has unveiled American rapper, singer-songwriter and visual artist as the face of its new campaign.
The shoe marks a new era of evolution from UGG, which has seen a cultural spike in recent years as people continue to embrace the shoe as a part of their everyday wardrobe. Undertaking a more versatile, every-day wearability, the Tasman Flex remixes the original Tasman shoe, removing its signature fur lining and bulky sole to become more lightweight and adaptable. With adequate cushioning and a distinct wraparound traction for durability and outdoor-wear, the shoe is undeniably built for an on-the-go lifestyle. The Tasman Flex retains the original Tasman’s sheepskin insole, but utilises unlined suede uppers for a lighter, softer and more breathable feel. With a smaller sole, the shoe is adaptable for more diverse terrains, built for movement in any weather.
The launch comes a year on from Blush, Abstract’s conceptual, collaborative project that positioned the artist as a curator and creative director. Abstract sat down with CLASH in 2024, telling us: “I’m very collaborative. It’s just the nature of who I am,” he asserts. “I need some sense of community in order to make something I’m proud of.” As a visionary artist, that collaborative, community-based nature comes through his storytelling in every project. For the UGG Tasman Flex campaign, Abstract feels at home, finding synergy with the brand associated so heavily with comfort and increasingly imbued with American culture.
The campaign unfolds in and around a mid-century California home, emphasising the shoe’s functionality and effortless compatibility with everyday wear. Here, Abstract chose to wear both the Chestnut and Dusty Orchid pink colourways, pairing the former with a simple navy t-shirt and cargo shorts, and the latter with relaxed selvedge denim and an oversized white tee.
We spoke to Abstract about working with UGG, turning thirty and where his creativity has been moving since Blush.
What is your attitude when you get dressed every day, and what kind of look do you go for?
I guess it just depends on the dream I had the night before; my dreams really affect my day. If it’s a nightmare, I try to do something bright to lighten my mood up so I’m not grumpy for the rest of the day
Do you think you have a usual look that you go for everyday or is depending on the dream?
I guess it is dependent on the dream, and using the dream as a metaphor for the type of life I want to have, which guides my creative choices
How does the UGG Tasman Flex fit it into your everyday life?
I feel like when I got to the shoot, I really realised how authentic the company actually is and how it rings to me.
Why was it important for you to connect with UGG for this campaign?
It just felt right…I really like what they’re doing right now.
As a musician, you’re always on the go. What are the staples that you carry with you when you’re travelling?
Friends, actually. I kind of never travel alone. I always have friends with me.
You released Blush in 2025, and that was really collaborator-heavy, and you were in more of a curatorial role. What did that project represent for you and what are you most proud of with it?
I was in a really dark place and I think the fact that I was able to make it when I was in such a bad place, I’m able to look back and think wow, I was able to release that when times were dark. Creatively, I think that was exactly what I needed to do in my career, just adding more colour to my discography.
Do you find that creating and making art is a therapeutic thing for you?
It can be. I’ve been writing songs since I was 9 years old and I’m 30 years old. It’s past the point of me going to a studio to talk to a therapist it’s more just this is all I know.
A year on from Blush, where has your creativity led you and what does this chapter look like for Kevin Abstract the artist?
I’m into signing and developing and producing. I’m just super focused on artist development, producing and stuff like that. I’m working on my next album. I’ve been working on it since last December, it’s my best work, yet I’m gonna keep giving it the love and support it needs. In the meantime, I’m putting a lot of energy towards to other artists I’m inspired by, whether it be someone more established than me or someone that I meet back home in Texas, and I wanna help.
Building on all of these projects, what do you look for in a collaborator?
Friendship. Yeah, friendship, because when I was younger I didn’t have the ideal family that you’d see on TV so I’d go onto the internet and try and seek out families on the internet and I think that’s a toxic habit I fell into post Brockhampton. So some sort of friendship or some sort of connection that’s what I look for.
You recently turned 30 which is such a milestone age. How do you think your creative process has shifted and do you feel like you have any new perspectives for the upcoming decade?
Yes. A lot. I don’t know if I can say them all on this call. I’m definitely aware and alert and super focused on the future.
Are you able to talk about your new project?
It started with me in Texas, trying to think about a way to become closer to god. It is me freshly spiritual. One of the producers from Blush produced a lot of it. It allowed me to ask what colours can I add to it because there’s been a lot of growth in me from January to now.
What have your twenties taught you about yourself and how has the past decade prepared you for this moment?
Trust less people and trust yourself more. Connect with your family more. Make things that are genuinely true for you and inspire you and try to really show up for people every day.
Beyond music and fashion, what things in wider culture are you really enjoying right now?
I guess I’m always into movies. I’m a hardcore pop culture kid so it’s media in general that is always going to be interesting to me.
The UGG Tasman Flex is available for £150 at ugg.com and at UGG retailers.