Mark Gonzales Brings Car Wash-Inspired Pop-Up To South Korea

Streetwear guru Mark Gonzales has brought his signature yellow shade and unique spatial design style to Seoul’s industrial and otherwise void-of-color Seongdong-gu district. With the help of NiiiZ Design LAB, Gonzales’ installation imbues the beauty of everyday spaces – specifically the car wash – while also inviting viewers into a vibrant extension of Gonzales’ skateboarding world.

Gonzales wanted to emulate the aura of Seongdong-gu’s blend of traditional industrial and newer, post-pandemic commercial spaces in the pop-up. “The staff tried to depict everyday spaces such as game arcades, small markets, auto repair shops and public saunas by incorporating each brand’s identity in a witty manner,” NiiiZ Design LAB explains.

The pop-up’s first floor takes the form of a playful car wash, infused with machinery-inspired design features and factory-style vinyl curtains. Apparel racks are scattered throughout the space, which also showcases large, vibrant car wash turnstiles. Whereas on the second floor, guests are privy to a whole different world: an expansive skate shop, complete with street-sign-inspired hangers, street paintings and a massive skateboard track down the middle.

On the second floor, Gonzales wanted to evoke an authentic street-style aesthetic all the way down to even the most minimal of details – like the steel grating – often seen on city sidewalks and sewer covers – on the floors. More merchandise is available on the second floor, including additional outerwear and skateboard decks. Check out the installation in the gallery above.

Elsewhere in design, check out Studio Ghibli‘s My Neighbor Totoro skate deck.