Dominique Canlas - Filipino Sneakerhead Interview

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

Being a skateboarder during my grade school years immersed me in the whole street/skate culture where brands like Vans, DC, Zoo York, and Nike SB were at the forefront. Tony Hawk games introduced me to these brands and influenced my style a lot as a skater.

Having a pair of Vans was a must, but living in the province made it quite hard to find. Fortunately, I traveled frequently and after years of waiting and browsing, I was finally able to buy my first pair of Vans Old Skools in Manila.

Ever since then, I’ve been slowly collecting various skate shoes, and that's really how I got into sneakers and fashion in general. As I grew older, my style and taste in sneakers changed, but collecting was still something that I constantly enjoyed doing.

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

Definitely, the whole boom with Adidas sneakers. That moment when Yeezy's, NMD's, and Ultraboost's were the sneakers to have.

I was kind of active with the whole shoe game during that time and participated a lot in sneaker releases, and those days really taught me a lot. I’m not as active or updated as I used to, but I won't forget that moment. I met a lot of new people, accomplished many things, and was blessed with different opportunities.

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

One of life’s greatest joys for sure! Every time I get a new pair of sneakers, I always feel a strong sense of happiness and accomplishment.

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

I take a lot of inspiration from Japanese street style. So, some of my favorite brands are Comme des Garçons Homme Plus, Junya Watanabe, Issey Miyake, and Yohji Yamamoto.

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

Comme des Garçons Homme Plus x Adidas would be interesting! Would love to see them work on a vintage runner.

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

My current rotation is comprised of essentials and easy-to-style pairs. Adidas Wales Bonner runners, Feiyue Fe Lo 1920 sneakers, Maison Martin Margiela paint splatter gats, and Common Projects Achilles lows.

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

I probably won’t be able to acquire these ever due to how expensive they are, but I want to cop a pair of Rick Owens "Creatch" dunks some day!

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

Definitely my clothes! I have a pretty big collection of rare pieces from avant-garde designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier, Helmut Lang, and many more.

Where can people find you on social media?  

Instagram: @domcanlas and @the.sixth.sense