Well known for their collaborations, Dr. Martens has teamed up with talented designers and style icons ranging from French high-fashion maestro Jean Paul Gautier, to Japanese street wear label A Bathing Ape (BAPE), and even adorable cartoon characters such as Hello Kitty® and Little Twin Stars® from SANRIO.
Come this Friday, Dr. Martens will showcase a unique collection of its iconic 1461 3-Eye shoe. In partnership with Singapore’s nightlife Mecca, Zouk, Dr. Martens has brought together 20 of Singapore’s hottest trailblazers, creatives & thinkers in celebration of Zouk’s 20th year of dance, music and culture. Representing the face of Singapore’s diverse street culture and creative art scene, the 20 talented individuals will present their interpretation of the Zouk identity on Dr. Martens’ 1461 3-Eye shoe at Zouk this coming Friday.
Amidst this pool of young designers, musicians and style icons, V.A.U.L.T gets the inside scoop on Ben Qwek, who stands amongst the crem de la crem of Singapore’s finest creatives.
“God Save The Slut” by Ben Qwek
“Hell Yeah!” were the first two words that kick started this cultural blend of music, design, passion, culture, and we reckon, a booze or two! To sum up Ben’s design and inspiration, it’ll definitely have to be “sex, drugs, rock and roll”. Perhpas, sans the drugs. The laid-back graphic designer shares his stories, spill the beans, or should we say booze, behind his one-of-a-kind creation of “God Save The Slut”.
If you were to sum up your design in 3 words, what would it be?
Slutty, Sexay, Redemption.
Describe the concept behind your design.
When I think of Dr Martens, I would think of the punk culture, and when I think of punk one image comes to mind; Sex Pistols’ album cover “God Save the Queen”. That’s where the inspiration came from. “God Save the Slut” main themes are “Redemption” and “Party Sluts” were the two main elements in the creation which consists of hand pulled silkscreened fabrics snitched like a ransom note and a DIY rosary.
What influences your style and design in your day-to-day work?
My style has always been a juxtaposition of both Eastern and Western cultures. So finding the right balance has always been the driving factor in the art creation. It hard to be original in this time and age so its important to tell a story.
Who are your biggest influencers/muses?
Its hard to pin point one artist but if I have to choose one it will be James Jean. I’ve always admired his journey as a commerical illustrator into the sought after contemporary artist he is today.
Who is one person you would like to collaborate with?
Hmmmm, I think right now I would love to collaborate with Mayer Hawthrone. He’s a new age soul singer. Love his style and I can totally relate to him being in this generation.
Describe yourself in one sentence.
Draws sexy things.
If you were a song, what would it be?
Love theme from the movie, Spartacus.
What catches your attention the most when you are out and about your daily life?
Good looking girls on the street.
What is one take-away for you from this collaboration?
How to translate a seed idea to a flat piece of illustration to a different medium like the Dr Martens 1461-3 shoes. I’ve learned a lot from the process and can’t wait to start a new pair.
Having collaborated with Tiger Beer and Onitsuka Tiger back in 2009 to produce a limited edition pair of sneakers for an auction, Ben is no new stranger to this scene. Although he may seem like quite the typical guy who is drawn to the sight of aesthetically pleasing babes, he draws inspiration from the sighs and sounds he comes across and translates them into burst of emotions and expressions on his canvas.
“God Save The Slut” and the rest of the 20 footwear, together with photos shot by acclaimed photographer Ivanho Harlim, will then be exhibited in Zouk, a mini art gallery in itself on 7 October 2011 and will be auctioned off post-event from 8 to 25 October 2011, with all proceeds going to Zouk’s adopted charity for 2011: Make-A-Wish Foundation®.
It’ll be an event you won’t want to miss!
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