Hong Kong Shoe Customizer: Xylar Chan

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

My passion for sneakers started in high school. The pair that triggered my love for kicks is the Nike Lunar Flyknit Chukka. It was revolutionary to have knitted uppers on sneakers back then. And the entire pair is exceptionally lightweight and comfortable.

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

I'd say it would be the sneaker customization culture. I love sneakers a lot because of the great design and colorway, but since it's mass-produced, the materials are sometimes not that good. So when I found out one can decon and recon the whole pair with premium leathers, it just blew my mind. I got really interested in it; that's why I devoted myself to the sneaker culture, making shoes and hoping to create something different.

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

A new pair of shoes brings me pure joy. The feeling just never gets old - I always feel excited and pleased whenever I get and wear them. I'm even happier if I made them myself.

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

My favorite brand is definitely Nike. I just love their shoe designs and the collaboration between other designers that is always inspiring and creative.

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

I really like the Sean Wotherspoon X Nike Air Max 97/1; the hybrid between AM1 & AM97 comes together beautifully, and the colorway is superb. Sadly they stopped the collaboration after the first release, but I really want to see what Sean would come up with in other Nike silhouettes.

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

My current shoe rotation includes the Nike x Mayumi Yamase Air Force 1 due to the watercolor & unsymmetrical design. I also love wearing the HBX x Asics Gel-Kayano 5 because it is super comfy. And of course, my favorite pair so far among all the shoes I made, the Air Jordan 1 Hi - Shell Cordovan.

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

I think it's the 1985 Air Jordan 1 Hi in the Chicago colorway. It's so hard to get a pair in decent condition, not to mention a brand new pair in my size.

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

Alyx bracelet, CDG wallet, and Casio watch! These are pretty much what I wear every day so nothing special, haha.

Where can people find you on social media?

Instagram: xylar_studio‍

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