10 Questions with...Erica Purnell (Pink Eye Fashions)
Get to know @igotpinkeye aka Erica Purnell of Pink Eye Fashions. She's a DOPE designer that I've been a fan of for some time now so why wouldn't I share her with you???
My Name is Erica Purnell, Founder and Designer of Pink Eye Fashions aka Pink Eye and I'm one of tha dopest sneaker fiend + sneaker customizer you'll ever meet!
2. When did your love for sneakers begin and when did you decide to start customizing them?
My love for kicks began about 6th grade when I started taking the city buses to school. My eyes would drool at all the hotness of NIKE hightops and everything I saw. I mean I saw them around the way and on the block but you come more into fashion in JHS lol. I started customizing like the end of High School, just drawing designs on them and I would rock them around the way and people would give me compliments and when I told them I did them they wanted a pair.
3. Did you go to school for design or was this a skill that came naturally?
Both. I rely more on my natural talent tho. It's raw and unattained. I studied graphic arts in school, but was exposed to Fashion on my campus. I went to FIT in Chelsea so I saw it all. I didnt use the exposure then but it poured out a few years later when I started Pink Eye.
4. How many pairs of sneakers do you own and what is your FAVORITE pair of kicks? I'm talking you're moving to some foreign land for a couple of years and can only bring along ONE pair, no exceptions.
Lets see I own about 30 pairs of kicks. Not alot, more than the average person probably. I mean I'm not a collector. I just adore sneakers. Hmmm One pair only huh? My Blue and White Pony City Wings. I heart Pony and they're comfortable. But Im sorry Im sneaking my Supras too...I cant be a sneaker fiend and not try! lol
5. What is Pink Eye (igotpinkeye.com)?
Its the illest spot on the web! But no seriously Pink Eye is a recognizable and respected brand in personalized and customized fashion. Were known for our exclusive artistry. We do custom airbrush and hand-painted designs for sneakers, shoes, hats, jackets, t-shirts and much more.
6. Have you ever designed sneakers for any high profile clients (sports, music etc)?
Yes, I have. I designed for Lil Kim (Queen Bee), Kerry Krucial Brothers, and LaMarr Woodley of the Pittsburgh Steelers to name a few. But my favorite clients are the fans who save the hard earned bucks to support my movement.
7. What is your favorite design that you have created?
I would say my favorite design is the Funky Brewster Dunks I did because I channeled my childhood favorite Punky Brewster as inspiration and that was so fun for me to do.
8. When people think of sneakers they associate them with men not realizing that there are just as many female sneaker heads as there are male. Is the sneaker customizing business male dominated and how do you stand out among other artists in the field?
Of course, It is a male dominated field and I had challenges in the beginning. Like people even thought I was like the female rep for the artist when they met me at shows because they couldn't believe that a girl would be so into sneakers and an ill artist at that. But it wasn't a hard road cause people saw talent so at the end of the day that's all that mattered. Plus I knew how to speak, I wasnt all shy, I was bold and factual when I spoke to people. It was just extra fly cause I was a female but I got love from the dudes just as the same as other dudes in the field. Now even some of the the top dudes that do the same thing as me look to me for advice and guidance. Its dope, we all muse of each other.
9. Outside of customizing sneakers what else are you working on?
I'm actually working on producing a actual sneaker line this year (in the works) I'm also a graphic/web designer. I'm building up my Design Clientele and helping people properly brand their companies.
10. What are your plans for the year and beyond?
Whatever comes to me, like you cant fully plan it all. I always let Pink Eye steer and I give gas. Im open to all opportunities and never limit myself.
How can people find out more info about you and your company?
They can always find me online at www.igotpinkeye.com to see my new works and find any other info on events and happenings! DID YOU CATCH IT YET?
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