Vertex Millenium
In a realm where creativity knows no bounds, Constantinos Panayiotou, widely known as Pet Liger, emerges as a visionary force, seamlessly blending art, innovation, and a touch of the extraordinary. Through his unique perspective, Pet Liger footwear transcends conventional boundaries, exploring the uncharted territories of digital art and fashion.
hube: Can you tell us about the origin of the name “Pet Liger” and what it represents for you as an artist and label owner?
Constantinos Panayiotou: I came up with the name in 2011. It represents playfulness, creativity, and experimentation, while also embodying vivid imagery of strength, discipline, and integrity.
h: How do you balance your roles as a musician and a fashion industry professional? Do you find common threads in your creative approach between these two domains?
CP: I’ve learned a lot from my time as a music producer. I’ve learned to share my work and always seek feedback. I’ve learned to have patience and let the process guide me, trusting my instincts. I have synesthesia, which allows me to see sounds and taste colors, making the senses intimately connected for me. Many overarching principles apply, whether working with audio, visuals, or a combination of both. Currently, my focus is on my 3D artworks. I no longer make music, but perhaps one day I will dabble in it again. My songs have now transformed into shoes.
h: What are some of the challenges and rewards of running your own fashion house, and how has it evolved since its inception?
CP: Over the years, I’ve been approached by some of the biggest and most influential brands to design for them, but nothing compares to doing your own thing. Having full creative control and the freedom to express yourself is priceless. I am an artist with a massive vision, and through Pet Liger, I am accomplishing this. I am also very fortunate not to be alone; I run PL with my good friend and co-founder, the brilliant Calibrate. Together, we have learned so much in the past couple of years as PL transitions into a household name and brand.
Vertex Vampire
h: Your work has been part of several groundbreaking GENESIS NFT collections, how do you see the future of NFT? Many people are quite sceptic about it nowadays.
CP: NFT is just a buzzword. The idea of owning digital assets is not going anywhere; it’s the future, and it’s also the present as more and more institutions embrace the technology by putting their products on-chain. The spatial web or the Internet of Things is inevitable! It provides consumers with security, unprecedented freedom, and the warmth of community.
h: Do you possess any particular visions or aspirations for the future of Pet Liger?
CP: We’ve been hugely successful with our digital collections, and now we have our eyes set on the physical! There’s such a huge demand for our shoes; you should read some of the comments on our Instagram. We want to give the people what they want! We just want to continue providing premium, beautifully crafted, hyper-real wearables of the highest quality.
h: Can you tell us about your collaboration with Gucci? Perhaps, you could you walk us through the process of how it all started? How does your personal style or artistic vision align with Gucci’s brand identity?
CP: That was a dream come true for real! It was such a pleasure working with the team at Gucci VAULT. We were approached to provide artworks celebrating the next 100 years of Gucci, so it made complete sense to reimagine the iconic Gucci loafer with a PET LIGER twist.
Gucci is such a legendary brand with a rich history and a unique, strong identity. Sometimes we forget that it had to start somewhere, so for me, it’s very inspiring and motivating because we at Pet Liger are at the beginning of our journey. We share many principles, such as a sense of playfulness and forward thinking, coupled with strong direction. There may be some differences in terms of style, but the underlying spirit is very much the same.
We love the team over at Gucci; they are definitely leading the way!
Mercury
Mercury (close-up)
Vertex Love V6
h: In the future, how do you envision the coexistence of humanity, technology, artificial intelligence, and the creative abilities of artists?
CP: I’ve thought about these topics a lot over the past year or so, and I think I have an understanding of where it’s all heading, but of course, it’s never easy to predict these things. To sum it up in one sentence or so, I would say this: As the bandwidth and connectivity of expression increase, art will become our lives, our choices, and our experiences.
h: Can you share any advice or insights for emerging artists and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in both the music and fashion industries?
CP: Don’t be afraid to find and trust yourself, no matter how long it takes. Be aware of the people around you; ensure they are honest and fully support you. Keep learning always and share your creations. Be consistent and prolific. Act! Do! Start, and keep going!