A fusion of passion and craftsmanship
The world of sneaker culture thrives on collaborations that combine artistic expression, personal heritage and premium craftsmanship. The KangaROOS team had the pleasure of working with versatile creative force Mark Oblow to create two exclusive designs: a unique Coil sneaker and a sophisticated PreppyROOS shoe.
These exclusive designs were manufactured in Germany at Hummel&Hummel Schuhmanufaktur and demonstrate Mark's design expertise and heritage in skateboard culture. The collaboration was a connection based on shared values such as passion and meticulous craftsmanship.
Mark worked closely with the KangaROOS team throughout the design process, ensuring every detail was in line with his vision. From personally selecting all materials and leathers to emphasizing premium quality and authenticity, his hands-on approach brought these creations to life. Mark even went a step further by sewing parts of the shoes himself, adding a personal touch to each pair.
KangaROOS' commitment to quality fits perfectly with the philosophy of Mark's moblow brand. In an era of fast fashion, these unique pieces are timeless reminders of what it means to create something truly special. These 1of1 creations are not just shoes; they are an exclusive experiment in artistry and craftsmanship - and they are not for sale. Thank you, Mark, for sharing your passion, creativity and positive energy with us!
The origin story of Mark Oblow: A life characterized by creativity and movement
Mark Oblow's journey began on the picturesque shores of Oahu, Hawaii, where the ocean first awakened his love of adventure. From a young age, Oblow was a sponsored surfer, carving his way on the waves with tireless energy. At the age of 12, his focus shifted to skateboarding - a passion that would significantly shape his career and creative vision. Riding for iconic brands such as Vision Skateboards, Independent Trucks and Jimmy-Z, Oblow cemented his reputation not only as an athlete, but also as a trendsetter in skate and street culture.
Over the decades, Oblow's experience has been as varied as it has been rich. From working in surf and skate stores to collaborating with major players in the industry, each role taught him valuable lessons and deepened his connection to the culture.
Over time, Oblow's entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of moblow(www.moblow.com), a brand based on the principles of authenticity, craftsmanship and limited exclusivity.
"I started the moblow brand so I could make anything I wanted, the way I wanted," says Oblow. This philosophy is reflected in his design work, where each T-shirt and product is limited to just 150 pieces - and once it's sold out, it's gone forever. This commitment to scarcity ensures that each piece is treasured as a unique artifact.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markoblow
- Photos © Laura Kaczmarek: https://www.instagram.com/laura_kaczmarek_