DYC: Can you tell us about the things that influenced your early work?
VANDY: In every interview, I speak of a Korean rapper called 'Okasian'. He has always been one of my favorite rappers. So I started a business and then I showed a lot of my work through DMs, but of course he didn't reply. But I just kept sending. One day, I still remember, around 3 am, I was extremely tired, and I checked my DMs, and I got a reply from Occe. That week I sent him all the stuff, he actually wore my shoes on stage, and he mentioned me in an Instagram story. It's kind of a turning point for me because I've been involved with all Korean rappers since the Occasion. Then, less than a month later, Tyga contacted me, and that's how I've grown rapidly in four or five years.
DYC: That's great. Is there anyone you would like to work with just like when you DM?
VANDY: Oh, so many. Since starting a business and starting my brand, I always have my best brands. My favorite is Nigo. always you
DYC: Let's talk about the transition from a lot of customization and remodeling in the past to making your own products now. Why was that an important decision?
VANDY: For the first few years, I focused a lot on remodeling and customizing, but I'm starting to feel like it's taking a lot of time. Because you can only finish one at a time. I bought a very old, vintage LV bag and then cut it out and attached it to my shoes and everything. People really liked it, but I started to develop my own identity and brand. I started doing my own thing.
DYC: It's an opportunity to do more and share with more people. What's your favorite thing you're doing right now?
VANDY: I've been making a lot of toys, plush toys. My father used to collect toys too, so I grew up with a lot of toys around. It affected me a lot. Toys are really fun and cool. It always reminds me of my childhood. I really wanted my employees and customers to feel that way. So I always try to make toys, even small ones. When I buy my shoes, there is a small toy in them.
DYC: It's like McDonald's Happy Meal. What are your future plans?
VANDY: Right now, I'm really focused on making steady drops with the hit collection. We are preparing our first official collection for Spring/Summer 2022. We'll only be releasing one a month, so it's going to be a bit more traditional than the way we did before. We're trying to do 'honest branding', so to speak.
DYC: I think ultimately you will be defining what your brand means to people. I think it is the same energy and the same hope that makes Bandi The Pink special. Can I ask you one more interesting question? Food is a topic that comes up so often in your brand, I'm even more curious. Which food is your favourite?
VANDY: Oh, of course. Actually, I like a lot of food, but now it's omakase. Of course, the burger is always my number one, but right now I really enjoy going to Omakase.
DYC: Is that money coming in? They are quickly switching from burgers to omakase.