PINKY CRUNCH
‘‘VIJZ’S VERY FIRST HITMACHINE’’
I stumbled upon this pink leather with fur at the local leather wholesaler in Den Bosch—a magical place I visited for the first time during my quest for the best materials. I didn’t have to search long before my eyes landed on the pink piece with fur, of which only a few hides were available—this had to be it. I had only 150 euros to spend, as that was all I had.
The owner asked me what I was going to do with it, but I had no idea yet. However, I knew I would make full use of the hide.
Freestyling with the design and just going with the flow brought me the most success in the beginning. I worked very intuitively when it came to designing. I always gathered materials that made my heart race. In the case of the Pinky Grunch, which I based on the well-known Grinch—only in a pink version.
I decided to make the entire sneaker from this beautiful pink fur. And gold—I’m a sucker for gold details. So those absolutely had to be included.
And there you have it, the first pink fur sneakers became a reality. I decided to release a total of 6 pairs. Why 6, you might wonder? That’s because I had just enough material to make 6.
I’m often asked if women buy these kinds of sneakers from us. But no—out of the 6 pairs, 5 were made for male customers.
When I started making these 6 pairs, packaging also became important. I quickly decided to make something truly special out of it. The unboxing experience is essential. The box, the certificate of authenticity, wooden shoe trees, extra laces, and shoe bags—it all had to be included.
To the first 6 customers who ordered these sneakers, thank you for your trust. These first 6 sales gave the business a great boost.
MASTER SCRAP
‘‘What is junk to some, is treasure to others’’
GALLERY
Different materials. Not only on each part of the sneaker but also different within each individual part. One of the craziest silhouettes VIJZ ever created. Scraps are full of creativity and an absolute blast of colors and textures.
One of our customers had an idea which was very similar to our current scraps. We absolutely loved the idea, design and how the sneaker looked visually. Making the designed one of ones sparked the idea to create a master version and release them to our community.
The scraps have been a great succes and have seen mulitple different pairs being made. All pairs have a complete unique selection of materials used, and no pair is identical.
For the Master Scraps we used 30 different kinds of materials and colors including: Elephant, safari, corduroy, towel fabric, fleece, denim, hair on leather, satin and much more. At VIJZ we try to be as sustainable as possible with our materials, these sneakers were a perfect way to make sure every piece of leftover material comes to good use. The upper is completely made out of leftover materials.
One of my first interviews in the local Tiel newspaper was a moment of great pride. Back then, I was working from my attic room, restoring sneakers for my first customers. I clearly remember doing restorations for around 10 to 20 euros. I kept meticulous notes of my earnings and tracked everything closely. The journey of entrepreneurship had begun, and I was determined to make VIJZ a success.
-Sam
‘‘Started with just one desk on my attic”
‘‘NOW THIS IS THE LAW OF THE JUNGLE -- AS OLD AND AS TRUE AS THE SKY; AND THE WOLF THAT SHALL KEEP IT MAY PROSPER, BUT THE WOLF THAT SHALL BREAK IT MUST DIE’’
As a little child I was a major fan of the ‘Jungle book’ franchise. In the design proces I kept coming back to my childhood memories and my youth. I was always outside, building tree houses and playing in the woods. Just like Mowgli, but with clothes on.
The color combination is based on colors you can find in the jungle. The material selection is based on some of the main characters from the Jungle book.
-Sam.
‘‘PERFECTIONISM IS NOT YOUR FRIEND’’
Its rooted in the fear that what you do won’t be good enough. It’s over-valuing others opinion of you and your work. Perfectionism leaves you paralyzed. Waiting for the perfect conditions so you know it’s safe to act.
Unfortunately, if you you’re waiting for the perfect conditions, you may wait for the rest of your life. If you can learn to fall in love with the process, rather than the productm you will be free to chase your passions unrestrained. Don’t let perfectionism keep you from moving. After all, you can’t run in untied laces.
THE NEW ORGINALS
Combining different visionaries will always lead to new creations. For a one of one exhbition at the sneakerness 2018 event we teamedup with ‘The new originals’ and created a Air Max 1 bespoke.
Our collaboration finds its inspiration in the bike-culture of Amsterdam. Using 3M and diferent subtle hints to the many reflections our beloved bikes have. Working together inspired both parties involved. Combining our skillset with the skillset of the new originals lead to the broadening of our horizons and the mutual respect for eachother’s talents.
This sneaker is defined by the theme, the love for materials and the effects big city life has on its inhabitants.
MODEL
Floor Lamp
DESIGN
Baracuta Upcycle YEAR 2020
NUMBERS MADE 1
BARACUTA
‘‘WE DECIDED TO TRANSFORM THEM INTO A SERIES OF FLOOR LAMPS ’’
In 2020 VIJZ patricipated on an innovative project in collaboration with Baracuta, a renowned outerwear brand with a rich history dating back to its founding by The Miller Brothers in 1937, right in the heart of Manchester, famously one of the rainiest cities in the UK. Their vision was to create stylish outerwear that provided effective protection against the unpredictable British weather.
Baracuta approached VIJZ with a unique challenge: to upcycle several jackets from their remaining collection into something entirely new, adding value while paying homage to the brand’s heritage. Although VIJZ is primarily known as a shoemaker’s atelier, our team’s creativity knows no bounds.
Inspired by the iconic Baracuta jackets, we decided to transform them into a series of floor lamps, each one infused with the essence of the original garment. Every element of the jacket is reused, with each component of the lamp shining light on the jacket’s history in an ironic and playful manner. Even the jacket’s lining finds a new purpose in our design, adding layers of meaning and nostalgia to each unique piece. Should we make a pair of AirMax 1’s from another jacket?
‘‘STEPPING
INTO FOREVER’’
It was an honor for VIJZ to be part of the journey for two of our customers who chose to tie the knot in our handmade shoes. Both enthusiasts of the OFF-White style Jordans, they approached us with a special request to create tailor made footwear for their big day.
For the bride, we crafted a Jordan 1 High, while for the groom, a Jordan 1 Low was designed. Drawing inspiration from the couple’s shared love for the iconic sneakers, we incorporated elements from the bride’s wedding dress into the shoes. These details were integrated into the design, visible on the swoosh and heel, adding a personal touch and symbolizing their love.
Being part of such a moment in their lives felt as a honour for us. As they walked down the aisle, we were reminded of the joy of being able to contribute to the memories they’ll share for a lifetime.
VIJZ&CO SPECIAL
‘‘SHOULD WE CONTINUE AND HOPE THE CUSTOMER LIKES IT? OF COURSE NOT’’
This special one-of-one order needs some explanation, which we’re happy to share. We created this shoe for one of our loyal customers. The customer initially wanted an Air Max 1 upper on an Air Jordan 1 sole. After making several sketches, the customer approved the design. Although we had our doubts about how it would turn out, we were secretly quite curious.
In the end, the Air Max 1 upper didn’t match at all with the Air Jordan 1 Low sole. So, what now? Should we continue and hope the customer likes it? Of course not. We decided to schedule a call with the customer and presented our new proposals.
Ultimately, we agreed to create a new Air Jordan 1 Low upper and attach it to the Jordan sole, as it should be. The customer was happy, and so were we. But now, we had an Air Max 1 upper left without a sole. As a gesture of appreciation, we decided to attach it to a black Air Max 1 sole at our own expense and sent it to the customer.
He was super hyped with the end result of the Air Max 1 as well.
- Tom & Sam
