Heads up, sneakerheads! The first-ever Filipino designed Vans slip-ons are now available in selected Vans stores in the Philippines!
The design, entitled Along With the Gods, is designed by 24-year old artist Nikko Pelaez, who was hailed as the grand winner for Vans Asia Custom Culture 2018. Check out his award-winning art piece below:
Pelaez' design took inspiration from Greek mythology, and his design features the images of two godlike characters who are casting down fire and brimstone onto humanity. According to him, he wanted those who will be wearing and looking at his designs to know that they are their owns gods and that they are the ones who should be choosing and controlling their paths and destinies.
During the shoes' launch today, Pelaez shares that although he wasn't able to personally be at the competition, he finished his design in two days, along with everyone who was competing in China.
A graduate of UE's College of Fine Arts with a degree in Architecture and Design, Pelaez is also a full-time painter, who joins exhibitions from time to time. When asked about the difference between working on canvases and working on shoes, he said that the only thing that makes one different from the other is that shoe designs are three-dimensional.
"Kailangan isipin [kung] ano 'yung part na maa-appreciate ng tao, at ano 'yung part na di makikita. 'Yung mga part na 'di makikita, 'yun yung ma-detail. 'Yun 'yung gusto ko lagyan ng details para may dahilan sila para silipin iyon," he said. "Kung sa canvas, flat lang. Kaya ko ibagsak lang lahat ng details. Pero dito, kailangan ko i-consider 'yung point of view ng mga tao. Total balance dapat 'yung artwork."
Nikko Pelaez' Along With the Gods slip-ons are available now for P4298. These are available in selected Vans concept stores in Trinoma, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Cebu, Robinsons Ermita, Marquee Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway, Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, Market! Market!, Robinsons Iloilo, Robinsons Santiago, Robinsons Tuguegarao, Ultimart San Pablo, Robinsons Place Lipa, Evia, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, SM City Fairview, and SM City North EDSA.
