Kazeyuki Fujiwara - Filipino Sneakerhead Interview

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

I was influenced by Kanye's performance and paparazzi wearing supra and creative recreation. In the early 2000s, these brands of sneakers were hard to find in Manila. That's the moment I was hooked on sneaker culture.

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

It was that moment when Virgil Abloh collaborated with Nike. To the point that I resigned from Louis Vuitton to be an Off-White Store Manager in Manila.

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

Oh, it is ecstatic, especially when you worked hard for it and it was hard to find, and when you are one of the first to have it. I had that feeling when I had my Nike Off-White Air Jordan 1 at retail price. Yes, retail.

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

I would say they were Virgil Abloh, Nigo, Kanye, and Hiroshi Fujiwara. These people made a bridge between streetwear and luxury. And everyone fell in love with it.

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

Maybe a Takashi Murakami or Hiroshi Fujiwara collaboration with Off-White? What do you think?

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

Surprisingly, I'm loving my New Balance 530. I'm 35 years old already, so the comfort it gives me is everything. It's easy to style as well.

Next is my Nike Off-White Jordan 5 Muslin. Again, surprisingly, it's very comfortable. I can wear it with suits or on a lazy day, with a simple shirt and shorts.

The third is my work sneakers, Off-White OOO sneakers. It is very comfortable that I can stand in store for more than 8 hours a day on it.

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

Probably a Louis Vuitton x Nike sneakers. Maybe in the future…

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

I'm quite addicted to small clutches and bags. It taught me how to organize and minimize what to bring. So I was able to practice the Marie Kondo bag edition. Haha!

Where can people find you on social media?  

Instagram: @fujiwarakazeyuki

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