[ JAPANESE / ENGLISH ]

Photos courtesy of ASICS Skateboarding
Special thanks_ASICS

VHSMAG (V)：　What led you to choose LEGGEREZZA as your signature model?

Gino Iannucci (G)：　I initially inquired about doing a project with ASICS and my brand POETS. I had already seen the LEGGEREZZA silhouette and knew it was going to be introduced into the skate lineup. Long story short it turned into being offered to design a few versions of the LEGGEREZZA for the initial release.

V：　LEGGEREZZA means “lightness” in Italian—was that also intended as a reflection of your own skate style?

G： I don't believe the name of the shoe had anything to do with myself personally. But the comparison is a nice one and I’ll run with it.

V：　We heard the campaign photos were shot at an ice rink in your hometown, Long Island. You’ve always seemed to value your roots—can you tell us about the meaning or intention behind choosing that location?

G： It seems I just naturally gravitate to my own personal heritage and ice hockey is a big part of my youth. When thinking of visually pleasing backdrops to shoot some of the campaign I immediately thought the interior of old school ice rinks in Long Island NY could be nice. The versions of the LEGGEREZZA colorways I designed had a few elements from ice hockey skates we incorporated so naturally the hockey theme took on a life of its own.

V：　Were there any particular details you paid special attention to in the shoes, color palette, or shoebox design?

G： Yes, details like the shoe box are inspired by old school ice hockey skates box. The laces are waxed similar to ice hockey skate laces, the side panels are mimicking a material used on older ice hockey skates toe box and of course the leather, I wanted a shinier, more rich looking leather. Not patent leather but just a glossy style leather.

V：　As you get older, your relationship with skateboarding naturally evolves. How do you engage with skating these days?

G： It seems like everything I do is engaging in skateboarding in one way or another. First and foremost skating. My brand POETS keeps me engaged. Social media etc.

V：　Looking back on your skate life, what stands out as the most memorable moment?

G： Too many important memories, it's impossible to single one out. I will give an example of a few. First time going to a skate jam at my local skate shop Danny’s Ride Away around 1987/88. First time going to the Brooklyn Banks. First trip to California. First time going to EMB. Most importantly the endless memories of skating with my friends. Way too many to get into.

V：　The phrase “I’d rather watch Gino push” became iconic, but it seemed to bring you mixed feelings at one point. How do you feel about it now?

G： It doesn’t bother me as much as it used to.

V：　What have you discovered or learned through working with ASICS that’s different from your experiences with other shoe brands?

G： I just feel very pleased to be a part of this new direction for ASICS and working with such a nice group of people. I have a different respect for my roles and a genuine desire to do my best.

V：　Do you feel anything special about working with a brand that originated in Japan?

G： The Japanese culture is so amazing the humanity and demeanor they have inherently is so nice to see put into a brand.

V：　Who do you hope this model reaches? Are there specific types of skaters or styles you had in mind?

G： I just hope it reaches all skaters, none in particular. It's simply a great looking shoe, pleasing to the eye and function for skating is perfect. Aesthetically I see all walks of life wearing this shoe.

V：　What kinds of future projects would you like to create together with ASICS?

G： Anything and everything possible!

Gino Iannucci
@ginoiannuccipoets

Long Island–born skateboarder and founder of POETS. He just released a signature model LEGGEREZZA from ASICS Skateboarding.