Vandy the Pink on Collaborating with Topo Chico
His association with food as a significant motif in his work is present in his designs.
Image courtesy of Vandy the Pink
In 1989, Robin Williams’ character of John Keating took to a desk to remind his students of the importance of perspective. “We must constantly look at things in a different way,” he said in a passionate ode to the arts and the humanities. Designer Vandy of Vandy the Pink is doing the same. In his latest partnership with Topo Chico, Vandy combines his business of streetwear apparel with his love of their product. If Vandy the Pink is a labor of love, then it makes sense for its partnerships to be, too. The result is a limited edition turntable and drinks cooler, fusing music and design with fashion and drink, the perfect pairing for a sweaty summer.
Partnerships like this are familiar to Vandy, who founded the brand in 2017. For Art Basel Miami last year, his collaboration with the brand was featured in their Clark Creates workshop. His association with food as a significant motif in his work is present in his designs with CASETiFY, Scoops Ahoy, and BBC Ice Cream, as well as food outlets like Wendy’s. This team-up with Topo Chico, however, is unique. Topo Chico is not only a personal favorite brand but also a means of “exploring my own creativity and having fun with each project.” This is reflected in the project’s designs, a combination of Vandy’s signature — bold, colorful, fun, and distinct patterns — with Topo Chico’s strong brand identity and flavors. The outcome is “something specific that I can’t find anywhere,” and he’s right. Where else are you meant to buy a Vandy the Pink and Topo Chico limited edition item if not from the designer himself? Vandy’s embellishments that honor both his artistic design and Topo Chico’s seltzers come at a perfect time.
Image courtesy of Vandy the Pink
In the peak of summer and a nostalgic resurgence, people are clamoring for physical mediums in an age where we spend more money to own fewer items. This, combined with the Y2K resurgence, means the turntable is an invaluable product that takes up a limited amount of space, “rooted in its universal appeal; music resonates with everyone.” The cooler is another unrepeated selling point in this pairing. As the days get hotter, art meets functionality and style, blending “the distinctive aesthetics of both Topo Chico and Vandy.” The cooler is a perfect size for Topo Chico Sabores cans while also ensuring “I never have to settle for room temperature drinks again.” This complements Topo Chico’s available recipes, ranging from ceviche and quesadillas to their own unique cocktail. This Vandy the Pink and Topo Chico collaboration goes further and offers a snapshot of the ideal summer. After all, when we think of good times, do we not return to good food, great music, cool drinks, and the community around us?
For Vandy, this moment reflects his journey from his childhood in South Korea and the culmination of his journey so far in America. The daring designs of Vandy the Pink are “a stark contrast to what I had seen before, and it sparked my imagination.” His approach to style is a constant interrogation of how we can do things differently and the welcome response of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to create something new. This is a vital part of his work ethic, a distinct interest in “both expected and unexpected crossovers, particularly in the realm of food and beverages,” this manifested in new opportunities and widened creative parameters.
More is coming from Vandy the Pink. “We have several sneaker collaborations in the pipeline,” with excitement around one particular project at the end of this year.
