Jasmine Yen - American-Taiwanese Sneakerhead Interview

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

I've always been drawn to sneakers, even as a child, thanks to my older brother who was into basketball (I wanted all of his shoes). Back in the day, I wore a lot of K-Swiss too.

But it was in middle school that I first fell in love with Nikes in general. I was living in Taiwan at the time, and the city I lived in didn't have my size in any women's shoes, so I ended up going with men's shoes.

I fell in love with a pair of white Nike Dunk Highs with a rainbow pattern on the back. I wore that pair until I graduated from college, and I still have a few other pairs from middle school that I wear now.

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

I have such vivid memories of my white Air Jordan 13s from the second grade because Space Jam came out a year before and Michael Jordan was basically everywhere.

I think a lot of the fashion collaborations are incredibly cool and unique while remaining faithful to both brands. However, I'm not sure when I'll be able to own a pair.

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

Most of my sneakers are Nikes. The ones I wear the most are my Air Force 1 Low 'Rose White,' Air Jordan Legacy 312 'Sail Pistachio Frost,' Nike Oski x Dunk High SB 'Great White,' SB Force 58, and Billie Eilish x Nike Air Force 1 Low 'Mushroom.'

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

I think fear contributes to around 80% of the situation.

There was a period when I had a few hard-to-find sneakers and didn't want to wear any of them. I believe I kept a few pairs in the box for a few years since I didn't want to harm them on the first wear and be sad.

But because I prefer unusual colors or very bright colorways, being able to pair them with my clothing is incredibly satisfying.

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

I'm not sure about all of the existing collaborations because I didn't really get into collaborations until the last few years. However, I'd like to see more food/video game collaborations.

Moschino, perhaps?  I love how many of their designs are quirky and fun.

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

I'd describe my style as eclectic. I just lean toward what I believe looks incredible or has an interesting design. My closet is also mainly made up of hoodies and jackets.

ASSC and HUF are two of my favorite hoodies right now. I have recently purchased a stunning panda express jacket from UPRISERS.‍

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

I'd like to own the Louis Vuitton x Nike collection!

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

Rings, mantra bands, and a wallet are among my everyday essentials.

Where can people find you on social media?

Instagram: @jjasserz

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