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Ah,it was when I was in grade school is when I started becoming interested in sneakers. It was in high school that I dove into the culture. I started collecting just because I got a few pairs, but the pair that triggered my passion has to be the True Blue 3s. Just something about that pair resonates with me. The simplicity of the design and quality back then was just *a chef's kiss*. It matched with almost anything.
This pair opened my eyes to see what sneakers people are into. It showed people's character and tastes and how simple kicks can boost anyone's confidence. What really drew me into sneakers was the culture behind them. It was always a conversation starter. Something to always talk about and share stories on how you got the pair or the story that the shoe originated from.
Until this day, the first thing I look at n someone is always their sneakers. Not to judge them, but to see what their interests are. Everyone is different. Everyone has different tastes. I love the thought of always trying to come up with different fits for each pair of kicks.
Even if it's the same pair, it's like a game to me where I can see how many fits I can create with this just one pair. To me, sneakers are a part of me. It's my story of who I am and what I like. The passion started it all, and now the love of the culture continued it.
I would have to say to actually have to go physically to the stores and cop your pair. People would camp outside the day before jto secure their spot. As crazy as it sounds, great conversations and friendships emerged from these lines. I have close friends to this day that I have met along these lines. These people in line have one common interest, and that's sneakers.
Now, you can just take an L on the SNKRs app. Lol, just a joke, but the game has become so much more accessible by just being able to cop from the comfort of your own home. Aside from this, if you know you know the "pencil sharpener in class" where got a new pair of kicks or a new fit, in the middle of class, you purposely get up to "sharpen" your pencil to "flex" your fit and kicks haha.
New trends are coming, and I'm all here for it. It brings everyone together. All these new collaborations are the latest trend I like, and each collab really speaks for itself. The creativity of these people is just insane—especially the ones who "customize" their own pairs.
I follow so many people on Instagram who will take all-white pairs and paint to their hearts' desires, and it comes out sooo lovely! I don't have that type of creativity haha. These people are literally a work of art.
Ooof, that's a tricky question cause I'm indecisive haha I can never stick to one rotation. I would plan out my week's rotation and change it up mid-week because I wasn't feeling it.
Currently, during this season, I have some 4s in my rotation UN/LA Off-Noir, Off-White Sails), some 1s (Mochas and A Ma Manieres.) I gotta throw the NB 550s in there, and my Air Max X Patta Monarchs.
I chose these just cause it's fall season where I am, and the tones match the colors of fall. I am drawn to more neutral/earth tones than bright colors. When Spring/Summer hits, that will change.
It honestly feels like getting a new toy or something you always wanted. Your joy before putting it on will ALWAYS be out due to the pain you'll feel on your pinky toe after wearing it, haha.
But in all seriousness, as cliche as it sounds, you feel joyful putting on a new pair of kicks just cause it's something YOU like. You decided to buy that specific pair. You get excited just by thinking about what fits to put together or what flicks you will take. Creativity begins to spark in your mind.
Apart from that, especially with your holy grails, geeez, the feeling is unexplainable. Especially since you probably saved up for it and finally bought it. You feel you accomplished something. The satisfaction of saying I could buy this by working hard for it. Now you can enjoy every little bit of it even if you wear it every day for the next few days.
They're sneakers; wear them. They're meant to be worn.
That's hard cause I don't have that kind of creative mind haha, I really can't come up with one!
There are so many collaborations; each one is unique and outstanding. Jerry Lorenzo definitely created great pieces with Nike and even A Ma Maniere as some beautiful sneakers. Maybe even UN/LA to come out with more Jordan collaborations.
The list is endless of what more collaborations could be done, but I don't think of one that doesn't exist that should.
Jerry Lorenzo and Virgil Abloh (Rest in Peace) are definitely my top 2.
Virgil's collaboration with his sneaker line is just out of the box extraordinary. I loved all the sneakers he designed, and luckily, I could grab two, which were my holy grail. Those were the Off-White Sail 4s and the Off-White UNC 1s.
Now Jerry Lorenzo's Fear of God line, I like the thoughts behind that man. From how he shares his faith with God and the meaning behind his ba, Fear of God. Knowing that he grew up with Christ in the center of his life, was something I could relate to him with. Now although he is a Christian, he says that his brand isn't a Christian brand; it's something that represents stuff that he likes and Christ happens to be one of them.
It really encouraged me because he took something mainstream and made it have a purpose behind his brand—something I could do with my daily life as well. Put a drive behind clothing and fits.
The holy grail or grails I really want to get are the Off White Jordan 1s White and the UN/LA Storm Blue or Blue Toe. The Off-White 1s, I really wanted to get because it really is a blank slate. All white, goes with everything, clean and yet a statement piece.
At the same time, I would prefer the UN/LA Storm blue specifically, it literally is the color of the Philippine Flag. That's really what I want it for, is to show and be proud to be a Filipino. We could say Manila 4s but let's be real, that's impossible to get unless you got the money, haha if you got it, you are one lucky person!
My daily essentials often change, but the things I never leave home are my Louis Vuitton Key Pouch, I always have to wear my rings and jewelry. In my wallet, I always need to have my chapstick with me, some gum/mints, and hand sanitizer. I did recently start wearing more hats now since it's getting cold here.
Instagram: @joshuaplopez
TikTok: @joshuaplopez
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