There's a pretty good chance that if you buy Angelus paint for custom sneakers or shoe restoration, you've heard the name Mache. This is for good reason, because Dan Gamache, the proprietor of Mache Custom, is a legend in the custom sneaker world. Basically, if you can imagine a fully functioning custom business with celebrity clientele, news clips, and an insane portfolio—Mache's work is the blueprint for that.
While he's always putting out something wild, like custom cleats for the (entire) Minnesota Vikings, some of his work lately has been a unique to say the least. Basically, the tag #customsthatdontlookcustom has been the calling card for his custom work that isn't over top or more art than function. Instead, his work looks like something that would have come off the production line at the Nike or adidas factories, boxed up, and sent to the hot sneaker boutique.
It's a unique to see something that looks 'official,' or made by the design team at your favorite sneaker company, that's completely from the mind of one person. This more minimal approach to custom sneakers is less about getting the most paint on the upper or doing a crazy design, but focusing on the minor details.
There's no question that Mache can turn out a crazy design, but the less-is-more approach has been working out well. So why not pick up a Starter Kit and see what you can do with only two colors. Be sure to tag #customsthatdontlookcustom and #angelusdirect so we can see your work!
(@mache275)