editorialinterviewsbuying Guidesselling guidespromotions
ABOUTSEARCHSHOPSubscribe
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Jasmine Yen - American-Taiwanese Sneakerhead Interview

Interviews

Hapsari Listya
May 27, 2023

Jasmine @jjasserz has been a sneakerhead since middle school, but she was having trouble finding women's sizes and had to settle with men's. She was hesitant to wear a new pair of kicks because she didn't want to damage them, but finally getting a pair she'd been wanting gave her satisfaction.

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.

All images via @jjasserz

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


An ailurophile who loves bake cookies and listen to indie music!