Virginia-based Junghoon Son, who designs under the name Vandy the Pink, has very quickly amassed a very solid Instagram following on the strength of his finger-on-the-pulse custom sneaker designs. Inspired by whatever is popping in fashion and streetwear, Son’s approach combines an artful eye with a fair amount of ironic detachment (his next collection is titled “Artist or Asshole), and as such, he views himself as much as a gallery curator as a designer.
Check out our exchange with Vandy the Pink below.
Snobette: What can you tell us about Vandy the Pink?
Vandy The Pink: “Can’t. I’m still finding myself to see if I’m an artist or asshole.”
Snobette: When did you customize your first pair of sneakers?
Vandy the Pink: “It was about three years ago. I didn’t take any orders from people back then, but only made them for myself. I painted some Bape and Stüssy designs on my old, worn-out Nike Air Force 1’s. Back then I didn’t have any proper tools, brushes or anything. I still wanted my designs to be detailed, so I remember using a needle to paint them.”
Snobette: What part does fine art and pop culture play in your design?
Vandy the Pink: “I always play around with the latest hyped brands, their logos, or anything I see in magazines, in the streets, everywhere around me. The main color of the Supreme collab with Louis Vuitton for fall ’17 was red and included the classic LV logo. When I saw it, I did a custom job on a pair of red vans the day after. I always get inspired by pop culture.”
Snobette:Do you have a favorite design from your past creations?
Vandy the Pink: “Not exactly a favorite design, but a really special one that I remember the most. I customized a pair of Adidas NMDs for my friend who loves Off White. I made him a special pair of Off-White NMDs which kinda blew up on the internet. Two weeks later, I got invited to an exclusive party by the friend, where Virgil Abloh was the host DJ. I had to go and show him the custom design. There was a chance to talk to him after the party and I was nervous, waiting for a long time to talk to him. I tried showing him the shoes through my phone, but the battery ran out and my phone died. We shook hands and I told him that I’m a big fan of him. Since then, I take my portable charger everywhere.”
Snobette:How does one procure a pair of Vandy the Pink customs?
Vandy the Pink: “I’m dropping my second collection called “Artist or Asshole” on my website (onvandylab.net) on April 14th. You can also purchase my customized stuff there. There will be some clothing, Vans, and more but you gotta be quick since they’re limited.”
Snobette:What new custom projects do you have in the works?
Vandy the Pink:”I’m working on several projects, including one for Tyga.”
Enjoy look at some of the Vandy the Pink’s custom jobs below.
