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SOPHIA WIMMER JAZZES UP PLAIN WHITE SNEAKERS WITH A MIX OF VIBRANT MOTIFS. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST AND HER LITTLE MASTERPIECES
It all started with brightly painted sneakers for friends and family. Instagram took care of the rest. For some time now, the IWC Flagship Boutique in Zurich has also been showcasing a specially designed pair of sneakers by artist and student Sophia Wimmer. The design features a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, the SL300 Gullwing, David Coulthard’s racing helmet, and the Goodwood racetrack. At an IWC summer event in Sylt, several pairs of sneakers embellished by Sophia were auctioned off, with proceeds going to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
The IWC JOURNAL met up with Sophia in her adopted home of Berlin.
— Sophia Wimmer wearing the Portofino Chronograph 39 IW391502 in her Berlin studio
EXPRESS YOURSELF
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START PAINTING SNEAKERS?
My journey to painting sneakers all started in an idyllic village south of Munich. I found my own white sneakers just too boring and so decided to inject some life into them with a touch of color. I ordered leather paints, grabbed paintbrushes, and started to decorate my shoes.
What started off as something just for me, soon caught on with my friends and family. More and more requests came in and so my passion for painting sneakers only continued. I started my Instagram account sosostaysunique and ended up being flooded with requests.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A CREATIVE PERSON?
I’ve enjoyed expressing my creative side ever since I was a kid. I could spend hours immersed in my own world, be it listening to audiobooks or experimenting with different art forms. Whether through crocheting, drawing zentangles, or lino cutting, I was always looking for new ways to express myself.
WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU’RE NOT PAINTING SNEAKERS?
In addition to painting sneakers, I study fashion design. My days are often filled with creativity, be it designing new garments or experimenting with fabrics and yarn. Away from that, I enjoy spending time with friends, I am passionate about cooking, and I love to travel.
— Sophia Wimmer and her Portofino Chronograph 39 Ref. IW391502 buckling up for a joyride
— Every surface is a canvas for the Bavarian-born artist
— Sophia Wimmer and her hand-painted moped chugging through Berlin
RUGGED CHARM OF BERLIN
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE BERLIN?
For me, Berlin is a city full of contrasts and has a fascinating appeal. My favorite place to paint is at my dining table, which overlooks a beautiful old building. Although I live in a prefab-style building, I find the contrast extremely interesting.
Berlin is definitely colorful and diverse, but also not in some ways. The city is characterized by an impressive amount of variety, almost to the point of excess. In contrast, Sylt has a calm and relaxed atmosphere, broken only by the sound of the wind and the call of the seagulls.
WHAT DOES BERLIN HAVE THAT OTHER CITIES DON’T?
Berlin is characterized by its extraordinary diversity in every respect. The city literally pulsates with different experiences, opportunities, and possibilities. And let’s not forget the delicious falafel, of course!
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THE HAND-PAINTED VESPA?
My hand-painted Vespa tells a special story. I got the moped for my 15th birthday. But it seemed too simple and ordinary to me. After much deliberation, I decided to get creative and redesign it. My father encouraged me and the very next day, there I was with a brush and paint in my hand. The Vespa still has plenty of space for other additions, which I add as and when the mood takes me.
— Taking in the view of Berlin’s River Spree
I strive to make everything more colorful and interesting, with a focus on details, craftsmanship, and life’s simple pleasures.
— Sophia chilling out at one of her favorite spots, «Ankerklause» in Berlin’s Kreuzberg District
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
IF TIME COULD PAUSE, WHERE AND WHEN WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
There have been so many moments in my life when I wished I could stop time. A particularly beautiful moment happened this summer at the fashion show I helped organize. Together with my fellow students, I had the chance to present our current projects on the catwalk. Having my family and friends in attendance made me enormously proud. The show was a huge success and exceeded all expectations.
YOU RECENTLY PAINTED SNEAKERS FOR GUESTS AT AN IWC EVENT IN SYLT. ANY MEMORABLE MOMENTS YOU WANT TO SHARE?
The IWC event in Sylt was an unforgettable experience for me. The encounters with the guests and the opportunity to present my art made this moment special. The quaint houses with thatched roofs lent the island its captivating charm, and the green landscape and relaxed atmosphere stick in my mind.
WHAT DID YOU TAKE HOME WITH YOU FROM SYLT?
My experience of Sylt during the IWC event was extremely inspiring and enriching. Interacting with people interested in my art as well as being able to make a difference through my work made this moment special. Not only did I take home memories and inspiration from Sylt, but also the peace and serenity of the island. Other souvenirs included nice conversations and a touch of sunburn.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE?
In the future, I still see myself in the creative industry. I strive to make everything more colorful and interesting, with a focus on details, craftsmanship, and life’s simple pleasures. Where my path will lead me is still an open book – whether that’s Berlin, my home country, or a different place entirely.
All images by Ina Niehoff.
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