Underground collaborates with Shanghai based illustrator Inkee Wang to celebrate the Year of the Loong (Dragon). One of the creatures of the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is unique as it is the only mythical animal of the twelve in the zodiac.
Revered and respected the Loong holds a special place in Chinese folklore.
To ensure the product would truly represent the crossover between Underground and the Chinese culture the collaboration with Inkee Wang brings life and authenticity to the designs.
Inkee is a well-recognised illustrator based in Shanghai. Having studied in London and a graduate of CSM and RCA, the idea of the collaboration resonated with Inkee immediately as she incorporated influences of London punk into the design “I was inspired by punk typography. Punk fonts use a lot of collage techniques, blending assorted styles to make a rich and special visual. I used the same technique when designing my dragon“.
The Dragon features on the side of the shoes with detailing created using specially finished leather, intricate laser cut panels with contrasting leather underlays and embroidered Loong head, feet, and tail.
The Wulfrun and Mary Jane Loong shoes are both produced in limited batch numbers and each pair is accompanied by an enamel Dragon badge.
