FASHION | Superga x Jonathan Jay Lee Collaboration | Cut and Copy

An original collaboration between comic book artist, Jonathan Jay Lee, and renowned Italian shoemaker, Superga, magically transforms everyday shoes into personalised hand-painted kicks with six women donned the Super Superga Girls as the main characters. Having been published by notable publications such as Marvel Comics and IdN Magazine, Jonathan's work is a mixture of both eastern and western flavours due to his upbringing in the US whilst carrying Taiwanese heritage.

Each character comes a unique personality to represent their own signature Superga shoe. Juxtaposing classic Italian and cutting-edge Hong Kong landmarks, "Supergaville" is a one-of-a-kind visual adventure, straight from the imagination of the artist.

Customers will be able to select from four different designs which will be completed in-store with acrylic paint and signed by the artist.

See below for the exclusive interview with Jonathan!

When did you start out doing illustration?

I got into comics when I was about 7 or 8, but I was mainly drawing for fun. I only took it seriously when I was much older even though it was a secret passion.

Oh, why?

You know how your parents want you to be a doctor and it's always something practical rather than artistic? They have been nothing more than supportive right now but their original mindset was for me to choose a "proper" occupation. But then I always thought, if you have any kind of passion and you know it's something that you're passionate about, it'd be stupid not to do it. For me, I would still be doing illustration even if I was working in another industry. The difference is that I'll probably end up doing it every day.

Well, that takes a lot of guts!

Yeah, it's either all or nothing...

Who is your favourite girl [in the Superga collaboration]?

Definitely Antonia hands down because of her sassiness and attitude. She's a part-time model and rock star who is both edgy and chic. Her stylish persona makes for a very annoying but captivating person all at the same time.

So you just finished studying here in Hong Kong. Has that influenced your art in any way?

I think it has. In many ways, nothing was ever deliberate and it had more to do with my upbringing instead. When I first moved to New York City to study my bachelor degree, I felt like I had a mission to inform the world that Hong Kong is as awesome as it is.

You know how Woody Allen movies romanticise New York but then in real life, you discover that the subway isn't as amazing as it is? Well here in Hong Kong, we take most of the things for granted. The efficiency, the cleanliness, everything about it is perfect. The unfair part is when Hollywood misrepresents Hong Kong and viewers actually believe these common stereotypes. That's why, it always became apparent for me to try an destroy these beliefs and romanticise Hong Kong in a way that Hollywood can't do it justice.

What part of Hong Kong would you want to romanticise then?

If you look at the city from a distance and you zoom in on one person in this city, that's how I'd like to see Hong Kong; from that person's perspective. Different people have different experiences and it makes me curious how a viewer would interpret another person's perspective from their own viewpoint. I try to approach my subjects this way and it's also how I kind of came up with the storyline for the girls in this collaboration.

Would you want to return to NYC?

I'd go back without a doubt but my priority remains with my family so I'll be sticking around. My friends and family are based here but for illustration, I definitely have to say that NYC would be the better choice. Of course, I'm still getting work here but the art scene isn't as prominent here.

In a way, I feel like I'm betraying Hong Kong because many prominent artists have made their way in Hong Kong only to leave afterwards. I have to admit it's not good place for promotion but the advantage is that with such a small art scene, everyone knows each other here.

So you said earlier that every person has a story and you try to illustrate this with your comics?

Yeah, this may sound weird but I like to watch people in their moment doing their own thing. I hate people who base judgements solely on appearance and I always try to find the other side of the story. That's the beauty of humanity in that there are so many layers and stories that can be discovered in each person.

There's only 2 days left for those who want a pair of these amazing shoes so don't waste another minute! Jonathan will be at the store from 2 to 6pm. Appointments can be booked in store (+852 2175 0228) or by emailing superga@electricsekki.com.

Do check out Jonathan's personal portfolio online as well if you have time!