Restie Caligagan - Filipino Sneakerhead Interview

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

When I was in college, Vans was a big thing. Students wore all kinds of Vans, from slip-on to eras of authentics, chukkas, etc.

But it was the Vans authentic that I was always eyeing, and I got multiple pairs because of its sleek silhouette.

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

It would be the Old Skool, and now that it is back - I'm all in for it. You can never go wrong with a classic pair of sneakers; it should always be a part of someone's sneaker rotation.

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

Like a kid in a candy store, what really matters to me is the hunt for that specific pair you're looking for—the feeling of excitement and anticipation. Whenever I'm hunting for sneakers, I also tend to buy other pieces that will go along with them.

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

This is a tough question for me as I am currently only looking for random secondhand/vintage clothing items, regardless of the brand. Because as long as it suits my style, I'm up for it.

As of now, I'm big on vintage Russell athletic hoodies and vintage Levi's pieces. Just by touching old garments, you can feel how things are made differently back then.

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

This is another tough question, with the recent news of Ye being escorted out of Skechers headquarters after showing up uninvited - I'm looking forward to how this will unfold.

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

Some are Yeezy Foam Runners - the OG and Ochre, 700 Mauves, Adidas Rivalry Low (love this silhouette, underrated, imo), J1 High Union Black Toes, New Balance 530s, and my go-to pair, which is Converse 70s Chuck Taylor High Parchment.

As I have mentioned, you can never go wrong with classic pairs, and I love wearing them with jorts.

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

Not really a grail, but I would love the have a pair of Reebok Club C 85 Vintage.

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

Ohhh boy, I have a lot of vintage hoodies that I mostly just use for shoots, and I also started to collect Porter Yoshida & Co mini bags. I'm also into Doc Martens.

Where can people find you on social media?  

Instagram: @tieclggn‍

TikTok: @tieclggn