Sneaker Culture
Self-expression is a personal and powerful journey that creates a path as to who we, as individuals, become. I have always had my confidence, but it was not until later in life that I discovered a part of myself that I wanted to express. In high school, I used my sense of humor and talent in my art classes to express myself, but I felt as though that was not enough. As the four years passed, I searched for more ways to truly express who I was. It was when I got my first tattoo that I discovered the importance of self-expression that was true to me. I then went into college with the same confidence, sense of humor, love for art, and now a taste as to how I wanted to express myself.
Freshman Year - Reggie and Me
|
The friends I made in college helped me discover parts of myself that I did not know I had. I found a creativity inside of me that I wanted to express that corresponded with my love for art. I did not think too much of it at first; my friends were more into it than I was. I thought it was a little silly, but the ideas like “sneaker culture" and “streetwear fashion” became aspects to who I am and how I express myself today. Sneaker culture was a form of self-expression that my friend, Reggie, used. He wore, what seemed to me to be, crazy Supreme clothes and this obnoxious gold hat. He was who he was and never apologized. He taught me about the sneakers and fashion, and he grew to be my biggest inspiration. |
|
My first sneaker purchase was a monumental moment to how I express myself today and how much my confidence in myself has grown. The sneakers I bought were a model of Adidas shoes called NMD’s. It was a huge release and the hottest sneaker model of the time. Stores were constantly being swept out of stock with every new colorway that hit the market. I always kept my eye out for them when I was out, but it was not until one day at Champs Mayfair that I happened upon a new colorway that had just dropped. There they were; my heart skipped a beat, and my hands felt shaky with adrenaline. I did not know at the time, but looking back, those shoes opened a door for me that I did not know was even out there. I always thought of myself as someone who was self-aware and sure of myself, but I feel much more of myself because of how I can express myself unforgivably as part of the sneaker culture.
|
First Sneaker Purchase - NMD Champ's Colorway
Photo Taken By Darren Griffin of Nice Kicks
|
Sneaker Collection - Sophomore Year
This day had a snowball effect. I wore those NMDs every day; I rocked them with every outfit until they fell apart, and I still have them to this day. Being such a huge step into this realm of self-expression, I was a kid in a candy store. After that pair, I went a little crazy. It was the start of my collection, and with every new social media post or talk of a new release, I could not help but add to my growing rotation. My collection continued growing into a solid ensemble, and I felt this new confidence when conversations sparked with friends and strangers about the shoes I was wearing. I would get random compliments, and I gained something in myself I was missing. I truly found my form of self-expression.
|
When I first thought of what I wanted to create within this project, I knew I wanted it to consist of something I loved and something that helped me love myself. Reflecting on why I love sneaker culture, I found that it was the community and connection to others that comes with it. Being able to talk to those surrounding me, whether friends or strangers, about the pair they have, the pair they want, or the new release coming, the interactions are so genuine. I enjoy feeling part of the culture, and, even though it may sound silly to some, it is a way that I express to the world who I am.
|
Sophomore Year - Reggie and Me
|