FU spoke to Dez the 23 year old New Jersey lady behind Flykickz to find out what inspires the selfconfessed 'Stilleto chick' to make such creative and intricate sneaker designs and how she feels about competing in a such a male dominated industry.
What made you decide to start customizing sneakers?
The idea of being able to create walking pieces of art always fascinated me.
The idea of being able to create walking pieces of art always fascinated me.
What made you interested in sneakers?
The style and structure of the canvas (sneaker) and the history of the brand itself
What inspires your designs? Everything from the people that surround me to drawings and colors on a wall to general things I've learned over the years
The style and structure of the canvas (sneaker) and the history of the brand itself
What inspires your designs? Everything from the people that surround me to drawings and colors on a wall to general things I've learned over the years
Did you study design (or something similar at school)?
I never studied design but I've always been into being able to creatively express myself on all levels whether it is written, spoken or illustrated.
I never studied design but I've always been into being able to creatively express myself on all levels whether it is written, spoken or illustrated.
How long does it take to customize on average?
Depending on how simple or complex the design it can take anywhere from 7-25 hours.
Depending on how simple or complex the design it can take anywhere from 7-25 hours.
What’s the most difficult design you’ve ever had to do? 
My most difficult designs so far have been my Gold Half aMAZEn Dunk hi's because of the lines in the maze design and my Geisha girl dunks because I had to completely change the color of the sneaker and add color stitching which I painted one by one.
My most difficult designs so far have been my Gold Half aMAZEn Dunk hi's because of the lines in the maze design and my Geisha girl dunks because I had to completely change the color of the sneaker and add color stitching which I painted one by one.
You normally associate sneakers with guys so is it hard to be taken seriously as a female in the game?
Nothings ever easy but a little challenge is always good.
Nothings ever easy but a little challenge is always good.
Are people normally shocked about your sneaker knowledge?
I must admit I don’t know all there is to know about sneakers but I’m always researching and learning new things about the culture as a whole. If anything I think people are a little surprised that females even customize sneakers.
I must admit I don’t know all there is to know about sneakers but I’m always researching and learning new things about the culture as a whole. If anything I think people are a little surprised that females even customize sneakers.
The US normally has the best sneakers 1st so what are the top 3 sneakers we in the UK should be looking out for this summer?
I'm not always on top of the release dates but a Fly Dunk, AF1, and definitely a pair of J's are always cool.
What’s next for you, do you have any upcoming projects? The website will be up soon IamFlyKickz.com, definitely more events and of course some new kicks within the next couple of weeks.
I'm not always on top of the release dates but a Fly Dunk, AF1, and definitely a pair of J's are always cool.
What’s next for you, do you have any upcoming projects? The website will be up soon IamFlyKickz.com, definitely more events and of course some new kicks within the next couple of weeks.
As a female would you ever consider branching out and maybe customizing stilettos/stereotypical girly shoes?
I'm a stiletto chick myself but I love designing kickz. I want chicks to be able to feel equally as sexy in a pair of FlyKickz as they do in a pair of stilettos. To me the key to wearing a fly pair of kickz is all in the way you rock it.
I’m a really girly girl so what type of design would you do for someone like me?
It's all about your style I’ll see what you’re into fashion, art general Q&A and create from there. I’d focus on a concept more something that you'd love as a chick but something that will make the boys stop and stare...lol
It's all about your style I’ll see what you’re into fashion, art general Q&A and create from there. I’d focus on a concept more something that you'd love as a chick but something that will make the boys stop and stare...lol
For more info on FLykickz or to view work:
http://www.iamflykickz.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/flykickz_designs
www.twitter.com/flykickz
or Email
http://www.iamflykickz.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/flykickz_designs
www.twitter.com/flykickz
or Email
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1 comment:
I luv it! It came out great... Thx for taking the time to feature me on your site I Def appreciate!
DEZ
FlyKickz
IamFlyKickz.blogspot.com
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