Sneaker Revolution: Spotlighting Hong Kong’s custom sneaker artists

These days, it seems that sneakers carry more cultural weight than even the once most desirable and feted brand names. With luxury brands such as Loewe, Versace and Alexander McQueen now joining the line up of high-end sneakers and collaborations between the luxury world and the biggest name in sports footwear creating a cult following. Yes, we too are coveting the recent Gucci-Adidas and -Balenciaga tie-in.

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Photo courtesy of 199xCustom

This generation of footwear aficionados might not be able to name a single Basquiat or Warhol masterpiece but they will tell you in a heartbeat how much a pair of Yeezy sneakers will resell for. The sub-culture of sneaker collection has risen to such heights that its fandom could possibly rival even Carrie Bradshaw’s undying love of collecting designer heels.

But as the hype of sneaker collection continue to rise, it’s no longer enough to get the rarest or most trend-setting pair of kicks. These days, customised sneakers are all the rage. Creatively conceptualised to reflect the wearer’s taste and style, custom-designed sneakers go above and beyond the range of what retail stores can offer. These unique creations give its wearers a personalised pair of sneakers that they can proudly walk in and call their own.

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Photo courtesy of 199xCustom

Bridging the gap between designer shoes and bespoke footwear are custom sneaker designers. These artists turns run-of-the-mill canvas footwear into one-of-a-kind custom sneakers. Coming from a background in fine arts, graphic design and fashion design, the diversity of sneaker customisers add a youthful and modern style that many younger generations seek. Out of the box and statement-bearing, these custom sneaker designers are hand-drawn and -painted, each pair is matched to the style and personality of the customer, making no two designs ever alike – an appealing factor that many fashion enthusiasts and shoe collectors love.
Read on as Gafencu spotlights the sneaker revolutionaries in Hong Kong to turn to for your bespoke sneaker fix.

Creative Kicks

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Photo courtesy of 199xCustom

Tapping into the niche market is Hong Kong sneaker illustrator 199xCustom, who specialises in animation characters and cartoons – particularly Japanese anime. She first tried her hand at sneaker customisation after a disappointing search for a design that was not available in the market. She subsequently turned to her passion for drawing to create her own, eventually turning fan art creations into an artistic interpretation of sneaker customisation.

“There are actually several different categories of customisation. I specialise in painting and using an airbrush, which generally requires a wide range of brushes, airbrushes, and pigments”, explains the artist.

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Photo courtesy of 199xCustom

Anime characters and cartoons account for a large part of her work because it is a unique market not available at a retail level. However, her artistic flare and edgy style stretches beyond animation. Her original designs also range from incorporating elements of Japanese fine art, like ukiyo-e, to create an embroidered dragon and tiger pattern on the mesh body of a Yeezy 350 sneaker.

A pair of customised sneakers could cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of Hong Kong dollars. Depending on the complexity of each design, the tools and materials required – which often cost a few hundred Hong Kong dollars to purchase as well, (and ultimately) the time it takes to complete each project, prices can vary but the result will, more often than not, reflect in quality and creativity.

Back in Time

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Photo courtesy of Simple Union

However, the service of sneaker customising isn’t simply picking up a paintbrush and stenciling a printout. It takes, creativity, skill and passion for art and the process it takes to create a unique concept that will set it apart from everything else already on the market. Other sneaker customisers such as Simple Union, a handcraft brand that customises shoes and other accessories, go beyond just painting and airbrushing. “‘Enjoy Simplicity, Enjoy Life’ is the motto the brand follows’’, says artist and founder FK.

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Photo courtesy of 199xCustom

Putting a close focus on the materials is key to Simple Union’s unique designs, they combine traditional culture and craftsmanship with quality materials. The brand is also known for using Italian leather and rare fabrics from Japan, such as old Japanese Katazome, an ancient method of fabric dying, weaving and stenciling – often flowers and bird motifs – that dates back to the Meiji era of the late 1800s.

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Photo courtesy of Simple Union

Each design is an original concept that adds a bespoke touch that off-the-rack shoes can’t offer. But Simple Union also accepts commissions by customers, if both the artist’s style and customer’s taste are a good match. On some occasions, the brand would be approached to customise products for other brands and stores as part of a workshop experience or event.

Sustainable Spirit

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Photo courtesy of K!bo

Another brand that puts materials on the forefront of their products is pioneering sustainable sneaker brand K!BO. “The name K!BO means hope in Japanese”, says Natalie Chow, co-founder of the Hong Kong sustainable sneaker brand.

Adding a new line of products to their range, the footwear brand will be offering exciting new selections of customised sneakers to thrill fashionistas throughout summer. They will provide a range of limited-edition designs, as well as exciting customisation options that will allow customers the liberty to add their own touch of style to their bespoke footwear.

Photo courtesy of K!bo
Photo courtesy of K!bo

Expected to start with a HK$1280 price tag, the initial stages of the new line of products will offer customised pre-order options that will allow customers to get closely involved in the design process, such as including unique and fun patterns and selecting recycled leather with graphic prints, as a way to personalise their #GuiltFreeKicks to show off this summer.

 

(Text: Roberliza Eugenio, Photos courtesy of 199xCustom, Simple Union and K!bo)

In style for June: Tapping into your wild side with these bold fashion statements

From bold colours and geometric motifs to cut-out midi dresses and slit detailings, the high-fashion runways of 2022 are leading the way for this season’s trends. Get all your styling inspirations from Gafencu‘s ultimate guide to this season’s summer fashion trends and hottest sartorial statement to show off this season.

Venus in Neon

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Bold, bright and beautiful. The high fashion runways are spelling out summer in flashing neon colours. Clearly not shying away from electric hues of green, bright orange, fluorescent magenta and brilliant baby blue, the runways at Loewe, Valentino and Balenciaga are going loud and proud.

Animal Magnetism

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Tap into your wild side with animal prints. Ferocious yet playful, the runways at Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci evoke an unapologetically fierce style to their SS22 looks.

Purr-fect Ensemble

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Catsuits turn up the fun on any night out with the girls and its form-fitting style only adds to the appeal, as seen on the street on the Kardashians and Jenner sisters. Catsuits return with a bang – taking over the season’s runway with feminine, form-fitting numbers with an assured swagger.

Embrace a zesty new style for summertime

How best to perfect a casual, breezy summer ensemble for the warmer days ahead? We’ve put together a selection of the hottest fashion pieces to refresh your wardrobe and create a collection of OOTDs for any, and every, occasion for the summertime. See our mastered looks below…

Look 1

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On Her: Top, skirt and handbag by Versace
On Him: Jacket, button-up shirt and pants by Versace

Look 2

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On Her: Dress and handbag by Giorgio Armani
On Him: Jacket, pants and shoes by Giorgio Armani

Look 3

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Jacket and pants by Hugo Boss

Look 4

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On Her: Top and shorts by Prada
On Him: Sweater, top, shorts and handbag by Prada

Look 5

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On Her: Bralette, long skirt, handbag and thigh-high boots by Michael Kors
On Him: Vest, pants and shoes by Brunello Cucinelli

Look 6

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Necklace, crop sweater, top, skirt, handbag and heels by Miu Miu

Look 7

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On Her: Cutout ribbed dress by David Koma, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER; Holli embellished feather and twill tote by Rosantica, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER; Heels by Salvatore Ferragamo
On Him: Sweater by Loewe; Shorts by Prada; Handbag and shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo

Look 8

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On Her: Dress and handbag by Hermès
On Him: Polo top, handbag and pants by Hermès

Look 9

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On Her: Crop sweater, skirt, handbag and shoes by Valentino
On Him: Button-up shirt, sweater, pants and shoes by Valentino

(Photographer: Jack Law; Styling & Art Direction: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jackie Chan; Female model: Lexi V (Quest Artists & Models); Male model: Kiril D (Quest Artists & Models); Hair and Make-up: Heti Tsang and Owen Ko)

Chromatic Charisma: Bright and Bold spring trends are here

Nothing announces Spring quite like a splash of colour to your ensemble. Bold, bright and electrifying, check out Gafencu’s edit of high street fashion styles to step into the new season.

Look 1

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On Her: Cropped jacket, pants and boots by Versace
On Him: Jacket and trousers by Diesel

Look 2

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On Her
Dress and heels by Prada
On Him
Bucket hat, jumpsuit, bag and shoes by Prada

Look 3

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Long trench coat and sweat pants by Balenciaga

Look 4

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Earrings, top and long skirt by Shiatzy Chen

Look 5

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On Her: Hoodie, long denim skirt and heels by Balenciaga
On Him: Hoodie and trousers by Diesel; Shoes by Jimmy Choo

Look 6

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On Her: Oversized jacket by Diesel; Handbag by Roger Vivier; Heels by Salvatore Ferragamo
On Him: Jacket and pants by Dunhill; Cross-body bag by Rimowa; Mule sandals by Salvatore Ferragamo

Look 7

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On Her: Dress and wedge sneakers by Isabel Marant
On Him: Jacket, pants and sneakers by Diesel

Look 8: 

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On Her: Dress by Ports 1961; Handbag and heels by Jimmy Choo
On Him: T-shirt, shorts and shoes by Diesel

Look 9

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On Her: Dress and boots by Valentino
On Him: Jacket, button-up shirt, shorts and boots by Valentino

 

(Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jackie Chan; Female model: Sonia B (Quest Artists & Models) Male model: Maksim B (Quest Artists & Models); Hair and Make-up: Heti Tsang and Owen Ko)