Singaporean Sneakerhead Mervyn Lee

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

Music was a huge part of my teenage years; I'd be at a concert almost every weekend. Back then, mosh pits were super gnarly, and the sneakers of choice were usually either Converse or Vans.

Between 2006 to 2009, all I wore were black high-top Chuck Taylors – no matter the occasion. I'd buy shoes, thrash them in a few months, buy another and continue the cycle. I must've bought and destroyed over 12 pairs during those years.

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

Collab culture and sneaker customs are trends for sure. I love when brands and artists spice up a classic silhouette, even more, when sneakerheads add their flavor and interpretations to their favorite pair.

I've tried messing around with Vans Slip-Ons, and the result is always extremely satisfying. Mainly because it's something that I've worked hard on. There's something about owning a pair of sneakers that no one else in the world has.

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

Powerful, I feel strangely empowered. I think a nice pair of kicks give me confidence.

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

I love Margiela for incorporating the tabi into sneakers, Rick Owens for his demonic deviance, and Kanye for pushing the boundaries. Feng Chen Wang's deconstructive Eastern aesthetic also gets an honorable mention in my book.

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

Margiela's avant-garde designs complemented by Rick Owens' dark side mixed with Kanye's ingenuity is something to look out for. That would make a sick monster of a sneaker (assuming the result can still be considered a sneaker).

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

My sneaker of the day is highly dependent on my mood. So I could be wearing my Lucky Green J's today, Margiela Tabis tomorrow, and Adidas Yeezy Foam RNNRs the following day.

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

The next pair on my list would probably be the G-Dragon x Air Force 1 '07 'Para-noise'

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

The following are my daily essentials: 1) a tumbler to stay hydrated, 2) a lighter (with a metal case that I bought from Seoul) for when I need fire, 3) a silicone Bottega iPhone case to keep my phone safe, and 4) my Shanghai Tang cardholder to keep my cards (absolutely love the dragon claw detail on the money clip).

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Where can people find you on social media?

Instagram: @mervyn6

Tiktok: mervyn6