2009 - BEST OF THE BEST SNEAKERS
The year of ‘09 was a busy year for Saigon Customs. We enlarged the crew, got another trophy at the I.S.B, did some shows, got a few more pairs trotting the globe, a couple more A-listers on our list, and well, overall we survived! Needless to say we were ecstatic to be asked to contribute to this feature.
My personal favourite pair for this year though, is the ‘M.J. Tribute' I did for a client, as a gift to his wife. This pair is an homage to the most amazing artist/singer/person. Without the likes of him, someone such as myself probably would not have found their calling. I wouldn't be an artist, and I simply would not be who I am today.
I chose to paint an image from the ‘Billie Jean' video as it's always been one of my all-time favourites. I was eight years old when it came out, and I still recall the excitement I got every time I watched him dance those funky steps in the video. I didn't even speak English at the time, but I would sing those two words ‘Billie Jean' oh so loud! I chose to do it on a pair of Stan Smiths, which of course is my favourite canvas for its uninterrupted and consistent silhouette.
I think for most of us MJ's music was the soundtrack to many of the defining moments we all go through in life. A first dance, kiss, love... Friendships found and those lost. So for that we'll also remember 2009 as losing another Icon. I am thankful for the opportunity to show my respect to him through my work.
Check out our next feature: THE HISTORY OF VANS
