Singaporean Sneaker Artist and ABSNC Founder: Jeranne Ang

Could you share a bit about your secret origin story? (Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you start loving sneakers, what you do/hobbies etc.)

I am a sneaker artist/ customiser, as well as the founder of Absence (ABSNC - streetwear apparel and sneakers in Singapore). I started diving into the sneaker and streetwear scene around 2016; started collecting my first few pairs of NMDs back then and right now it’s Nike Air Maxes and ASICS Gel-Lyte III(s).

Some time back, I also took up the Footwear Design course with hopes of becoming a footwear designer for one of the bigger brands in the future. Aside from that, currently, I am doing 3D Apparel Design to help clothing brands out there become more sustainable.  

I saw you often do sneaker customs. Could you tell us more about it? How do you find inspiration? Feel free to share photos of your work!  

Yes! I started sneaker customising around late 2018 and I joined StreetSuperior 2019  Sneaker Custom Competition which eventually led me into starting my own sneaker custom business. Well, I love camo, so even my own pair of ASICS Gel-Lyte III is done with my creation of camo designs.  

I heard you're the founder of Absence that focus on streetwear apparel. Could you tell us more about this?

ABSENCE (aka ABSNC) was founded in late 2018 when I was sitting at the cafe and had the idea of wanting to start my own streetwear apparel because I always find it tough to find the type of style/clothes that I want to wear. I would usually wear are like oversized tees with jackets and cargo pants, so I always ended up buying from the Men’s apparel section.  

Thus, ABSNC is a gender-neutral brand that caters to everyone and also uses 3D Apparel design for a more sustainable future. Amidst all of this, I hope to officially launch ABSNC in a year’s time with more products to look forward to.  

What's on your current sneaker rotation?

NIKE Air Max 1s (Martian Sunrise)! Well, probably not just 1 favourite pair but a few to  name, like ASICS Gel-Lyte III and Nike AM90 (in particular the custom pair that I have  salvaged its uppers and gave it a new life again and now it is super comfortable)

They are all so comfy and versatile to match any outfit at any time! I’m always wearing either full black or black and white, so a pair of ‘Martian Sunrise’ Air Max 1 gives contrast and brightens up the whole look.

What’s your personal sneaker collecting philosophy?

Style x Comfort. I always believed that every pair of sneakers created must not only be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but the comfort level has to be great as well. As a  footwear/ apparel designer, combining these two elements is what I hoped to achieve in the future.

Your dream hype sneaker you wish to acquire but don't have so far.

I would really love to get the NIKE x SACAI x KAWS Blazer Low - Reed! I am a fan of  KAWS and I personally love Sacai’s design too, so definitely a great combo.

What's your day-to-day style like?

Because of the pandemic, it’s just T-shirts and shorts at home right now. Haha. But if I’m out, it’s definitely gonna be my usual style - My favourite brands like Carhatt/Obey  Oversized Tees, Cargo pants/ baggy pants with cap and sneakers.  

Where can people find you on social media?

Instagram: @jeranne.a, @absnc

Do hit me up if you like to do any collabs too! :)

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