Filipino Sneakerhead and Creative Director: Jonas Adriel

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

It all started in 1999, when I was only 6 years old and wore my first Air Jordan 12 Cherry. However, a pair which really triggered me into sneaker culture was the Nike SB that I got in 2006. Nike SB Pigeon hype really bought me a lot of thoughts that this sneaker game is really wild.

What are some of your observations or personal stories when it comes to collecting kicks?

Sneakers come and go. Most of the time, it happens, especially if you’re just starting and don’t have enough money to keep your rotation/collection. There will be times that you need to cop new pairs or update your drip. And by the time you have enough money, you will go back to the old pairs that you’ve sold before.

Personally, I had a pair, in particular, Jordan 4 Off-White which I bought for personal use, yet I have sold it like five times. 

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

My most favorite as of now is the Nike Sacai Vaporwaffle Black and White. I think it was the most expensive Sacai as of the moment. Next is the Air Force 1 Volt Off-White. I’m planning to collect all the AF1 Off-White before the Louis Vuitton Off-White releases.

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

We all know the feeling. It's SURREAL! Especially when it was your dream pair and you get your hands into it, smelling a new pair of kicks before putting it on your feet. I can say is the best feeling in the world. Yes, for me, it’s better than S*x. It brings different confidence. 

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

As of this moment Kith X Off-White. I think they have collaborated with merch, but not yet for sneakers.

I’m a big fan of Ronnie Fieg and Virgil Abloh. They are both geniuses! They make the best sneakers, but since Virgil passed away I don’t think that it's gonna happen. However, it might happen but the feeling is gonna be different because we all know that Virgil is not the one who does the collaboration.

What do you think is the most under-rated pair?

Yeezy Foam Runner. It is receiving a lot of hate, but this sneaker is fire!

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

Ronnie Feig of Kith because of how he chooses the fabric of his brand. Also, the color pallet is really amazing. Virgil Abloh of Off White, how he changes the game is really amazing. The way he sees things is different from a normal person. The thing that he left us is a work of art.

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

Hmmm, hard question though, right now I’ve been wanting the Louis Vuitton Off-White Air Force the Orange Monogram. As of this moment, it's not yet released but every time that I am seeing it online I have goosebumps thinking that I'm willing to trade everything just for that pair HAHAHA. But hopefully, one day I will get that pair.

What are some of your favorite sneaker related content creators?

Jo LaPuma. I made a Youtube channel before because he inspired me! I love the way he asks questions and the way he does his research you know how dedicated he is to this culture.

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

My Louis Vuittons.

Where can people find you on social media?

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rieldgreat

Facebook: https://facebook.com/rieldgreat