Author: Bradley Martinez
With the reopening of our stores back in June, we brought you our newest platform, Ask TEAMFP. This was our next step at bringing you, the community closer to us at Footpatrol. With the recent government announcements now in place, closing both our London and Paris stores, we didn’t want to lose touch with you all again.
With this in mind, you’ll still be able to find the Ask TEAMFP feature live on our site where our team member Bradley will be on hand to help with any queries. Whether that’s styling advice for a certain shoe, help with sizing or you just want to discuss kicks, Brads your man.
Having discovered the sneaker community through events like Crepe City, it was actually an evening watching TV with his nan that led him on the path he’s on now, having both been intrigued by a certain Air Max 1 on the telly, they discovered the world of ‘exclusive trainers’ and became intrigued ever since.
We speak with Brad below and catch up on how he got into fashion, food, London and of course Footpatrol.
Footpatrol: To start things off, tell us a bit about yourself and where you’re from?
Brad: Well, my name is Bradley. I’m 23 and was born in Spain, I later moved to England when I was younger and grew up in Reigate, Surrey. I’ve plopped myself over in East London now though.
FP: Where would you say you got your style influences from?
Brad: That’s a tough one, I’m not really sure my style has changed like the weather as I’ve gotten older. My mum and my nan have always been into fashion and I used to go shopping with them so I developed a style from their opinions. As I got older though and discovered the world of footwear my ‘style’ became what I like to call – ‘Comfort over style’. Basically my wardrobe is built up of clothes that are too big for me haha!
FP: Who is your most listened to artist right now?
Brad: Ummmmmm, I think it would have to be either uk rapper Mally, Mala Rodriguez or Big L.
FP: What’s it like to be a part of the Footpatrol Family and what made you want to join?
Brad: For any head that loves shoes, based in London (or close enough) and wants to work in the industry, what better place is there to be! I remember when I was still at school coming to London on my own with no money on the weekends just to walk through the store to feel cool ahah! It was always a goal for me to work for Footpatrol growing up, so to be able to say I do now is crazy. It’s the epicentre of all things relevant both release wise and culturally, they have always been on it!
FP: What makes Soho so important to you?
Brad: Soho has always been a place of such acceptance and diversity, there weren’t many people where I grew up into streetwear and sneaks so it was a place you felt part of the community.
FP: If you had to pick one brand to wear, what would it be and why?
Brad: Literally an impossible question so here’s 3 I plan to only wear when I am rich AF and older – Visvim, Kapital and Sacai. Mens or womenswear doesn’t matter Japanese brands are the originators of gender neutral fashion.
FP: Favourite shoe?
Brad: Parra x Nike Airmax 1 ‘Amsterdam’
FP: Can you explain the benefits of the Ask Team FP service?
Brad: It’s all about being able to speak to like minded individuals that want to help in something they share an interest in, it’s like having a live forum where you make a post asking how a certain model fits expect you don’t have to wait for the answers or bump your post.
FP: What does Footpatrol mean to you?
Brad: It’s the UKs best and first to do what they do. Yeah there are other places that have been around for longer but none of them have been at the centre of sneaker culture for as long as Footpatrol have.
FP: Top 3 pairs you own?
Nike Airmax 1 Bespoke
Nike SB Dunk High ‘Skunk’
Nike Air Foamposite One NRG ‘Galaxy’
FP: Does London have a special meaning to you?
Brad: London has always had huge importance to me, my english grandparents grew up Brentford ways so things like going to watch the football at Brentford with my grandad to the shopping trips with my mum and my nan. It’s a place of acceptance no matter your differences.
FP: Where is the best place to go in Soho?
Brad: Well obviously Footpatrol! Then once you’re done wearing what you bought, go Jason Markks those guys are safe as hell!
FP: If you had to pick one place to get food in the area where would you recommend?
Brad: Simple answer really, Cookhouse Joes.
FP: How important is it to get to know the customer?
Brad: How else do we create a community!? It’s the focal point of making sure people are happy, we want to be able to learn about the people who come through the door as best as we can so for next time you’re back we got you!
FP: If you had to describe yourself in 1 word what would it be?
Brad: Scrumptious
Over recent months, the New Balance 2002R has made its reappearance and has caught everyones attention.
What started out with two stealth and quite traditional New Balance colour-ways soon led the brand to team up with Salehe Bembury for his unique take on the silhouette. Bringing a hiking, canyon inspired colour-way with an enthuses on materials and textures.
Now, New Balance team up with South Korean based thisisneverthat for their own unique approach. Stripping things back and bringing a slightly more sophisticated approach to their takes, the offering this time around is two colour ways. One carrying more earthier tones of browns and greys with a subtle burst of crystal blue on the heel whilst the second is a take on a clean white sneaker. A host of whites and creams utilise a mixture of leather and mesh underlays building depth to the silhouette.
Take a closer look below and make sure to sign up for the raffle for your opportunity to get your hands on them!
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
To enter the ONLINE raffle for the GREY, CLICK HERE!
To enter the ONLINE raffle for the WHITE, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Having slowly moved away from the original 700 Wave Runner silhouette, adidas and YEEZY concentrate their efforts of late on the Yeezy Boost 380 and 700 v3 silhouettes.
Having introduced the 700 v3 in a host of stripped back interactions like the Alvah and Azael, the YEEZY team have began to inject a bit of colour with the likes of Arzareth has now led them on to the latest release to date, the SAFFLOWER.
Much like the Azael, the upper features a host of off whites whilst its monofilament engineered mesh benefits from a welcome burst of bright yellow, breaking apart the subtle tones.
Like all YEEZT models, an enthuses is placed on wearability and the 700 v3 doesn’t stray from this. This latest model features no-tie stretch laces for easy on and off wear and comes equipped with a second set of standard laces whilst the PU encapsulated EVA midsole provides comfort and durability, and the herringbone rubber outsole offers unique design cues and improved traction.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
To enter the ONLINE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
In the early 2000s, Nike focused on a range of products only to be released exclusively to Japan. The “CoJp” launches would signify that via size labels. Japanese street style has long been seen as a reference point in fashion due to their unopologetic and avant-garde approach.
In 2001, Nike introduced the new Pro B line of Dunk Lows with slightly fatter laces and new materials on the upper – a clear skateboard-specific line of footwear that preceded the first official line of Nike SB Dunk footwear. During this year, Nike released a trio of wildly eccentric Dunk Low’s that were dressed in colour combinations that were out of the norm. The pairs included were the ‘Plum’, ‘Veneer’ and ‘Ceramic’, although these were not an official designated ‘Pack’ of releases, they were grouped together for their eye-catching color-blocking, exclusivity in Japan, and premium materials.
In February 2020, consumers saw the release of the ‘Plum’ iteration for the first time since its initial launch. Now in the latter stages of the year, Nike are back with another Japan-exclusive from 2001. The ‘Veneer’ colourway has long been sought after for its eclectic hues and soft textures—and now, it’s back in the mould of the original, bathed in premium suede and shades of Veneer, deep purple and Autumn Green on the upper, white midsole and purple outsole. This rerun also features mesh tongues and heels, woven tongue labels and embroidered Nike lettering on the heel tab, just like the OG.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
To enter the ONLINE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
In 2007, Nike launched a design concept dubbed the ‘What The’. Using the Nike SB Dunk Low as its canvas, the sneaker component to the Nothing But the Truth full-length skate video campaign, the What the Dunk Low Pro SB was created from 31 separate Nike SB Dunks. With a design goal to be the “Dunk to end all Dunks”, the creation of the What the Dunk was painstaking, meticulous, and ridiculous on purpose. Despite the draw and buzz––an SB Dunk created from the most popular drops ever created––only a limited run was ever offered to the public.
Over the years, Nike have utilised this theme on many of their models such as Dunk Lows & Highs, some of Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James signature lines, football boots and many others. The popular theme has also crossed over onto Air Jordans such as the recent Air Jordan IV ‘What The’.
This time around for Holiday 2020, Jordan Brand are launching an Air Jordan V iteration of the abstract idea. A concoction of popular non-OG colourways, the pair feature a mismatch aesthetic. Pairs involved are Raging Bull, Tokyo, Shanghai, Green Bean, Quai 54, Army Olive, Laser and Sitcom. The left pair is dressed in a predominently red upper, taken from the ‘Raging Bull’, sat on top of a midsole from the ‘Quai 54’. The ‘Shanghai’ emblem is displayed on the heel, whilst the ‘Green Bean’ is used for the tongue. Lastly, the lining features a 90’s theme from the Air Jordan V ‘Sitcom’.
Like the right foot, the left pair is dominated by one pair from the past. Using mainly the ‘Tokyo’ maize yellow as its base, the Tokyo T23 logo takes the heel. The ‘Sitcom’ midsole is used for the midsole whilst a combination of the ‘Army Olive’ and ‘Laser’ features on the tongue and lining respectively.
To enter the ONLINE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds within 3-5 working days. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
From a long lasting breakfast show on Rinse FM, to music production and travelling the world playing his sound, born and bred London DJ, Scratcha DVA is a household name within the capital’s underground scene.
After years of grafting hard and perfecting his skills both in the studio and behind the decks, Scratcha has shaped his sound to what has become a hugely diverse mix of genres from Grime, UK Funky and much more.
For the launch of our collaboration with adidas Originals we wanted to give you that Friday feeling with an exclusive interview and mix from Scratcha DVA. Take a listen and read to what he has to say about his music, influences and more!
Footpatrol: We are here with Scratcha DVA! It’s great to have you here man, how are you?
Scratcha DVA: Am gd fanx. As gd as i cn b atm relly. Stayin productive, positive and viable lol.
FP: Lets jump straight into it. You have been DJing and producing music for quite some time now could you tell us where this passion for music began?
Scratcha DVA: Iv always luvd music ca growin up as a kid in my household u cdnt escape it. But I guess the passion 2pursue it cum frm wen I startd 2get my own ideas of sounds i wntd 2make an mix 2gether and then actully bein able 2do tht in a recording studio.
FP: Did you see this career path taking off the way it has for you?
Scratcha DVA: Yes. I dnt fink iv eva fort 1nce tht I wdnt make sum type of mark or impact w music. Dere r stil so many more fings i wna do in music and w music but iv neva doubted this as a career path. So Rishi Sunak cn fkoff.
FP: When it comes to your friends, family and community do you find that they have helped influence your career?
Scratcha DVA: So many diffrent fings hav influenced my career and sound over tym but growin up I had older bros and a sister who got 2xperience the rave scene. So frm erly they wer indirectly puttin me on2 music which wsnt jus avail on top of the pops an stuff like jungle, acid house an techno via tapes, flyers and pirate radio stns.
FP: What about the mix you have done for us, how was it putting it together?
Scratcha DVA: U kno wt it ws intresting ca iv been collecting alot of new music but deres been less need 2get on the dex and figure out sets as we havnt been in the clubs.
So it ws intrestin findin ways 2collab all the new stuff i been sourcing online w the loads of music iv been making since covid.
FP: One of the things we love about your music is the use of organic sounds you find out and about. I remember watching your Lost & Found episode on Noisey and thought it was such an interesting way to create an individualistic sound. What brought you to try this method?
Scratcha DVA: I use tht method alot less dese days but jus bein lucky enuff 2travel 2diff cities an record sounds frm places and landmarks 2thn bring it bk an make it fit in2 a work in progress.
Scratcha DVA: Also hearing certain recordings in my trax cn bring up mental notes of places iv been.
FP: So what kicked things off for you within your music career, was it producing or DJing?
Scratcha DVA: Am a producer 1st and DJn is fun but iss jus always been a by product of my passion which is creating music. So in 2009 wen i startd 2regularly release eps on vinyl on my own label and then Hyperdub Records in 2010 the DJn part bcum automatic. Up til tht point i had playd sum events but ws more DJn the radio circuit.
FP: Did you ever have anyone you looked up within the industry when you started?
Scratcha DVA: Wen i startd out i always saw Goldie & Roni Size as the pinnacle of wt u cud do w underground music. As i got older and in2 other electronic genres i saw new achievable heights but ye in the beginin Goldie definatly. Ca 1minit am listenin 2the Timeless album which is amazin and hed b travellin the world then nxt minit hes on Eastenders jus doin stuff in albert square.
FP: You also had a Rinse FM show do you think having been able to work on this platform helped elevate your sound?
Scratcha DVA: Werkin at Rinse FM as much as i did definatly helpd 2shape hw i werk 2day in my productions. Rinse ws a place wher new sounds new crews MCs, genres always cum thru the doors and alot of the tym 1st. So at tht tym i ws dere 2006 – 2012 i ws able 2hear and learn alot. I ws able 2influence havin a daily brekfast radio show and i ws also bein influencd by the radio.
FP: For any younger enthusiasts, do you have any words of wisdom you would pass on to them for encouragement?
Scratcha DVA: Work!
FP: Scratcha it’s been a pleasure to meet you! Before we let you go is there anything you want to share with the Footpatrol and Frequent Players family?
Scratcha DVA: Fanx 4the opportunity 2share and fanx caring abt the shoes on ppls feet.
2020 has been a real turning point for us all, a year where creatives have found new ways of using their platforms to start conversation, discuss and engage in new ways with their audience through education and awareness. Another way has been through collaborations like the recently launched Converse x Denim Tears Chuck Taylor.
Awareness and change has been the topic of conversation for this year – Tremaine Emory of Denim Tears’ most recent collaborative effort with Converse portrays both of these by displaying a powerful graphical message on a very iconic silhouette.
Coming from a multi-faceted team, we want to use our platform to introduce and shine light on many of the talented creatives we discover. Many creatives are using their specialised medium not only to communicate a message, but also to amplify voices within their community.
We sat down with multi-disciplinary artist Joy Yamusangie to talk about the correlation between art and spreading a message in a peaceful yet powerful way.
Footpatrol: Joy it is lovely to meet you, how are you?
Joy Yamusangie: Today I’m good, it’s been a really unpredictable and uncertain time for many so I’m really just trying to take each day as it comes and celebrate the small joys in life.
FP: As an introduction could you share with us and also to the Footpatrol readers a bit about yourself and what you do?
JY: My name is Joy Yamusangie, I am a multidisciplinary artist based in London.
FP: What was it about Art that interested you so much to pursue it as a career?
JY: It has been something that I’ve always enjoyed since being a kid. I like working on new and exciting projects, experimenting with new mediums and connecting with other artists who love creating just as much as I do.
FP: Your work has an extremely individualistic look. How did you come up with such a distinctive style?
JY: My style feels like it is the result of all of my influences, taste, experiences, material experiments, everything over the years merged into one. It’s a reflection of everything I am.
FP: Do you think your upbringing helped nurture those ideas that you had in your head when you began?
JY: I take in everything around me as inspiration, conversations, colours, memories. So naturally, my upbringing, my family and my culture has influenced my work. At the moment, I am really interested in the stories and rituals passed down within my family and finding visual ways to document these making these personal memories permanent.
FP: The recent collaborative project between Converse & Denim Tears is one that is all about educating people on social issues & particularly pushing people to vote in the upcoming US elections. Have you ever used your artwork as an additional outlet to educate your audience on the wider spread issues in the world?
JY: Illustration has so much power, we use it for campaigns, infographics and to spread awareness. In the past I’ve used my work to talk about various issues, including the importance of voting in elections here in the UK. Sometimes images are able to communicate a message more effectively than words.
FP: Tremaine’s use of the African-American flag on one of the most iconic silhouettes of all time speaks a very powerful message, it has helped encourage the dialogue on the Black American experience today. Do you feel your creativity & work can also help start conversation and inspire change?
JY: I really admire the clear symbolism of the African-African flag and its role as a symbol outside the United States. I’d like to think that my work has the potential to at least open conversations and start discussions on the themes present in my art.
FP: What about other influences, did you have anyone that you looked up to when coming up with your pieces?
JY: Artists such as Issac Julien, Keith Haring (who had an exhibition in Liverpool that I saw in 2019) and Picasso’s ‘Blue Period’.
FP: You also produced the award piece for the London Borough of Culture, how did this opportunity come about?
JY: They reached out last year and I sent over my ideas which they really liked. I spent over a month working at Chris Bramble’s ceramic studio in north London. He taught everything I needed to know about making plaster casts and working with clay. The end result was very different from my usual 2D work but has definitely made me keen to return to clay in future.
FP: You currently have an exhibition running at Home Manchester that launched fairly recently, how has that been going?
JY: Unfortunately I haven’t been able to visit the exhibition due to covid-19, but the gallery team are lovely and have sent me pictures and lots of updates and so that I feel very involved and from what I’ve heard it’s going really well. It’s great to be able to show my work outside of London.
FP: Could you tell us a bit about the concept behind your exhibition?
JY: The exhibition is a collection of my own dreams and memories. Looking back to these moments for hints and revelations of my own future.
FP: Thank you so much for spending some time with us Joy, it’s been amazing to be able to hear your story and share it. Before we let you go, is there anything you would like to share with the Footpatrol followers?
JY: If you can’t visit the show but are interested in reading more about my exhibition Blue Glass Fortunes, I talk more about it in @thisisanartbook issue 1. I’m also working on a new series of work with an exhibition to follow which I’ll be sharing info on via my Instagram and twitter @joyyamusangie
With the halloween celebrations fast approaching, though things may be slightly different this year, one thing hasn’t changed and that’s Nike’s approach to playing dress up. Alongside there recently released Air Force 1 ‘Skeleton’ which was back for its third iteration, Nike also bring the effects of Halloween to another of their iconic silhouettes within the Air Max line up, the Air Max 95.
A day that is celebrated all over the world, a day that also highlights the perfect excuse to sit down and binge watch horror films.
This year, the Air Max 95 undoubtably hints towards the Springwood Slasher himself ‘Freddy Krueger’, dressed in a host of dark browns and blood red hues, resembaling the famous dream demons outfit. Topping it all off is the blood splatters across the heel and tongue.
Check out a closer look below and make sure to sign up to the raffles available!
To enter the ONLINE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter the LONDON IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds within 3-5 working days. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win and pick up dates. Due to current government laws surrounding Covid-19, the store is working on an appointment only basis. You will need to contact the store to make an appointment for a time during the stated pick up dates.
In 2001, Jordan Brand marked the introduction of the first non-original colourways of Air Jordan 1 to the market, with 4 colourways of the Air Jordan 1 – metallic silver/grey, navy/white, black/white and white/navy. Dubbed the ‘Japan Pack or Co Jp’, these releases were exclusive to Japan only and thus became coveted pairs due to its limited access and production. The metallic silver pair was launched with a briefcase as opposed to a standard shoe box and limited to 2001 pairs with the rest limited to 3000, this also marked the first country exclusive of Air Jordans.
In 2020, we saw the return of the Air Jordan 1 Co.Jp ‘Metallic Sliver/Neutral Grey’ return since its first rendition. Supposed to coincide with the celebrations of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Jordan Brand still went along with the release and returned to its roots of 2001 by releasing them in limited numbers with a Jordan Brand briefcase. Worldwide releases featured a silver and grey edition Jordan 1 box.
At the latter stages of 2020, Jumpman is back with the another pair from the pack in the form of the ‘Midnight Navy’ iteration. Keeping close tabs to its original form, navy suede combined with white leather create the upper with a silver Swoosh displayed on the medial and lateral side of the shoe. A white midsole and navy outsole make up the bottom portion and a Jewel wings logo on the ankle gives an updated look as the original featured a printed version. Nike Air branding on the tongue as opposed to the original Jumpman detailing features on the tongue and ‘CO.JP’ is displayed on the insoles.
To enter the ONLINE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter the LONDON IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter the PARIS IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds within 3-5 working days. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win and pick up dates. Due to current government laws surrounding Covid-19, the store is working on an appointment only basis. You will need to contact the store to make an appointment for a time during the stated pick up dates.
Being a stylist is no easy job! Keeping up with trends, influencers and knowing where to source the best pieces are only a small aspect of what is one of the most competitive industries within fashion.
Having craved her way through the masses Coco has created her own name for herself having worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. With all this being said, I wanted to hear more about Coco Mells story and find out what inspired her to pursue this career path.
Take a read and find out more about Coco Mells love for fashion and also her growing shoe collection.
Footpatrol: It’s so nice to be able to finally speak to you Coco! Before we get right into it, could you give the Footpatrol readers an introduction into who you are and what you do?
Coco Mell: Yeah sure..hey hey folk, I’m Coco Mell and I’m a fashion stylist, content curator and creative taste maker.
FP: Working in one of the most competitive industries, what was it about being a stylist that made you want to become one?
Coco Mell: To be honest, it was a case of me kind of falling into styling as supposed me actively seeking to become one. When I was trying to pinpoint a viable career choice anything in fashion HQ’s required degrees, one of which I didn’t have. So unknowingly whilst I was working in customer facing roles I managed to organically learn to construct ways to build really strong rapports with clients through my attentive and acute customer service skills.
FP: Did you see this career path taking off the way it has for you?
Coco Mell: I’d say 50/50, I’ve always been aware of the kind of person I am when it comes to me setting my sights and mind to do something. I’m relentless and beyond driven, but that being said I could never have predicted the people and the places my journey has taken me so far.
FP: When it comes to your friends, family and community do you find that they have helped influence your career?
Coco Mell: Massively so! I would actually also add culture to the list, it hugely influenced my career having been born into such deep heritage and immaterial riches. This type creatively charged me, alongside that I’ve always had the support of my mum and boyfriend especially as well as a core sisterhood, who are my biggest cheerleaders giving me their solicited opinions & advice.
FP: I know you have been able to work with some huge brands within the footwear scene. When you see your work on big billboards and advertisements how does that make you feel?
Coco Mell: The feeling is honestly indescribable, seeing your work on any scale is a hyped moment but on that magnitude is something else. It’s like knowing a little piece of me and my hard work is out there for the world to see!
FP: Did you ever have anyone you looked up within the industry when you started?
Coco Mell: Hmm not really, well at least not anyone who looked like me anyways! I grew up in an outer London suburb where representation was scarce so anyone I was looking at that I could relate too even in the slightest were on American TV at best.
FP: Do you have a significant time in your career that you always look back to and think about how good of a moment it was?
Coco Mell: That’s a tough one because every time I reach a milestone moment I’m fortunate enough to then get the opportunity to exceed it. I’ve actually got a couple things under lock and key right now that are all going to be special moments in their own rights, with a couple of firsts in there for me as well, so watch out for that!
FP: For any younger enthusiasts, do you have any words of wisdom you would pass on to them for encouragement?
Coco Mell: Don’t be afraid to bask in your small wins and celebrate yourself! I feel that with everything going on nowadays we’re all guilty of neglecting ourselves and the necessary self care that comes with it. It gets lost and seems less important within our day to day, by reflecting on this it allows you to hit pause & realign yourself 360° to then be ready to set your next goal.
FP: Let’s talk about your shoes! Have you got a big collection yourself?
Coco Mell: Biggish…it just depends on who’s counting ha. I’d say I’ve got about 250-300 give or take and lately it’s been growing at a weekly rate. So for that reason I’ve got my seasonal main rotation at home in my sneaker cupboard and the rest of the deadstock pairs that I need to be Depoping are kept in a storage space.
FP: Being a stylist do you think that has helped shape what you would buy or have there been other influences in your life?
Coco Mell: Erm I wouldn’t say entirely only because for me I’ve always liked what I like! Whether it’s the most hyped item to the masses or it’s a drop that’s being slept on, if I want something bad enough I’m going to cop it no matter who says or thinks what. I think the main area that my job has influenced me is the exposure to so many different and unique brand offerings out here globally, which in turn I’m then able to draw inspiration from creatively.
FP: Coco it has been a pleasure meeting with you, thank you for spending some time with us! Before we let you go is there anything you would like to share with the Footpatrol followers?
Coco Mell: Aww no worries at all! It’s been an absolute pleasure taking part in this campaign with you guys and Adidas, so thanks for having me and sharing a little bit about me/my story to date. And to the FP followers let’s not forget Black Lives Matter always…peace.✌🏾
