SOLE SEEKER SPRING 2020
£6.50
contents
5
Editors letter
8
@Annikamths
14
@izdomm
22
@celmatique
26
Sneakerness
32
@sayehfbaby
40 45 52 56
@wuuski @fanamms @two sides 8 popular nikes
editor’s letter Sole Seeker has had a rebrand. With more interviews, events and even more sneaker drops, there’s nothing else like it out there. Within each of the pages, you, as a reader, can read about those with the most amazing collection of sneakers, those who design sneakers and event where you can buy sneakers. With issues coming over 4 times a year, there’s no chance of missing out on the lastest news.
hollym
“THROUGH THEIR SNEAKER COLLABS, BOTH EMPOWER WOMEN TO GO BEYOND THEIR LIMITS” - @annikamths What made you start collecting sneakers? I’ve been collecting sneakers for more than 7 years now. My passion for sneakers started when I was 16. I saw a photo of a Nike Air Max 90 Infrared on Facebook and I totally fell in love with it. I recognized how many colors and sneakers silhouettes exist.
What’s your favourite shoe brand? I don’t really have a favourite brand. The story behind the shoe is more important to me. But I think I mostly own Nike, Adidas and Air Jordan.
How do you feel about the fact that brands categorises shoes into male and female? On the one hand it’s sad. Most sneakers only release in men’s sizing. For me, as a woman with smaller feet, it’s impossible to get a pair. I have to buy the kids version, which is often lower quality. On the other hand, there have been many releases and collaborations between brands and women within the last few years. For example, Serena Williams collaborated with Nike, or Rita Ora with Adidas. Through their sneaker collabs, both empower women to go beyond their limits, which is a great message we need in today’s society.
How would you describe your style? My style differs from day to day. One day it is more comfy and urban, the other day it can be classy and chic. But I mostly wear my outfits with sneakers. I just think that there are a lot great sneakers which work for both styles.
If you could have any pair of sneakers which pair would it be and why? I still want a pair of Air Jordan 1 Chicago. It’s a classic silhouette and the most famous colorway. Unfortunately, I still haven’t found an affordable one in my style.
What will happen when you run out of space to store your shoes? Will you donate any? I’m planning on moving within the next year and I try to get as much space as possible. If there wont be enough room, I’ll sell or donate some.
Are you getting pickier about your sneakers as your collection grows? Yes I think so. I started reading more about sneakers. The story or message behind a shoe becomes more and more important to me. A sneaker should be a nice concept consisting of a cool design and a nice story behind. If the whole concept is good, I mostly buy it
Do you ever get sent shoes from big brands to donate? I work with some sneaker stores but I usually save money and buy sneakers on my own
If you could collaborate with any brand(s) which ones would they be and why? I would say Adidas. It’s a German brand and I kind of feel connected to the way the design and represent their products. There’s also a great message behind every pair, which is empowering for many people. I would love to be a part of these concepts.
What’s your current favourite trend? White sneakers! Not sure if this is a trend, but white sneakers will never go out of style.
Where do you see the future of sneakers going? I wish there would not be so much hype. I’m not a big fan of resellers. For me, the real meaning of sneaker culture gets lost. There are many different opinions about this, but I wish people would not be so afraid of wearing their shoes. It should be all about the feeling you get when you wear a pair of sneakers for the first time and not about the feeling you get when you sell it.
“I also try to get a lot of inspiration on the Streets, whenever i‘m in a big city.” - @izdomm
When did you start sharing your looks on social media, and why did you? I started sharing my fits around one and a half years ago. I‘ve just always been interested in Streetwear and Sneakers and thought i‘d just start sharing my fits for fun.
What’s your dream job? Owning a Consignment Store like Round Two
What’s your favourite celebrity/brand collab? That‘s a hard one, there‘s been many great collabs between brands and celebrities in the last few years. I love the Travis Scott Jordan 1‘s , so i probably gotta go with that collab. But to be honest there‘s so many good collabs out there.
If you could work with any brand, what one would it be? Nike/ Supreme / Stone Island. Those three are my favorite brands so has to be one of those.
Since sharing your photos on social media, do you think your style has changed? No not really, i just wear what i like and feel comfortable in.
How would you describe you style? I’d say that my style is heavily influenced by New York’s Streetwear Culture. I like colors in my outfits too, which is visible when you check out my insta feed.
Who’s your style icon and why? A$AP Rocky, because his fits and fashion taste are on another level
What’s your favourite trend? I kinda like the back to earth tones trend this autumn tbh
Which country do you think has the best style? USA, especially New York City
Where do you get style inspiration from? Do you look on instagram/ pinterest/streetstyle? I get a lot of my Inspiration through other accounts on Instagram and Facebook Groups like The Basement. I also try to get a lot of inspiration on the Streets, whenever i‘m in a big city.
“I think that the way you dress is very much connected to how well you know yourself.” - @celmatique When it comes to your style, how did you find it? My style was mainly inspired as a teenager through the hiphip community and use of colors. I used to be a dancer, so it was important for me that my clothes were comfortable yet vibrant at the same time. That actually never changed.
What’s your favourite sneaker brand and why? I don’t have one. My sneaker collection is so diverse, literally every single sneaker brand you can imagine is in there.
How do you come up with your outfits each day? My mood, the weather and the things I need to do that day (an event or whatsoever) in the evening. I might even bring an extra outfit with me.
Have you worked/collaborated with any brands, if so, which ones? Gosh, so many! From international campaigns with Puma and Monki, to collabs with brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Diesel, Reebok, ASOS, Hudson’s Bay, Ace & Tate, Maria Nila, Dyson, Clinique and so on.
What’s your favourite trend? The comeback of mesh tops.
Favourite animal print? At the moment it’s cows!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to dress differently from others? I’d ask them to think about what MAKES them different from others. I think that the way you dress is very much connected to how well you know yourself. The more you know who you are (and love yourself for it), the more you will be able to express that through your style. In general I’d love for people to wear more color, especially during winter. I honestly think it will help people’s winter depressions. It’s insane how everyone is dressed so dark!
You always have such colourful and interesting nails, how do you decide on what design to get? I always come up with my ideas at a spontaneous moment. It can be anything from music or fashion to daily things. So far I’ve had ice cream nails for summer, colorful cow print, a De La Soul tribute, a design inspired by an old television screen test, etc. The current one is liquorice allsorts, lol! I absolutely love candy.
Favourite pair of sneakers you own? The Nike Jordan 1 x Melody Ehsani. It’s the first time in my life I set an alarm to buy kicks on the release. I didn’t get through (stupid bots), but I found another way to get them. SO happy. They are literally me in a shoe.
Some of your posts you’ve edited with block colours/shapes, what made you do this? Since I’m all about colors, I enjoy having a background that contrasts or blends with my outfit. However tho, I’m based in Amsterdam.. not much color here. So I came up with the idea to draw on the pics myself and add the color. Some pics just need a little extra.
What are the highs and lows of having such a big following? Hmmm, I wouldn’t say any lows. Without my following or any people in general, who are inspired by what I do, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. I love when people approach me and tell me how they were inspired by Celmatique to wear more color, or do something they at first were afraid to do. That’s just amazing. I’m very grateful.
www.sneakerness.com
Sneakerness brings together shoe fanatics who celebrate their passion. A unique mix of the world’s leading brands and shops offer more than a just a glimpse into the culture of sneakers. Discover exclusive prototypes, bargain for rare samples or get inspired by amazing vintage designs. Trade for childhood memories, meet your first true love again and see that one fantasy of a shoe you’ve been chasing down all these years materialize in front of your eyes… Or just drop by to see what the fuss is all about. And maybe you’ll realize rather sooner than later: You might have been a sneakerhead yourself all the time.
UPCOMING EVENTS... ZURICH
AMSTERDAM
9 - 10 MAY, 2020
30 - 31 MAY, 2020
LONDON
PARIS
TBD, 2020
TBD, 2020
MILAN
COLOGNE
TBD, 2020
TBD, 2020
ROTTERDAM TBD, 2020
Sneakerness is a get-together for a diverse group of people from different communities – but they all share the same passion. Out of this very passion Sneakerness was born: Friends gathering to mount a platform for those that can’t get enough of sneakers and the culture that comes with them. A culture as broad and diverse as it gets: It connects private sellers and brands, athletes and artists, musicians and designers, dancers and DJs, chefs and entertainers. Living in the networked age we realize that these people and their talents are linked – and all it takes to make something bigger out of their individual scenes is a chance to bring all of them together. This is the vision we have believed in from day one – and we still do today.
“I think that the way you dress is very much connected to how well you know yourself.” - @sayehfbaby I’ve seen you wear a mixture of heels and trainers, however, if you had to chose between one of those to wear for the rest of your life, which one would you pick? I would definitely pick sneakers. They are the most comfortable, and more my style.
How would you describe your style? High fashion street style mixed with class.
What’s your favourite pair of sneakers that you own? My favourite pair are definitely my Bred Jordan 1’s.
Have you worked with any brands? If so, which brand was your favourite one to work with? My favourite brand has to be Champs Sports women.
If you was to work with any brand, which one would it be? Nike. Who or what inspires you towards your work? I’m very inspired with what I see and feel. I’m also very inspired by celebrities and different bloggers as well.
When you’re buying a new pair of shoes, heels or trainers, what do you look for? Do you stick with popular shoes or do you try and go for something a bit different? I tend to always try something different. I’m very versatile so trying new styles excite me.
You also have a makeup account, do you find it hard to juggle both accounts and keep up with content? Yes it is very hard. Most people think it’s easy but it’s not. I have to always remind myself that I’m doing well and if I need a break, I should take it. You create the best content when you take breaks.
How do you come up with content for your account? I’ve always been a very creative person. I usually have a thought/ vision in my mind, and I wont rest until I bring that vision to life
What’s your current favourite trend? Nike AF1’s with Nike socks.
“I gain lots of inspiration from looking at other artists designs.” - @wuuski How did you get into customising sneakers? I just hated people having the same sneakers as me, so I would just paint on all my sneakers and find cheap forces at the thrift store to practice on.
How did you gain such a large following on instagram? Ever since I started posting pictures of my customs and my old YouTube video tutorials a few years back my following started growing, which made me start taking custom work more seriously.
Favourite custom pair you’ve done to date? The ‘donut dripped” Air force 1’s. The purple ones were the first pair of air forces I have ever done, that I found at a thrift store for 10$ about 3 years abo. And I still wear them to this day.
What’s the process for the customisation? First i like to reference pictures based on what the client is looking for, and then sketch it out to fit cohesively within an overall sneaker design. I then make the sketch on the sneaker and start painting! (for leather sneakers use angelus direct sneaker paint, to avoid chipping and cracking)
Do you find the customisation community supportive, or is it a bit of a competition? Definitely supportive. There’s a lot of artists especially on instagram, and I can say I gain lots of inspiration from looking at other artists designs, and how other artists put a twist on other ideas and make it their own!
Favourite brands to work with/design on? Angelus Direct!
Anything you wouldn’t want to customise? have you had to turn someone away due to an idea? I don’t like doing Louis Vuittion, Off White, Gucci, or any designer name brands on customs. My work is more cartoonish and playful, so putting designer logos on my style doesn’t really suit my aesthetic as well.
It must be stressful to deal with the amount of orders you receive, how do you manage it all as well as a personal life away from the sneakers/ social media? It can get really stressful to manage, but I just plan out my months in advance and take it day by day with every order.
Where do you see your business going in the future? Any plans we can know about? I have plans to be more of a shop instead of just e-commerce, and doing more handmade clothing as of next year!
Any tips for someone wanting to join the community of customisation? Honestly just go for it and have fun with it! It takes practice like anything else, but anyone can customize sneakers especially if you’re into painting!
KISS MY AIRS THE REVOLUTION STARTS HERE
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“I always try to stand out or innovate rather than be inspired by a particular person.” - @fanamss In three words, how would you describe your style? Diverse, relaxed and coloured.
What’s your favourite brand collaboration? Nike / Off White collaboration but I only have a few, I’m not lucky in the draw..
Who’s your style icon and why? (Social media influencer/ celebrity) So, I follow a few people whose style I love, but I don’t necessarily have an icon... I follow some trends, but I always try to stand out or innovate rather than be inspired by a particular person.
What’s your favourite pair of sneakers and why? The pair I like the most is the Nike 97/1 Sean Wotherspoon but I don’t own them (I get heartbroken just by writing this). Otherwise I like a lot of sneaker models like the Air Force because they are timeless, but I also have a small one for the Air Max plus TN ‘Sharks’. It’s hard to be clear about a favourite pair.
As your sneaker collection grows, are you getting pickier on which ones you buy? No, there are always new things I like, As my collection grows, I become more interested in rare models that are unfortunately hard to buy with the draws.
Favourite trends? Currently I love wearing a chain on my ankle, also worn over socks.
If you could collaborate with any brand, which would it be and why? Nike without hesitation, I have been wearing this brand for years and I never get tired of it.
How many sneakers do you have in your collection and what one was your first pair? More than 250 pairs... Actually I don’t even count them anymore.. I really take care of my sneakers, so I have models from my high school years. The first ones must be the Air Max 1 but the ones I wore a lot in high school were Converse.
Is there a specific style of trainer you wouldn’t buy? There is one models I don’t like at all: the Zoom2k whic are inspired by the Huarche that I don’t like anymore.
How did you gain a large following on your instagram account? Following a heavy surgical operation, I spent a lot of time locked up in my house and I needed to do something. My friends and family pushed me to share my sneakers and my passion for fashion on instagram. After long hesitation I started and here is the result today. I spent a lot of time there, which allowed me to get notices by other accounts, sharing helped me a lot on social networks. But, to tell you the truth, I didn’t really believe in it at first. I can say now, that you should never give up.
an interview with
Photography and Interview by @jackfaulknerdesign
Two Sides 8
“Lead your own life, don’t follow others”
What’s your full name? My name is Thomas Spurling Where you from? I’m from Sevenoaks, Kent What is Twosides 8? Two Sides 8 is my personal emotional release system. Two
Sides
8
allows
me
a
platform
to
release
any
feelings I have, whether they be good or bad. Who’s your inspiration? My inspiration changes regularly, but at the moment I’m
heavily
inspired
by
Yung
Lean’s
music.
He
consistently uses different futuristic melodies and sounds to keep you engaged throughout the whole song. What music do you do? I wouldn’t want to put my music into one box, however I have been labelled as an Alternative Hip Hop artist. Does your music influence your fashion? I wouldn’t say my music has influenced my fashion. I look up to other fashion designers and artists for my influence. For example, Ronnie Fieg and YUNGBLUD. What do your songs represent? Each
song
I
have
made,
released
or
unreleased
represents a feeling I have felt that I have had to get out. “Sad About What?” Is the only happy song I’ve ever been able to write. I wanted to try and inspire people to do what they want in life and to not
give
up.
But
to
contrast.
“I
See
Myself”
is
probably the darkest emotion I have ever felt in my life put into a song. Where have you preformed? So far I have performed at “The Forum” in TunbridgeWells, “The Rocksteady” in London and “West Street Live” in Sheffield. You will also be able to see me at “Hyde Park Book Club” in Leeds on December 19th or “West Street Live” in Sheffield for my first headline show on January the 9th. Where can we find your music? You can find my music on every single major platform, including
free
platforms,
such
as
Soundcloud
and
YouTube. What are your plans for the new year, where do you see yourself? The New year holds a lot of exciting things. New Two Sides 8 X scruz music. I’m also working on creating unique music that will not be able to put into boxes. The aim by the end of 2020 is to tour the UK!
Nike Blazer
Written by: Jacob Adatia Designed and illustrated by: Jose Jurado
The Nike Blazer is another classic silhouette from Nike. Being adopted by Skaters early on, the shoe was originally created in 1973 as a basketball sneaker. Outside of sports and skateboarding, the shoe was then carried by the streetwear scene, with countless alterations being created. The most popular Blazer is probably the OffWhite collaboration, created by Virgil Abloh.
Nike Air Max 1 The Air Max I was the first Air Max trainer to be released by Nike. it came out in 1987, and features a Air capsule in the heel of the shoe. The classic silhouette has been retroed many times and has also been recreated in various different colour ways and versions of the shoe. The most recent sought after version came from Sean Wotherspoon, where he mixed the Air max 1 Sole and the Air Max 97 upper, to create a corduroy infused reselling magnet. The shoe itself now goes for over ÂŁ1300.
R A L U P O P T the MOS e h t l l a S f o E M I T NIKES
Nike Air Max 90 The original Air Max ’90 was released in 1990, with the first colour-way released being dubbed the ‘Infared’. Air Max ‘90 would never be as loved if it wasn’t for it’s original colour scheme that’s still being emulated today by Nike. The infrared is re released every few years because of how popular the shoe is.
Nike Air Force 1 Probably the most common Nike silhouette, the Nike AF1 is a must have in everyones sneaker rotation. From the classic white on white to the new crazier designs, like the Catcus Jack AF1, this shoe is a quintessential part of any streetwear outfit.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Designed by Peter Moore, the Jordan 1 originally released from 1985 to 1986. This was Nikes signature shoe when signing Michael Jordan. Originally Mike didn’t want to sign with Nike and help in creating a shoe, as he preferred thinner shoes, like Converse, so he could feel the court better. So, to combat this, Nike made a thinner soled shoe, creating the Jordan 1. This shoe then sparked the Jordan brand, and the entire Legacy that Jordan created. Now, there are hundreds of colour ways and alterations of the shoe, with some shoes reselling for up to 10 x the original price.
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