ABC Mart Shop Staff Taisuke Utsumi
PROFILE
A "Vans" fanatic who works in one of Japan's largest shoe stores, ABC Mart, he started customizing and painting "Vans" shoes as a hobby about 10 years ago. His long career and deep love for Vans led him to pass the first round of judging for last year's "Vans Custom Culture" competition. He admires and is influenced by JESSE of "Rise" and "The Bones.
Instagram:@bic2116
Do you remember the first time you wore Vans?
I bought the "SK-8 HI" in collaboration with "Suicide Tendencies" when I was in high school. The graphic on the side was really cool!
What memories do you have of Vans?
Jesse, the vocalist of RIZE, was wearing the Christian Hosoi model "SK8-HI" with the Japanese flag on it. They were so cool that I wanted to get a pair myself, so I looked around for a pair and finally bought them.
What are the key points of customized design?
I have created a taste that I like. . I like graffiti and American traditional tattoo artwork, so I had that in mind.
How did you like the design?
The ability to create designs that have never existed before, or designs that you want, is very attractive. In other countries, the custom culture of painting directly on shoes is spreading. I think it's wonderful that a brand is holding this contest as an official event. Last year, I was eliminated in the second round, so I hope to win this year!
What will you do with the $25,000 prize money?
I want to go to Los Angeles and stay there for a long time . And I would like to meet Mr. Cartoon, an artist I admire!
Click here to see the designs entered.
https://custom-culture.vans.com/ja_jp/userprofile?handle=BiC
