Singaporean Artist and Sneakerhead: Defrag

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

This brought me back to 2003. Walking along with downtown Sydney, Australia, I stumbled upon a short queue outside a skate shop. It was the release of Nike Futura and Heineken Dunk Low Pro SB. As an enthusiastic skater myself, I joined the line and bought both. Ever since then, I have fallen in love with sneakers.

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

The skating culture of the late 1990s to early 2000s and stunt bike trends had definitely stirred up the sneaker field, as everyone was rocking their kicks then.

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

I would feel total awesomeness, especially if I got them through raffles or surprise drops!

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

My top 2 favorite street fashion brands are Supreme and Mastermind Japan. Supreme is a brand that most skaters will die for. The simplicity of its box logo will drive everyone into an unfathomable vortex. Mastermind Japan, on the other hand, has a bold and cult street-style design. I love their heavy skull prints. Outfits and sneakers, from these brands, express my identity.

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

It definitely has to be my very own defrag collaboration. I started drawing and painting my AF1s in 2002. A trend of mashing kicks up from that time; to be unique and different. I might not be in the ranks of established sneaker artists then, but now that I am one of the Winners of the UTGP 2022 Worldwide Design Competition. I hope that day will eventually be known.

My art - Defrag images are designed in my perspective - depicting pop culture elements in street style.

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

I am into OGs, Nike Dunk Low or High, AJ1, AJ4, AJ5, Vans, and Converse shoes.

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

I wanted to have a Nike x Dior Air Jordan. Another one would be the Louis Vuitton X Nike Air Force 1  by Virgil Abloh; (keeping my fingers crossed).

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

I am into toys, art, and lifestyle collectibles. You may head over to my Instagram account to see more photos.

Where can people find you on social media?

Instagram: defrag___

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