VANDYTHEPINK is on a generational run of collaborations. Partnerships with Pokémon, A Bathing Ape, and IF And Co. were announced in November alone, and the Korean-owned brand that started in the DMV area is ready to add one of the most sought-after global footwear brands on the market to their fast-growing portfolio.
There’s a common thread among all Salomon’s carefully-selected creative partners. L’Art de L’autombile, Sandy Liang, MM6 Maison Margela and many others on that list are all ground-breakers in their respective corners of culture and fashion, and VANDYTHEPINK’s bold and playful vision simply belongs in that category. Furthermore, they get to carry the distinction as the first Korean brand to partner with the French sports brand.
Ahead of this exciting collaboration dropping this month, Sneaker News chatted with VANDYTHEPINK founder Junghoon Song to discuss the brand origins and how it played a role in his first-ever project with Salomon.
The VANDYTHEPINK x Salomon Speedcross 3 is officially dropping onthe Vandy The Pink online store on November 22nd for $150.
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VANDYTHEPINK x Salomon Speedcross 3
VANDYTHEPINK x Salomon Speedcross 3
VANDYTHEPINK x Salomon Speedcross 3
VANDYTHEPINK x Salomon Speedcross 3
“There’s definitely a lot of pressure; it’s such an honor to be the first…”
Vandy on being the first Korean brand to collaborate with Salomon
Sneaker News: Before we get into the shoes, can you quickly introduce yourself?
VANDYTHEPINK: I’m Vandy, also known as Junghoon, the founder of VANDYTHEPINK. I launched my brand in 2017, and its identity is deeply rooted in my personal journey. Born in Korea, I spent the first 17 years of my life there before moving to the United States, where I’ve lived for the past 17 years.
My brand blends Korean and American cultures—just like my own life. I’ve always been inspired by the playfulness and boldness of American billboards and the vibrant energy of American food culture. This fascination is the foundation of my work and remains my biggest source of inspiration.
Buggy by VANDYTHEPINK
“I’ve always enjoyed working with sneakers—whether it’s collecting them or customizing them.”
The significance of footwear in the VANDYTHEPINK brand
Let’s talk about burgers. Where did this obsession with burgers and fries come from?
When I moved to the States from Korea, the way food was marketed really caught my attention. In Korea, the marketing for burgers back then was completely different—more subtle and less bold compared to the in-your-face, vibrant ads in the U.S.
The striking visuals and the way American burgers were displayed fascinated me, and it left a lasting impression. It made me want to try them, and over time, I grew to love them.
VANDYTHEPINK’s journey in sneakers began with customizing, which eventually led to the brand making its own footwear, and eventually collaborations with world-renowned brands. What are some of the moments that really accelerated the process?
Yes, I’ve always enjoyed working with sneakers—whether it’s collecting them or customizing them. Sneakers have always been a creative outlet for me, and of course, I’ve always had a deep love for burgers. As my brand grew, I started thinking about how I could combine burgers and streetwear in a way that felt unique to my vision. I’ve created an original burger character named ‘Buggy,’ and one day it hit me—what if I could mix Buggy with shoes and apparel?
The idea of combining my two favorite things felt like the perfect way to take Vandythepink in a new direction. As I leaned more into this original concept, I started moving away from just customizations and began following my imagination, letting my vision shape what I wanted things to look like. That’s when I really thought, ‘I might have something here.’ I’m grateful that my audience embraced this creative shift, and their support has been a huge part of where I am today.
VANDYTHEPINK Proboards 2022 Release
“It’s an exciting opportunity to represent Korean culture, and I believe there’s so much untapped potential there.”
VANDY on the future of Korean brand collaborations
How did the conversations with Salomon first begin? How did the dots connect to eventually lead to a collaborative project?
Salomon has been one of my favorite brands for a while, and I started noticing collaborations with brands I admire, like Hidden NY, L’artdel, and Margiela. That really sparked the idea for me. So I reached out to my contact at Salomon, I was thoroughly honored and honestly shocked that I was already on their radar and they were interested in working with me. I’m super grateful for the opportunity, and it’s been such a fun and rewarding experience bringing this collaboration to life.
The design is inspired by the characteristics of a burger. I wanted to make sure the shoe was still wearable aesthetically, but also capture the main colors of a burger—like the brown of the bun, the green of the lettuce, and the rich colors of the patty. I tried to place those colors in a way that felt balanced and tasteful. As for hidden details, I included a little Easter egg on the sole of the shoe—it’s something you definitely can’t have a burger without, and it ties the theme together in a fun way.
Why the Speedcross 3? It’s a sophisticated trail running shoe that’s known for its comfort and reliability, no matter the terrain or conditions. I wanted to create something playful and fun for your next trail run but also be stylish enough to wear on the street. The Speedcross 3’s versatility made it the perfect foundation for this project.
Salomon Speedcross 3 by VANDYTHEPINK
Salomon Speedcross 3 by VANDYTHEPINK
Salomon Speedcross 3 by VANDYTHEPINK
This is Salomon’s first collaboration with a Korean-owned brand. Is there any pressure attached to that?
Oh, there’s definitely a lot of pressure—it’s such an honor to be the first. I take a lot of pride in being Korean, and I genuinely hope this collaboration encourages Salomon and other brands to work with Korean artists/brands in the future.
It’s an exciting opportunity to represent Korean culture, and I believe there’s so much untapped potential there. While there’s some pressure to live up to the moment, I’m incredibly thankful to the Salomon team for trusting me with this.
What are some of the differences between collaborating with a brand and making your own shoe?
Creating my own shoe is a whole different experience. It’s starting with absolutely nothing but imagination—you’re in charge of everything from the color and materials to the shape and design. You really have to build it up from scratch, which means a lot of trial and error. The first few samples usually look pretty bad, and then you have to do tons of wear tests to make sure it’s actually comfortable and functional. There’s a lot of learning and tweaking along the way.
On the other hand, collaborating with a brand feels a bit different. You’re working with a silhouette that’s already been perfected over time, so there’s less guesswork. The comfort and fit are already dialed in, and I get to focus more on putting my own creative spin on it. What makes it even cooler is that I’m working with a brand whose shoes I’ve worn for years before I ever got the chance to collaborate with them. It’s a special feeling to see my own ideas come to life on a shoe that’s already iconic.
Both have their own unique satisfaction—creating my own shoe gives me that sense of accomplishment when it turns out just right, but working with a brand I admire gives me a different kind of pride, knowing I’m contributing to something that people already know and love.
VANDYTHEPINK x Salomon Speedcross 3
The most important and final question: What’s your favorite go-to burger to eat?
My favorite? A good smash burger. The crispy edges on the patty is the key to a delicious burger.
The VANDYTHEPINK x Salomon Speedcross 3 is officially dropping onthe Vandy The Pink online store on November 22nd for $150.
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The post How VandyThePink Secured Salomon's First-Ever Collaboration With A Korean Brand
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The post How VandyThePink Secured Salomon’s First-Ever Collaboration With A Korean Brand appeared first on Sneaker News.
