Mache Customs has been dropping some of the hottest customizations for sneakerheads for over 8 years and running. Based out of NY, Mache has been featured a number of times here on KicksOnFire.com for the unique spin put on some of our favorite sneakers. From J’s to LBJ’s, Mache approaches each design with the goal of creating a custom that rivals the OG quality from the manufacturer. We sat down with Mache recently to talk customs and the creative process. Enjoy!
1. What got you into creating custom sneakers and how long have you been doing it?
I’ve always loved sneakers, I’ve collected them since I was 12. I had seen customs others had done in magazines and my competitive nature made me think I could do better. So I made my first pair back in 2004 and the rest is history.
2. What’s the creative process behind your custom creations?
Unlike other fellow artists I don’t really sketch or do Photoshop mock-ups. I just jump into the prep and paint with the design in my head. I do get ideas in the middle of the night and jot them down to do later.
3. You have done some crazy Lebron 9 designs lately – what makes this shoe such a great canvas?
When I did the “Nerf” Lebron that was my first custom Lebron. At that point I hadn’t seen anyone else try the 9 yet so I didn’t have any idea how the paint would take to the hyperfuse and the mesh, needless to say it came out good. Over time the Lebron 9 become a more and more popular shoe to customize and again my competitive nature is to one-up not only others but myself. This had lead to do many customs on that base, and I think they’ve gotten even better over time. I mean come on, the MVP elites have real gold on them! That’s progression!
4. What is one of your favorite customs you have done?
I always say the one I’m currently working on because I’m always passionate about what I’m doing. But I’d have to say the Spiderman Flightposites I did, just because of the base and that it was a little more creative than my current catalog has been. I prefer creative stuff over “Miami nights” anyway.
5. What are some customs we can expect to see in the near future from Mache?
I have some really exciting stuff with some pretty big clients on the forefront, I can’t say anything until it’s all done though..
6. If you had to choose the ultimate shoe to do a custom design with, what is it going to be?
Man, there’s no ultimate shoe….the biggest thing is being able to be versatile and make any base shoe the best for that project. I mean you have to use the base shoe, not make the base use you. Take the Flightposites, I knew that base was PERFECT for a Spiderman theme. But to give you a better answer, I grew up in the Jordan/ Bo Jackson era so I’d love to work on more 90s trainers In the future.
7. Last one, and a must – what are you rocking on your feet lately?
My closet is all over the place, I wear vintage trainers, New Balances, Asics, Jordan’s, of course the newer Nike basketball stuff….go through my IG (@mache275) last week I wore dark knight Kobe 5s, RF Asics, some 06 More Uptempos, Ferris Beuller SBs, and I always rock either AM2012s or lunar trainers to the gym….always used to wear Asics or Sauconys to run but I’ve switched it up.
Make sure to check here for all of Mache Customs that have posted to KicksOnFire.com or check him out on Twitter @MACHE275.
Article source: Kicks on Fire
