Art Force One
Manuel Angot, of Art Force One, like so many others made a natural transition from graffiti into sneaker customization, although his transition was more natural than most : “I had a new pair of Air Force 1’s and my marker pen fell down and splashed on my new shoes. The rendering was kind of nice actually, like symmetrical stains.”
Manuel is clearly an optimist (how many sneakerheads would be delighted at stains on their shoes?) and this is reflected in his color selection, made up almost exclusively of neon colors. After recent collabs with Atmos, ALIEN, and Nike, Manuel is back to what he does best - making shoes look like discoballs.
“It makes me super happy when someone who bought one of my pairs tells me that it is exhibited in his living room.”
Format: Before customizing sneakers, you were already a part of the street art industry in France. Please discuss the work you did before customizing sneakers.
Manuel: Before painting on sneakers I used to do graffiti. I had my first encounter with this art in 1988/89 in Paris. I was looking at the bombed trains next to where my uncle lived and I’d copy all that on papers. Then in 1994 I started to put up on my own.
Format: Being that you were already addicted to sneakers, why did it take so long before you started customizing shoes?
Manuel: It all started as a mistake once, when I was tagging in the metro. I had a new pair of Air Force 1’s and my marker pen fell down and splashed on my new shoes. The rendering was kind of nice actually, like symmetrical stains
Format: You use an extremely bright palette. What attracts you to these colours?
Manuel: Fell into the Sneakers thing in 1990 /1991 and my addiction for that got soon confirmed when the Air Tech Challenge and the Command Force with their pumping system and all their fluo colours appeared, it was mad! It’s precisely that type of sneakers—that era—that I’m retranslating into my customs, these incredible colours that remind me of my childhood.
Format: What exactly is Art Force One?
Manuel: Art Force One it’s the name of my company and my brand that I built with my wife who is also a sneaker addict. We decide to give the name “Force One” to the tribute of the emblematic model Air Force One, the first pairs that our moms bought us, and “Art” you can guess it’s for my works.
Format: For many people, the amount of colours you use, and the variety, make your shoes beautiful, but unwearable. How do you feel about that?
Manuel: Well it’s more than a pair of sneakers, it’s like a painting! It makes me super happy when someone who bought one of my pairs tells me that it is exhibited in his living room, it’s crazy! And as I said , for me Art Force One is a colour, my colour, it’s kind of hard for me to explain it.
Format: Many customizers add materials and modify the shoe when developing shoes whereas you generally do not. Why do you work primarily with paint as opposed to other materials?
Manuel: Yes, I have the plan to add materials. It’s just that I really love painting on sneakers, sometimes people say that I do too much. But, yeah 2008 will be a year full of surprises and even a little futuristic.
Format: What separates your work from other shoe customizers?
Manuel: My magic fingers.
Format: Recently you presented your work at Who’s Next in Paris. Please describe this experience.
Manuel: The Who’s Next, it’s like the Magic in Vegas. I had the opportunity to be selected by many designers to present my work as a customizer and present my new clothing line.
It was cool. We met a lot of people from all over Europe during this week.
Format: What was your experience like working with Nike for the 25th anniversary of the AF1?
Manuel: It wasn’t the first time that Nike France contacted me for an event but this time it was more exciting because it was for the book “Paris in Force” for the anniversary of the AF1. A book it’s immortal. I was very proud to be the person who represented the France for the customization. It’s the kind of experience that you can’t forget.
More Info: http://www.art-force-one.com/
More Maiden Noir F/W ‘07
Goods has just received some new pieces from the Maiden Noir crew from their F/W collection. The brand has always focused on quality and once again they make sure not to let us down. Check em’ out asap.
Info.Image: High Snobiety
JAME from CRNX in Switzerland
Here we have some more hot shit from JAME from the CRNX Crew over in Switzerland. Someone needs to collab with this man for some gear quick. I predict nothin’ but great things.
Info.Image: Wooster
XLarge 2007 Fall Collection
XLarge Japan has just released some interesting pieces for the fall collection. My shit is the lime green skully lookin fresh out of Coming To America. Check out STLESS if ya interested in picking up a few pieces.
Info.Image: Zozo via Hypebeast
Stüssy 2007 Fall/Winter Collection
The vets are at it again with the release of 3 new tees over at Sold Out. Here we get the classic Stüssy logotype, a flip on the NY Knicks logo, as well as a dope Disney Worldwide tee to complete the triangle offense. You can also hit up ya’ local Stüssy shop to cop.
Info.Image: We Sold Out via Hypebeast
Freshjive 2007 Fall Collection
Freshjive has leaked a couple more pieces from their fall collection and this Biker Jacket tee is definitely on some other shit. It’s like being the fonze with out the hair gel and hot ass leather to hold you down. The collection should be dropping at Zozotown real soon.
Info.Image: Zozo via Hypebeast
KMDG Hits Moscow
Amsterdam’s KMDG is at it again… This time they focus their talent and attention to the city of Moscow. This creative collection of individuals are responsible for bombing many buildings and murals around the world. Check the various styles all grouped together on one piece… truly something to look at! If you don’t already know about these dudes, school yourself quickly.
Info.Image: Wooster
Nike Tweed Pack
A couple of weeks ago we showed you the Air Max 90’s with a tweed application… now the rest of the bunch is up to bat. Nike has recently unveiled the rest of the Tweed Pack by blending the said fabric with the Dunk and Air Max 1. Overall the sneakers are very nice and a little more reserved than the 90’s, although Nike did go a little tweed crazy on the Dunks. I’m not mad at it though… a very good attempt that should do well in your collection. Now available at select Nike account locations.
Info.Image: Purchaze via Hypebeast
New King Stampede Fall Tees
Well it looks like streetwear brand King Stampede has added 2 more tees to their exciting fall lineup. As you can see, the all-over print/put you name repetitively on your shirt style is still in, by the looks of the tee on the left. The one one the right is a bit more refreshing though, utilizing a colorful Mexican blanket type design down the middle. Stay tuned for more from King Stampede, including their upcoming cut & sew collection.
Info.Image: Boundless via High Snobiety
Zoo York: Makeset and Broken Windows Artist Deck Series
Zoo York’s fall lineup is underway with skate deck designs by Makeset and Broken Windows. The Makeset series features Technicolor renditions of NYC landscapes including Coney Island, Times Square, and The Brooklyn Bridge. The Broken Windows series features graffiti-based typography, that bleeds from one board to the next to create a complete series. The decks are available now through Zoo York and other authorized retailers.
Info.Image: High Snobiety
DaZebras by JBClassics x Da Movement
JB Classics and Da Movement – a NYC-based organization devoted to urban, underground lifestyle - have teamed to create a special, limited-edition pair of DaZebras for Da Movement’s upcoming event this Friday (Sept. 28). The event will feature an exhibit by Shepard Fairley along with more art, music, and wine. Only 25 pairs (at $500 each) will be created. Pre-ordering will begin at the Friday night event.
Info.Image: Hypebeast
Gold Coin Fall 07
This fall and winter collection marks the one year anniversary of GOLD COIN. After only one year GC has managed to attract over 30 retailers worldwide and have an expanding loyal following. All fall / winter items will be shipping out in the first week of October. Expect them at all official GC retailers by the 15th.
The Hundreds 07 Fall Collection
From a simple blog to a full blown clothing line The Hundreds continues to grow with the release of their Fall collection. The collection consists of kintwear including sweaters and cardigans, but their real eye catcher is a new range of 59Fifty New Era Caps complete with the The Hundreds “The Porch Life” logo embroidered on the front. It’s sure to be another winner and keep the growth going.
Info.Image: Hypebeast
