and movement is Sprayground’s DNA. I always wanted to take that raw energy, street art, music, defiance, and fuse it into something beautiful.
What inspired the name Sprayground, and how does it connect to your street art roots?
The name came from the word I was living in, think spray paint and underground culture. “Spray” is the graffiti street art side, colors, art, expression. “Ground” is about claiming your territory, your playground. I wanted to create a new word, a new meaning, a place where people can be and feel creative, like a creative playground, hence the name Sprayground.
Sprayground has gone from one design to a global brand in 90+ countries. What’s been the key to that explosive growth?
Create wonderful things and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself to create something that has not been done before. That feeling of creating something that might be different and then putting it out there, and people loving it is the side of creativity that we need to push ourselves to do. Don’t play it safe.
You’ve described Sprayground as disrupting a complacent travel accessories market. How do you keep that rebellious edge alive over a decade later?
By never getting comfortable. The moment you think you’ve “made it,” you’re in trouble. We treat every drop like it’s our first, and we always ask how can we flip this? Whether it’s design, collabs, or retail experiences, the goal is to surprise our fans, make them feel like they’ve never seen anything like it before.
The shark mouth design has become iconic. How did it come about, and what does it mean to you?
The shark mouth came from my love of bold, striking street graphics, something raw that demands attention. I wanted a symbol that instantly stood out, that said “this isn’t just a backpack, it’s a statement.” For me, the shark mouth represents power and individuality.
You’ve worked with everyone from NBA to Formula 1, Porsche, Buzz Aldrin, and Star Wars. What’s your process for choosing collaboration partners?
It’s about alignment and flow. I only collab with people or brands who share that same fearless spirit. If we can create something fresh that merges two worlds, then it’s magic. That’s how the best collabs happen.
Celebrities, athletes, and musicians have embraced your designs from early on. How has that cultural connection shaped Sprayground’s identity?
It’s always a blessing when people buy and wear your design, and it’s an amazing blessing when someone that has a big influence wears it because that helps amplify the brand’s voice and the voice of the designer and helps showcase the product. The product is created with so much love and emotion that when you wear the product, you feel emboldened and happy, and this is what connects us all to one another.
How do you balance the artist’s drive for originality with the demands of running a major global brand?
To me, it’s all connected. To be the founder, CEO and creative director helps me see the company from a bird’s eye view into the micro level. Everything is connected, and art and creativity are even applied to a financial spreadsheet.
What’s your creative process when designing a new collection, and where do you find inspiration?
The single place I find the most inspiration is nature. Tapping into the universe. Immerse yourself in it and new ideas present themselves.
Sprayground’s expansion includes mono-brand stores in Asia and pop-ups worldwide. What’s next for the brand in terms of retail and design innovation?
I can hint to you one thing. I’m creating an aerial pop up.
If you could design a dream Sprayground collaboration with anyone, who would it be and why?
If I could design a dream Sprayground collaboration, it would be with Brunello Cucinelli. His brand represents more than just luxury, it’s built on a deep heritage, and a commitment to craftsmanship. I admire how he turned a family driven vision into a globally respected name, while staying true to his core values. That balance of purpose and creativity resonates with how I approach my own work, and I believe a collaboration could bring together bold energy with timeless elegance in a truly unique way.
TEAM CREDTIS:
talent DAVID BEN DAVID
photography LORENZO YESOUHYEAH
grooming DEANNA BROWN
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN