Naufal Hadi - Indonesian Freelance Photographer Interview

Could you share a bit about your secret origin story? (Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you start loving sneakers, what you do/hobbies etc.)

Hello, I’m Naufal Hadi, a freelance photographer based in Indonesia. I’m also a content creator and an Instagram influencer in the fashion industry. My daily routine is around creating content for endorsement and my personal Instagram. My photography mainly focused on pre-wedding projects, coffee shops, or endorsements.

I started focusing on being an Instagram content creator because some people are inspired me to do so. I would call them my role models or mentors haha, some of them are: @falzuh, @inisiative and @drownedinreverb.

From them, I learned a lot about photography techniques and how to mix and match some outfits. Sneakers also play an important role for match some outfits and personally, sneakers are my final touch and make me look more eye-catching. This is when I started loving sneakers so much and collecting them ever since for my Instagram feed: @mr.wisethetic.

From your Instagram feed, seems like you’re into New Balance than other sneaker brands. Why do you love New Balance?

I don’t think I prefer New Balance over other brands though. I’m one of the people who pay more attention to the silhouette and colourway of every sneaker because I like minimalist style.

Honestly, I only have a few New Balance pairs, like NB 990 V5 & V3 because they are grey. I also own NB 327 BnW because the silhouette and colourway are very iconic.

What's your current favorite pair of sneakers?

My current favourite sneakers are Converse Run Star Hi Black and Nike Waffle One.

What drew you to this particular pair of sneakers?

I love them because of the silhouette and colourway, plus I feel comfortable when wearing them. For me, Nike Waffle One has a similar silhouette with Nike x Sacai LD Waffle which become one of my dream hype sneakers.

What’s your personal sneaker collecting philosophy?

I’m collecting sneakers because I’m a fashion content creator. My Instagram feed is focused on an outfit of the day or outfit inspiration. Besides it’s about my passion for sneakers, I also need them for my Instagram feed.

Your dream hype sneaker you wish to acquire but don't have so far.

A few of my dream hype sneakers are NB 327 Grey & NB 327 Sea Salt, Nike x Sacai Ld Waffle White/Grey, Nike x Sacai Vaporwaffle Black, Converse 70s CDG Play Black, and NB Xc72 Moonbeam Black.

What's your day-to-day style like?

My day to day style tends to be minimalist style. I prefer to choose monochrome and earth-tone colours, like black, white, brown, cream, olive, soft blue, etc. I’m also one of the people who like to wear an outer, whether it’s a jacket, shirt, or sweater.

I like to wear cloth pants or ankle pants, but it doesn’t mean I hate jeans. I prefer to wear cloth pants because it’s more comfortable and lighter. When I’m going out with friends or creating content, then I prefer to wear minimalist sneakers like NB 990 V5, Converse 70’s.

Don’t get me wrong, I also love local sneakers like Adagio 2.0 (Aztec White) from IGNIS (@ignis.footwear) and Clementia White/ Grey from Zoda Hamartin (@zodahamartinofficial). I love local sneakers because the design is also eye-catching and comfortable. I’m doing my best to inspire others to love local products more especially sneakers.

Where can people find you on social media?

I’m only active on Instagram and TikTok, and both are under the same name: @mrwisethetic.