Australian Sneakerhead and Fashion Stylist: Courtney Pastore

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What was the moment you first got drawn to sneakers, and which pair of sneakers triggered your passion?

I’ve always loved sneakers since my first pair or Air Forces that I got when I was about 12! However, I think my passion was triggered in my uni days after my friends and I  got a pair of Nike Huarache’s.

What’s one moment or trend in the history of sneaker culture that resonates with you?

I think the way Michael Jordan really paved the way in sneaker culture. When he signed the contract with Nike who wasn’t as big as other competing brands at the time, he took a chance, trusted the brand, the vision and himself and turned it into not only his own empire but an entire community. He followed his passion, worked hard and stayed true to himself. I’m currently making a career change from a lawyer to a fashion stylist, so this is something that resonates with me right now.

Please describe how it feels to you when you get and wear a new pair of kicks?

Getting and wearing a new pair of kicks is a way for me to express my creativity. For me, it completes the outfit, and most times I’ll build my outfit based on the sneaker. It brings me joy to open a box to a fresh, good quality sneakers, but also makes me feel like part of a community when I’m wearing them.

I remember once I walked into a store and a friend of mine working there saw my sneakers first (I was wearing the Deep Royal Ambush) and said he knew it was me before even looking at my face. Proud sneaker head moment for sure haha!

What are some of your favorite creators/designers or brands and why?

Virgil Abloh and Kanye West are up there for me as favourite creative designers because both of them made such a huge impact on street wear. Virgil Abloh’s mindset, work ethic and creativity did and will always have an impact on my mindset throughout the journey of me following my passions, as well as how I interpret parts of my style and fashion in general.

I think it’s pretty obvious that Nike and Jordan my top favourite brands for sneakers, but I also love the creativity in Rick Owens, Lanvin and Off-White’s recent work with sneakers. Jacquemus is my favourite designer brand at the moment because of the creativeness, innovation and colour in all of their pieces.

What is one sneaker collaboration that doesn’t exist, but you wish/think should exist?

Even though he’s a designer at Jordan, with all of the customs; Andrew Chiou is creating it would be cool to see his own collaboration with Nike. Chris Brown also drew up some cool concepts for Jordan’s a couple of years ago featuring some of his artwork. I think these would be a cool collaboration to see come to life too.

What are some of the current pairs of sneakers in your rotation?

The top four sneakers in my rotation at the moment would be my Jordan 4 White Oreos, Jordan 1 Lucky Greens, New Balance 550s and Axel Arigato Marathon R-Trail’s.

What is your ultimate holy grail sneaker that you have not managed to acquire so far?

My ultimate holy grail at the moment would probably be the Jordan 1 Retro High Off-White Chicago’s, White and University Blue’s, in that order! Also the Off-White Dunk Low’s (too many favourite lot numbers).

A pair of Yeezy Boost 700’s have also been on my list for a while so I’ll have to finally get my hands on a pair. Wave Runners and Static’s, so I want those two pairs exactly!

Other than kicks, what are some of your daily essentials or treasured items?

Jewellery is definitely an essential to tie an outfit together. I’ll always wear my Cartier ring and some gold statement earrings and then add on from there. Sunnies are another essential to every outfit for me, even at night time if it completes the fit! My nails also always have to be fresh!

Where people can find you on social media?

Instagram: @courtneyyjayne

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