I think i have a disease. Every single damn time i intend to post here, i say “ok next time, no sneakers” but i ALWAYS end up posting sneakers. This is gonna be my last sneaker post for a while no matter what. Sorry sneaker fans, my heart genuinely goes out to you.
Anyway with that aside, you really have to give it up for French custom shoe designers, first it was Ndeur with his amazing customs on high heels which can be found on www.ndeurshoes.etsy.com, and now it’s “Manu Custom”, or “Mad Colours” if you will. Obviously there are plenty in between but these two artists really stick out for me. Regardless, Manus designs are fresher than fresh, fresher than air that has never been breathed before on the freshest morning of the freshest day ever created… in… freshness (relentlessy diverse today aren’t i?)
Here are some of his designs:
With inspiration hailing heavily from early 90’s street culture, it’s the modern touch on his customs which really makes them that much more slicker. The vibrancy and acute brightness to the sneakers may be overwhelming to some but i’m sure most will agree that with each being designed by hand, these are truly a work of art.
His work within his family Art Force One and their collaborations with Atmos NYC have proved more than successful with gain in worldwide respect and recognition. The highest number I’ve read of any single design made/released has been no more than 24. With that in mind and the thought of these kicks being only sold directly out of their stores or online within the country, you’re really not going to land a pair at all unless you live there or have a decent connection within the industry. Have a search if you will but all you’ll find are countless numbers of mindless sneaker zombies begging for a walk in the shoes through the world of Mad Colours.
All in all, i guess Ndeur has the drop on availability, but alas it all comes at a cost of course, so if you’re willing to pay an arm and a leg and perhaps even a breast or three, check out his designs on etsy and get purchasing to support independent labels.
Here’s some of his work as well:
P.S if anyone DOES actually find some crazy way to get these fine kicks from Mr. Manu out to Australia, let us know, you will be rewarded generously, perhaps you’ll even get your breasts back… (shipping and postage fees not included).
As per usual as of lately, here’s a track too.
A mashup of Wham and Digitalism by The Avalanches. Nothing new but damn is it hot (man i can’t wait for their second album to drop, not long now *squeaks*)
The Avalanches – Ray of Zdarlight
-Jason
