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MERGE4 Launches Sock Collection with Umijoo
Santa Cruz-based sock company, MERGE4, is pleased to announce a new collection in collaboration with Umijoo: The Wondrous Tale of a Curious Girl and Her Journey Under the Sea, written by ocean conservationist, Casson Trenor, and illustrated by pop surrealist and MERGE4 collaborator, Caia Koopman.
The MERGE4 X Umijoo collection includes eight different designs featured in the book in both classic crew socks and no show styles. Each pair has a hidden quote stitched into the cuff of the socks that reads “Keep the ocean clean”.
The socks are sublimated using MERGE4’s signature Cult Weave to prevent the graphics from becoming stretched or warped when the socks are worn, and made with textile technology that supports an action-based lifestyle, including moisture wicking soles, light compression to promote healthy circulation, and elastic arch support to cushion every movement.
Written by ocean conservationist Casson Trenor, illustrated by pop surrealist Caia Koopman, and crafted to resonate with all ages, Umijoo is the tale of a curious girl who, with the help of a little magic, journeys underwater to learn about the dangers facing our ocean directly from the creatures that call it home. A story of love, responsibility, and balance, Umijoo aims to educate and inspire a new generation of ocean defenders.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this new Umijoo collection with MERGE4,” said Umijoo illustrator and MERGE4 collaborator, Caia Koopman, “Now all my marine critters will be able to live on socks as well as the pages of our book, spreading their messages of ocean conservation.”
“It's wonderful to be working with a team that shares the same values of environmental responsibility that inspired Umijoo,” said author Casson Trenor, “We encourage all apparel companies to follow MERGE4's lead by creating thoughtful products that support great causes and leave light footprints.”
The award-winning book holds a gold medal for the Nautilus Book Awards (2019) and Readers' Favorite Illustration Award (2020), a silver medal for Readers' Favorite Book Award (2020) and a bronze medal for the Independent Publisher Book Award for Book Design (2020).
“This collaboration comes at an intersection of a few things near and dear to MERGE4,” said MERGE4 CEO and Founder, Cindi Busenhart, “Caia Koopman is a veteran MERGE4 collaborator and it’s always a pleasure to release new socks with her art on them. It’s also great to be able to support Caia’s endeavor by forging this new collaboration, and as a sustainability-focused brand we’re overjoyed to be spreading a message of ocean conservation through socks.”
The MERGE4 X Umijoo Collection socks are available to purchase at www.MERGE4.com and through select retailers.
MERGE4 was built on the foundation of using business as a force for doing good in the world. From the very beginning, we’ve operated as a Certified B Corporation, making sure we focus just as much effort on people and the planet as we do on profits. We’re proud to say we’re more than just a sock company. We empower artists, athletes, and musicians through meaningful collaborations. We partner with nonprofits to make socks that benefit causes from endangered species to pediatric transplant patients. And we’ve built a diverse family of brand ambassadors that share this common vision of merging together for positive change. From the moment you purchase your first pair of MERGE4 socks, you’re part of this awesome family and journey towards a more sustainable, inclusive and ethical future. For more information, visit www.merge4.com.
About Umijoo
Written by ocean conservationist Casson Trenor, illustrated by pop surrealist Caia Koopman, and crafted to resonate with all ages, Umijoo is the tale of a curious girl who, with the help of a little magic, journeys underwater to learn about the dangers facing our ocean directly from the creatures that call it home. A story of love, responsibility, and balance, Umijoo aims to educate and inspire a new generation of ocean defenders. The book is available to purchase on Caia Koopman’s website at https://caiakoopman.com/products/umijoo-book.