2019 Vans Custom Culture" is a worldwide shoe customization contest open to everyone, regardless of pro or amateur status, held in three areas: Asia, North America, and Europe. The winner of each area will receive a cash prize of $25,000! . In addition, the Vans shoes designed by the winner will be made into a commercial product.
Here are the eight designers who participated in this dreamy project and their stories about "Vans". The creativity and originality of each of them are beautifully demonstrated on the "AUTHENTIC". Now, you can vote online to select the 10 finalists from among the vast number of designs entered in the competition.October 13 (Sun.)The application period is now open. As one of the judges, why don't you cast your vote for your favorite design and support the artist's creation?
Musician/Drummer Kou Arata
PROFILE
Leader of WONK, an experimental soul music band from Tokyo, Japan, and also works as a solo drummer/beatmaker. He also directs bands such as rappers ISSUGI, IO, Jinmenusagi & Sweet William, and Spit Qi. Last December, he released his first self-produced album "Persona.", in which he sang vocals himself.
Instagram:@hikaru_pxr
What kind of image do you have of "Vans"?
They have a strong image of being worn by skaters. I also ride a skateboard, but I don't want to get injured and interfere with my drumming, so these days I wear cruisers exclusively. I follow professional skaters and friends on Instagram, and I think skaters wearing "Vans" are really cool.
Do you remember the first time you wore Vans?
When I was 18 years old, I was crazy about jazz. . At that time, I came across the "OLD SKOOL" model, nicknamed "Jazz. Since then, I have only worn "Vans" sneakers.
What are the key points of customized design?
I've recently been into ancient Egypt, so I drew a "surf line" design with the eye of Horus as a motif. And the model I am wearing today, a collaboration with "Golf One," has the brand name on the heel. I like designs with text in them, so I put the name of the label I started, "Epistrophe," on the toe. When I entered this, it was my own label, but I had no way to prove it, so it was in violation of the terms and conditions of ...... (laughs). . . So, the design I submitted omitted the label name (laughs).
What will you do with the $25,000 prize money?
I would like to host a party with a little fancy label.
What are your future plans?
WONK's Playhouse" will be held at Ebisu Liquid Room on Monday, December 2. This is a festival-like event that will be attended by some pretty spectacular artists. We hope you will come and play with us in the mood for an early year-end party.
Click here to see the designs entered.
https://custom-culture.vans.com/ja_jp/design?submission_id=78132
