Author: Bradley Martinez
It’s nearly time to close out 2023 and thus brings an end to another year of our Frequent Players platform. From a journey through the world of dub to the warm shores of a Balearic special, we now tune into the sounds of Uncle Fats.
Someone who we’ve had on our radar for a long time now, we’re excited to finally learn more about him and his passion for music… and collectibles.
As well as handing over Guest Mix 47 for our Frequent Players platform, we close out the year with a special edition to finish the year. Also known for his online series ‘Uncle Fats Chats’, Fats sits in-front of the camera to discuss life and life experiences. For this latest episode, Uncle Fats talks to us about togetherness. A time that’s focussed around the subject. Check out the feature over on our TikTok and Youtube.
Footpatrol: Hey Fats, it’s great to be here at your home with you today! Over the years, you’ve been involved in a variety of endeavours, from music and photography to blogging and clothing production. Could you please introduce yourself to our audience and share a bit about what you do?
Fats – Thanks for coming by, so my name is Fats Shariff, aka Fatsarazzi,aka Uncle Fats.
Yes for real I have done many things & worn many hats. I like to say I am a Jack of All, Master of some when it comes to our industry. I have done many things in my long Career & have had the privilege of working with some of the Pioneers of what we term ‘Streetwear’ today. But throughout that I have always been doing clothing production, that is at my Core. My family was in the Business since the 60’s & guess it rubbed off on Me. This is where I am the mad professor hah. I know production inside and out. A blessing & a curse sometimes. However we still managed to work with some amazing people & clients who have all gone on to do big things
FP: It must have been incredibly exciting in those early years, being part of this melting pot with influential brands and individuals who still hold sway today. Back then, did you ever envision the heights it could reach?
FS – It was an amazing time, imagine no internet, so you had to travel & be dedicated to the game to see & absorb all that was going on in The States, Japan & London. I don’t think we thought we would be where we are today with many Labels now being at the Forefront of what is Fashion these days. There is no way at the time you would have thought ‘Stussy’ & ‘Dior’ team up. For me I was so in the moment & excited to be pushing boundaries & creating a new genre of clothing. Truth be told, it was not till I got to Japan in 1994 that I really saw what could happen. In Tokyo they were not messing around & they already knew & were putting our Genre on the Map.
FP: What was it that led you to delve into photography and blogging, documenting the era and environment you were in?
FS – my dream was always to be a Photographer in Tokyo…from the age of 16-17 – that is what I wanted to do. So I studied photography…did all the work & then didn’t do it. I went into the clothing business. But on that trip in 1994 to Japan, I was introduced to the 1st Casio Digital camera & this programme/software called Photoshop & boom I was back. That is where the real birth of FATSARAZZI came from that trip. I am so into technology & this totally blew me away. From that moment I was shooting everything. Through the notoriety of Fatsarazz & who I was producing for i was approached by, Slam X Hype, Hypebeast & Highsnobiety plus a few more to. I would blog about different things on different blogs. I even got called ‘The Blog Father’ after a while. But that all ended for me when I found out that most of the blogs were owned by ECKO & he we all were giving our Ideas & thoughts for Free. As for continuing to take pictures, it was always there. I would travel a lot with Stash & Futura, shot a lot of early days with them at shows & openings here & there. It was Acyde & Steve Bryden that got me to put my photography out there. At the time apple had a free website application. So I chose a template & uploaded a lot of pictures from my Travels, but a lot of our own scene, Bond, the Bench & all the good stuff we used to do. The website crashed on launch as too many people were on it. I blew the bandwidth hah. That is when Fatsarazzi & my Photography took off. I was doing all of this for me. No fees, as I was earning all my living from Clothing Production. So it was a passion & a lot more fun. There was always something going on.
FP: Now, with No Brand Apparel as your current business and working with emerging brands and individuals, does it remind you of your early days?
FS – Good question. It is different now, but I am still excited & inspired to be working with these new brands. Thanks to my son Che (my business partner & Guru) we have a lot of amazing new labels coming through our door. Between his current know how & my knowledge of the industry we offer new labels a solid base to start their journey. The excitement never changes with me, I am inspired by the labels we work with. They do things differently, & that is what I like. I am learning new ways to do the same thing. Keeps me on my toes & always at the forefront of it all. Plus nice to know that I still have a lot to offer, but also learning new techniques everyday.
FP: Back when you were blogging, it was ahead of the social media era. How do you see today’s young brands and individuals using platforms like social media to propel themselves further and reach new heights?
FS – Social Media has broadened the exposure horizon, but I also feel it makes it harder for you to stand out. Brands need to find their handwriting before they walk the walk on Social. There are so many that many try to emulate. So once you find that Handwriting, Following & more importantly your Product lives up to it. You are good to go. Bening involved with PATTA & seeing how we have a whole division working on this tells you how much things have changed. The Marketing & Social teams are what used to be your Salesman. They have to be so good as this is the prime window for Sales. But what I 100% like, is the using of the tools available to make things work for you. We never had that. You can have a presence on social media in a matter of seconds once you have your product & media ready. We had to go to sell our product at shows, & retail was king, We would travel to other countries to buy product. Now, all available in the pal of your hand. Social Media is now Part of the Human Experience. It cannot be ignored & has to be part of the growth strategy.
FP: Listening to your Frequent Players mix, it’s so varied in terms of genres and really took us on a journey. Could you delve a bit more into the selection process behind the mix?
FS – Thanks for the kind words. You nailed it there, my mixes are about a Journey. There is so much good music out there, & being an eclectic listener & collector, I like to put it all together in my own way & hope it all flows & keeps the listener tuned in. The mixture of sounds & genres makes for a more interesting & engaging experience. I would like all to be guessing as to where I go next. My Vinyl collection goes everywhere, & is like a Diary for me. I know where I was when I bought each piece. Also being from such a multi cultural, genetic background I like to express that in my mixes also. I hope your listeners will like it & if they want to hear more I have a monthly show on ECHOBOX.RADIO in NL – Uncle Fats Far Out Sounds – says it all really hah.
FP: Similar to your music choice, your fashion sense is an eclectic mix of styles. What influences your fashion choices?
FS – Wow, how do I answer that? I don’t know really, my Mum has always said I am a cross between a Peacock & a Maharaja. I like that hah. There was a time when I described my style as a ‘Mafia B Boy’, but today I see what I like & just manage to put it together where it works. I am inspired a lot by Movies & Art. Vintage is a big thing for me also, this is the most Sustainable fashion that exists & we should be wearing more & more.
FP: If you had to describe your style in just three words, what would they be?
FS – Hmmm ? Eclectic Ivy Dandy ! There you go, that will do hah.
FP: You’ve recently started Uncle Fats Chats, a platform where you share words of wisdom on life, work, rest, play, and much more. What inspired you to launch this platform?
FS – this is something that i have wanted to do for a long time & finally started it at the beginning of this year 2023. I have been through so much in my life that I wanted to share some of this experience. Whether it be Business, our Industry or Life in General. Plus I have few tales to tell too, I have had some silly times with some great people. I hope by telling my tales & outlooks that not only I better myself, but perhaps I can help a few people along the way. I have no qualifications other than my life, being a Parent, being a Business Owner, knowing the Ins & Outs of this Game of Ours. Plus I have been on a pretty philosophical & spiritual journey in my life, that there are a few pearls to share. Let alone being a person of colour & the challenges that that has brought throughout my life. But all in all it is about positivity, to see the good & find tools to navigate the path to a place of calm & joy for all of us.
FP: And when it comes to Uncle Fats Chats, how do you determine which stories to share on the platform? Additionally, do you have a favorite story or piece of wisdom that you’ve shared to date?
FS – The stories come to me & I make a list & work through them. I used to have a long list of subjects to cover. But I have found that when I go with what I feel & experience l from day to day, are the chats that work better. They are more spontaneous, & rarely have a script or bullet points to cover. Actually, the Uncle Fats Chats I am doing for Foot Patrol is the 1st time in a long time that I have listed pro’s & con’s for the subject. I have only done this before when it comes to one to one sessions, where you have to hear, list & then apply my outlooks to the situation, otherwise it is mostly freestyle. As for a favourite piece, I just did one on the book ‘The Prophet’ – I talk about the book a little & how it is one of my go to books, but this was more about my Dad. He gave me the book when I went travelling, I was so shocked that my Dad had this book let alone read it. My Dad was poles apart from the Philosophy of this Book. It showed me a whole side to my Dad. We had a troubled relationship, my father & I, but this Book always reminded me that he had this Book & read it & therefore some of this must be in him. I have a series that I do hashtagged #dadstories always a tale of Dad, some good, some bad, but these help me find peace with my father & the traumas I carry from him. I also do this for my Son’s as they need to see & hear that it is good to be open, it is good to talk & share a challenge, rather that sit alone & fester in your own thoughts.
FP: As this interview is going out over the festive period, a time known for togetherness and being with family, you’re doing a special Uncle Fats Chats feature for Footpatrol on this but how does an ideal festive period look for you?
FS – may I say thanks for asking me to do an Uncle Fats Chats Special for Footpatrol, means a lot. For me, I like the total opposite of what it is, where I am now I just want to chill the F out !.
The Holiday Season is always busy for our family, Xmas Day is at Mickey’s (my ex wife’s) house, all of us together, 26th we then do the same at my Mum’s, but we do Indian Food hah, & the 27th is my 2nd son Solo’s birthday. So non-stop for us. I know that sounds a bit bah humbug & all that, but sometimes wish it was a little more chill. Thankfully we all get along so it is always fun in the end.
FP: Thank you for your time today. To wrap up, what is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation?
FS – Thank you ! In closing, I would say never be afraid to ask for help or for that next big step. If you get a no, you are no worse off than when you started, but if you get a Yes, it can all change for you. Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you asking & moving forward. If we do not fail we never learn. But remember failure is easy, that teaches. Success, now that is a challenge, as you need to maintain & keep the success going. Not that it can’t take you all the way, but you have to work at Scucces, it needs feeding & nurturing. Succeed has to evolve for it to continue and Damn it I am still learning this everyday. Life is a Rollercoaster. Twist’s, Turn’s, High’s & Low’s, but what an Amazing Ride. Thank you FP & Be well.
It’s that time of the year again where we sit down with the team to discuss our ‘Shoes of the Year’.
As always, it leads to a lot of debate and not one person can agree on one shoe. We see this as the beauty of sneakers. Everyones different tastes and styles will mean it would be very rare for someone to have the same pick. A great declaration for individuality!
This year, the team kept things mixed. With a great mixture of inline and collaborative product. Subdued colour ways to outlandish cheetah prints, the team were very clearly varied! Some even turned their SOTY’s into a forever shelf shoe with the addition of getting their pair signed. That was of course the Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6.
Head over to our Instagram post to let us know what you chose as your shoe of the year!
Sneaker culture has long been the province of men. Attend any sneaker conference or weekly store drop and you’ll notice the crowd is almost completely composed of young men. And while there is a huge number of devoted female sneakerheads out there – a market that has been valued at 79 billion dollars and growing – major sportswear brands have continued to underserve this consumer group for years. Whereas men have long enjoyed a diverse product offering, their female counterparts have often been left with hand-me-down versions of men’s products made in smaller sizes and released in more feminine colours. But a growing number of womenswear brands, that specialise in the feminine and whimsical are suddenly dipping their toes into the sneaker culture and squashing the “shrink it and pink it” design philosophy that has plagued the industry for years.
Over the past year, names like Simone Rocha, Cecilie Bahnsen and Kiko Kostadinov’s womenswear creative directors, Laura and Deanna Fanning have envisioned a completely new vision for sneakers that tap into the mentality of the modern female sneakerhead. Rocha for example added her trademark touch of romantic elegance by embellishing a pair of cream-coloured lambskin ballet pumps with glass pearls. These coquettish designs, chimed with this year’s #balletcore wave which saw Ballerina footwear options like Mary Janes, flats and pumps become a go-to style for many women. The Fanning twins Hybrid Ballerina Flats and Pink Ribbon Hybrid trainers at Kiko are a great example of how the trend further plays out in sneaker culture. The Smooth-grain leather shoes with self-tie fastening ankle straps are fused with sneaker sole technology to create an unexpected mix of romance and performance. It’s no surprise the trainers are the proverbial hotcakes of the sneaker world.
While these independent labels have successfully cracked the code with their own branded sneakers, others are collaborating with established sneaker brands as a way to bring their dreamy designs to life. Cecilie Bahnsen’s alignment with ASICS has been a huge hit. Pushing the boundaries between intricate couture detailing and technical function, the Copenhagen-based designer fuses her feminine DNA with ASIC’s technical expertise. The debut SS23 collection included seven collaborative sneakers including the ASICS GEL-1130 and GEL-1090, each of which was covered with cut-out applique flowers that added a soft meadow-like feel to the 90s runners.
“I’ve always been drawn to the juxtaposition between something that is hyper-feminine with elements that are more technical and sportive,” Bahnsen told Elle of her design process. She reveals that it was the style of the girls in her atelier and community that inspired the capsule, specifically, ”how they style the collection for everyday wear, often pairing a big poufy dress with denim and trainers.” The designer adds: “It felt like a natural decision to collaborate with ASICS, finding common ground between our two distinct universes. I want our community to feel the same wearing our ASICS sneakers as they would wearing one of our voluminous dresses—simultaneously elevated and effortless.”
Her intuition proved right with the sneakers getting swept up by her loyal fans and ASICS inviting Bahnsen back for the second season. This time round she re-interpreted the ASICS’ GT-2160 trainer, one in pink and white and the other in blue and silver — with both featuring straps across the laces detailed with elegant floral patterning, as typical of the brand handwriting.
Salomon is another label that has been opening the doors to its archive to a growing roster of female designers. From Comme des Garcons platform PULSAR ADVANCED to Sandy Liang’s playful pink XT-6 Expanse, and PHILEO’s most recent XT-SP, which is adorned with a soft and tactile knitted upper, these creative collaborations completely reimagine Salomon’s products outside of the gorpcore realm that helped popularise it within streetwear some six years ago.
Speaking on this new era of hyper-femme sneakers, Hannah de Silva, co-founder of Gorp Girls says, “I love that I am able to bring my sporty side out but in a more delicate and feminine way.” Though she typically wears traditional hiking styles when out on hikes with her community in the city she likes to style something totally different. “This sneaker trend allows me to blend the two worlds in a way that fits my personal style,” she says going on to reveal that a pair of Simone Rocha’s is her favourite pair right now. “I love to wear my Simone Rochas with tights or dainty socks to show off the cute cross ribbon detail. But on days I want to be super comfy, a pair of baggy jeans also work!”
Aside from the popular #balletcore crossover, what makes these sneaker drops so successful is the fact that most of them are exclusive to women’s sizing, with the exception of Cecille Bahnsen’s whose ASICS collab included a full size runs up to men’s. Titi Finlay, who is a creative for Nike and has been collecting sneakers for years explained to Pop Sugar that sizing has been one of the main issues where the industry lacks in terms of inclusivity. “To give some context on sizing, the majority of the time, the hype sneakers only release in a UK6 and upwards, so people with smaller feet (mostly women) miss out on so many great releases. There is sometimes a grade-school (GS) version released alongside the adults’ drop, but these usually have cheaper materials or altered design features. It’s frustrating not to be recognised in that sense, and I’d love to see brands work on releasing sneakers in a full-size run for all the drops.”
There are of course some brands that have been loyally serving female sneaker fanatics with the type of feminine-focused styles that are taking over right now. Comme des Garçons longstanding collaboration with Nike is perhaps the best example of this, serving up obscure styles like the Premier Heeled Lace-Up Sneakers in AW21 as well as the Iced-Out Nike Shox Models for SS19 which featured delicate frayed accents alongside statement metal chains.
Martine Rose is another Swoosh luminary who has consciously kept inclusivity at the heart of her seasonal collaborations. Crossing fashion with sport, the London-based designer perfectly merged classic formalwear with the renowned look of Nike Shox to create one of the best unisex sneakers of the past few years. To further emphasise the focus on women in football, Rose rolled out the collab during the UEFA Women’s EURO tournament. It’s a game-winning formula that’s as disruptive as it is revolutionary, which is why you can find pairs reselling for as much as Thanks $600.
Given the hype around the movement and a growing appetite for gender fluid fashion among young consumers, its natural these footwear styles are attracting a broader audience. “We’re excited to see where these trends head not only women’s sneaker fashion but also how guys take to it too,” says Jake, Footpatrol who note the shifting attitudes in the sneaker world from a boys club to something more inclusive. “Female collaborators are being welcomed by some of the biggest sportswear names and it’s opening up the space for females to be expressive and inclusive to everyone who loves sneakers,” they say. They highlight the recent Sandy Liang and PHILEO Salomon collaborations which both bring a softer, often pinkier tone to what is normally a rugged outdoor offering. “But that said, it hasn’t stopped the guys being drawn to it whereas before, things may have been a bit more gender specific.”
Customisation is another element that is helping bolster the trend on social media. The Queen of sneaker upgrades Caterina Mongillo aka metagirl.studio has been going viral on Tiktok and IG with her eye-catching shoe designs which include styles like New Balance 1906R’s adorned with pearls, lace and ruffle embellishments. Her innovative approach, infusing femininity into sneakers, forges connections with an entirely new audience within the sneaker realm. sofiamcoelho who is one of the lucky few to secure a pair of the one-of-one designs, plays into the romantic feel of the sneakers by styling them with feminine pairings like lace skirts and ruffle accent socks.
Speaking with Knockturnal on how her femininity inspires her designs Mongillo says “I adore sneakers, but I couldn’t find any that exuded the level of femininity I was looking for, so I created them.” Having started out as marketing manager at adidas, she was all too familiar with issues of gender inclusivity in the footwear industry. “Throughout my career in corporate settings, there were people advising against making them ‘too girly’ and discouraging the idea of “shrink it and pink it,” as if there was shame in producing hyper-feminine shoes,” she says going on to detail femininity has historically struggled to gain validation in a predominantly male-dominated sneaker world. “Personally, femininity holds great significance for me, and I express it through my designs. If we aim for a more equitable society, there should be no shame in incorporating hyper-feminine elements into footwear.”
Though Mongillo has been tapped by big name brands like adidas and Vans, she says there are a lot of creative constraints when it comes to working with corporations. “It’s important to respect a brand’s provided strategy framework; however, when there are too many constraints and rules, they hinder the authenticity of the creative process,” she says. “The key difference lies in the final outcome. I might have a well-thought-out concept, but even minor alterations during execution can dilute the core essence of the concept. Given the success of her designs and growing demand for female-first sneakers, she hopes that corporations will level the playing field when it comes gender disparity and stop shaming female designers who want to incorporate hyper-feminine elements into footwear.
Last week saw the return of the ‘Lunar’ technology. An absentee from Nikes arsenal for a number of years now, the technology burst back on to the scene with the Lunar Roam ‘Alabaster’. A sleek, streamlined silhouette, the Lunar Roam proves to keep people happy with a number of hark backs to previous fan favourite Nikes. With the Lunar midsole in an eye-catching yellow, the upper is a tribute to the old Flywire technology. It’s definitely a refreshing way to end ’23.
To celebrate this, we took over the entire Royal Greenwich Observatory for a lunar exploration and invited you along for the journey. With food and drink on tap, we headed into the planetarium for an in-depth look into our solar system with one of their astronomers.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, take a closer look at the events below and make sure to take a closer look at the Nike Lunar Roam ‘Alabaster’ here.
Straight from the design boards within New Balance HQ, the New Balance WRPD Runner aims to blur the lines when it comes to retro running inspiration and modern design. Continuing their exploration within traditional craftsmanship, NB seamlessly blend this with the latest technology to make sure this newest silhouette for a conceptual design that has the legs to last.
With a sculptured aesthetic with a minimalist approach, we headed out to East London to meet Justas Silkauskas, founder of Autotelic Objects. Much like New Balance, Justas brings a modern day approach to a traditional craft. Much like the full length Fuelcell within the WRPD Runner, Justas uses these modern technologies to enhance the traditional craft of ceramics to create unique everyday objects. Everyday objects that when using creates special experiences to the holder.
From initial doodles on paper, to 3D printed variations to test and perfect designs, Justas only then takes to the method of Slip Casting. We catch up with him to better understand this process and how he’s developed these methods to suit his craft
Footpatrol: Hey Justas, thanks for letting us come down and visit the studio today. First and foremost, how’s your year been?
Justas Silkauskas: It’s been a dynamic and creative year for me, filled with exciting projects and collaborations. I’ve been pushing the boundaries of my craft and exploring new designs.
FP: For those of our audience who may not be aware, could you give us an insight into you and the world of ‘Autotelic Objects’?
JS: “Autotelic” is a term that embodies the essence of self-driven purpose and intrinsic motivation. In my creative journey, “autotelic” encapsulates my philosophy—a personal drive and intrinsic motivation that brings fulfillment and meaning to my craft. For me, it signifies a deep passion for creating art for the sheer joy of it, propelled by an internal desire to delve into innovative techniques and challenge the limits of traditional craftsmanship. The outcome is a collection of unique and meaningful objects that represent the essence of my creative exploration.
FP: What we found unique about you and your work was your processes. We feel like you’re blending modern technologies with an old traditional craft. From paper with hand drawn designs, 3D printing methods and then clay.
How do these processes benefit your work? Does it allow you to create more obscure objects?
JS: Combining these processes allows me to experiment with different materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what’s traditionally possible. The synergy of old and new methods enables me to create objects that are not only visually intriguing but also functionally unique. It opens up a realm of possibilities for creating truly distinctive and obscure pieces.
FP: It’s great to see people teaching and perfecting self-taught skills like you and slipcasting. Could you give us an insight into this method?
JS: Slipcasting is a technique I’ve honed through self-teaching. It involves pouring liquid clay into molds, allowing for the creation of intricate and detailed forms. The process allows me to reproduce designs with precision, giving each piece a consistent quality while maintaining the handcrafted essence.
FP: How has the transition been from self-taught to having products sold and available in some very notable stores? A bit surreal?
JS: The transition has been incredibly rewarding and, yes, a bit surreal. Seeing my creations on shelves in renowned stores is a testament to the dedication and passion I’ve poured into perfecting my craft. It motivates me to continue evolving and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
FP: What’s some of the difficulties when it comes to this method? Does it come down to the mould itself, the slip or is it like most crafts they all need to be in sync to be perfect?
JS: Each step in slipcasting requires meticulous attention. The mold design, the consistency of the slip, and the casting process all play crucial roles. Achieving perfection requires a harmonious balance of these elements, and any deviation can pose challenges. It’s a delicate dance that demands precision.
FP: The thing with all of your designs is that they all seem to have a functional element as well as an aesthetically pleasing design. Is this a must for you when it comes to sitting down and thinking of the next concept or can looks sometimes take lead over function?
JS: Functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand for me. I believe that objects should not only be visually appealing but also serve a purpose. The challenge lies in finding the perfect equilibrium between form and function, creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also enrich the user’s experience.
FP: What’s the next design you’re aiming to come up with or shall we stay locked to your socials…? 👀
JS: I’m always exploring new concepts, and you can definitely stay tuned to my socials for exciting updates. There are some innovative designs in the pipeline that I can’t wait to share with the world.
FP: So we’re with you today to celebrate the launch of the New Balance WRPD RNR in the brown/black colourway. What drew me to you and this silhouette was the sculptural aspect of the midsole and the curves. It reminded me of your Pourer.
Is there anything else away from ceramics that you’d like to apply your design skills?
JS: Ceramics will always be at the core of my work, but I’m intrigued by the idea of exploring design in different realms. Whether it’s collaborating on unique designs or venturing into other materials, I’m open to expanding the horizons of Autotelic Objects.
FP: I think that’s it from us… A huge thank you once again for allowing us to come down and document you and your work. It’s been a real insight to see the combination of technologies and traditional handcrafted techniques come together.
JS: Thank you for visiting! It’s been a pleasure sharing my creative journey with you. I look forward to more exciting projects and collaborations in the future.
Footpatrol: We tend to leave this last question up to our interviewee to share anything they have coming up or to share some inspiration to our audience
JS: Keep an eye out for upcoming releases and collaborations. I draw inspiration from the world around me, and I encourage everyone to find beauty in the intersection of tradition and innovation. Stay curious and keep creating.
Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting our second disability history month event alongside, Open Book and Two Times Elliott. Dubbed, Inclusive Access 23.
Featuring a fantastic line up of panelists that consisted of, Carly Tait, Richard Whitehead MBE, Amy Conroy and Ashley Archer. Our conversation focused around the topic of Disability Within Sport, with the aim to discuss how we can be more inclusive, look after your wellbeing and help encourage the next generation to participate in any form of physical activity.
It was a privilege for everyone at Footpatrol to host this event for the second year in a row and we hope to keep the momentum going into 2024, and keep pushing our all inclusive community at the forefront of these conversations.
If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry! We got the recap right here for you below…
Renowned for its groundbreaking technology and a rich history rooted in the pursuit of excellence, Vibram has not only transformed the world of outdoor and athletic footwear but has also left an indelible mark on the fashion industry.
Vibram’s story begins in 1937 when Italian mountaineer Vitale Bramani faced a tragic climbing accident in the Italian Alps. Determined to prevent such tragedies in the future, Bramani set out to create a sole that could offer superior traction on various terrains. In 1938, he founded Vibram, a portmanteau of his own name and “bramare,” an Italian word meaning “to crave” or “to yearn.”
Bramani’s invention, the Vibram Carrarmato, revolutionised the industry by introducing a lug sole with durable rubber compounds. Over the years, Vibram continued to refine its designs, collaborating with outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and footwear manufacturers to develop soles that delivered exceptional grip and durability.
At the heart of Vibram’s success lies its commitment to technological advancement. The company’s relentless pursuit of excellence has led to the development of high-performance rubber compounds and innovative sole designs. The Vibram FiveFingers, introduced in the early 2000s, marked a paradigm shift in minimalist footwear, providing a unique and natural feel while maintaining the protection and grip Vibram is renowned for.
Vibram’s Arctic Grip and Megagrip technologies have further solidified its reputation for unparalleled traction. Arctic Grip excels on icy surfaces, making it a game-changer for winter footwear, while Megagrip provides outstanding grip on wet and dry surfaces, catering to a wide range of outdoor activities.
Beyond its roots in outdoor and athletic footwear, Vibram has also had its fivefinger toes dipped in the fashion industry. The distinctive appearance of Vibram soles has become a design element in its own right, embraced by fashion designers seeking to infuse their creations with a touch of performance and functionality.
High-end fashion brands and avant-garde designers have collaborated with Vibram to create statement pieces that seamlessly merge style and performance. The juxtaposition of Vibram soles with luxury materials and cutting-edge designs has resulted in unique and eye-catching footwear that blurs the lines between function and fashion.
The streetwear scene, in particular, has embraced Vibram as a symbol of authenticity and performance. Sneaker collaborations featuring Vibram soles have become highly sought after, appealing to consumers who value both aesthetics and functionality in their footwear.
Vibram’s journey from the slopes of the Italian Alps to the forefront of the fashion world is a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. The brand’s rich history, coupled with its cutting-edge technology, has not only transformed the outdoor and athletic footwear landscape but has also permeated the fashion industry, influencing the design ethos of high-end brands and captivating the imagination of fashion-forward consumers.
Closing out ’23, we’re teaming up with ASICS for an end of year celebration to ask what ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ means to you.
At the heart of Footpatrol is our diverse community. We continuously look to find avenues that give back and on this occasion we need your help!
Who was that person that went above and beyond to help you this year? Has someone stood out and done great things for your community? Let us know.
Head over to our recent Instagram post and make sure to tag them in the comments. They could be in with the chance of joining us for a private end of year dinner at Silo.
Speaking of Silo… Last week, we headed out to Hackney Wick to visit the Silo team. World renowned for their methods, they took us behind the scenes to get a greater understanding of what makes Silo so special. What makes them special we hear you ask? Imagine opening a restaurant and ‘Not having a bin’. Well this is something artist Joost Bakker wanted to explore with Silo’s chef and owner Douglas, creating the worlds first zero waste restaurant. Bringing you along for the journey, we wanted to promote a healthy mind and body and ask the question of sustainability and health.
Now back to the ASICS mantra of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’. We’ve celebrated many conversational topics this year, from disability awareness to mental health and wanted to continue by exploring this idea with you, the community.
Footpatrol: Team Silo, thanks for hosting us down at the restaurant today to meet the team ahead of our community give back dinner with ASICS to celebrate ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’. Could you give our audience an introduction to Silo and what makes it such an innovative space within the food industry?
James, Silo: Thank you so much for coming to visit, we are really excited to be collaborating!
Well, Silo is a restaurant without a bin. This statement has become our guiding principle, forcing us to work backwards in eliminating waste from our food system. We create everything on the menu from ingredients in their whole form, cutting out over-processing and dood moles, whilst preserving the integrity of the ingredients we treasure. The restaurant is in constant evolution as a consequence.
Footpatrol: So as you’re aware, we’re down at Silo celebrating our community and those who have particularly helped others throughout the year. Inline with ASICS, we’re exploring the idea of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’, a mantra they’ve had since their early beginnings and stay true to to this day.
Could you and the team give us your interpretations to the idea of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ and how you look to create this within your everyday life?
James Pritchard, Restaurant Manager: The interconnection between mind and body is undeniable. The rhythm and different shift types working in hospitality really make you realise that. Eating healthy food allows the body to get its nutrients but also for us to feel good and this is reflected in how clearly we think and process information, especially as I get older, this is more and more true. In recent years, I have discovered yoga and meditation and i am a better person for that. Mental Health is something more and more talked about and nearly as much as physical health nowadays but really they go hand in hand on lots of levels.
Katya Lukina, Front of House: For me, the priority is keeping a sound mind because then everything else will follow. When my mind is overstimulated and stressed out, I can tell my body is in the same gear; my abdomen tenses up and I get pulled into not so helpful habits like eating junk food. Being at peace in your head makes it so much easier to navigate through life in a more healthy way. I find it that I tend to have fewer cravings and appreciate doing things that require more discipline. But equally, sometimes all it takes is a walk around the park to clear the mind. So I guess it’s a two-way street really.
Eloise Pontefract, Head of Drinks and Sustainability: Working in hospitality, it has never been more important for me to consider Sound Mind, Sound Body, and keep these in balance with each other. We work long, often late hours so it is hugely important to prioritise rest and relaxation. On my days off I like to spend time in the kitchen cooking something tasty which I think nourishes mind as well as body. Myself and my colleagues have been going to a community sauna once a week before work which is amazing for clearing the mind and soothing tired muscles (shout out Hackney Wick Community Sauna!). I also find the cycle to and from work helps to clear my mind of any worries or stresses from the day. I think spending time in nature is really important for my mental health so I try to do this as much as possible, even in London.
Sophie Black, Floor Manager: Having a sound mind and body is intricately connected with others when you work as part of a restaurant team. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by caring individuals who all do their best to uplift one another on days when a sound mind is harder to maintain! That being said, during a busy week of restaurant activity lots of people need your attention and it can sometimes be tricky to feel grounded as an individual. I’ve found that it helps to start my days off with an exercise class that holds a lot of my focus, like yoga or boxing.
Julia Kuniewicz, Front of House: The body and the mind are physical vessels for the human experience. The food on our plates is a representation of whole universes interacting with each other — charged with networks of connection, intergenerational wisdom and reserves of energy. Eating it is just another way to practice, to connect and to be. Silo’s ethos is exactly that food is friendship, environment, and the world, always in motion and interconnected. To feel sound in my body and mind over food is to embody and honour those connections.
Also joining our lineup of incredibly creative women who are more than a sneakerhead, we have sneaker artist Stella Stockbridge.
We got up close & personal with Stella, the self-taught portraiture artist who’s forever pushing the boundaries on what sneakers are and what they can be, we got to learn more about her love for graffiti and street culture.
“I choose sneakers as my canvas because I just love them so much, they allow me to express myself in ways I don’t always feel I’m able to verbally.
I feel like the industry is becoming more inclusive slowly, but there still needs to be a lot of work. There’s so many brands that don’t do inclusive sizing and there’s not very many female designers on internal teams, so I’d like to see a lot more of that, and I hope the future will be a little bit more female dominated.”
We asked Stella what brands could do to level the playing field a bit more… “I just feel like there should be more opportunities for females to get involved, like the amount of sneakers I see that are made for women that are just not what women want at all. I feel like we need to have female input in designs and go back and let them be part of the process from the beginning.
I feel like the future will become more inclusive and diverse, and I really hope there’s more creativity that’s gonna be involved within the sneaker community. I definitely see it going that way.”
We asked Stella which designers or brands are exciting for her at the moment: “I just got my first pair of Helen Kirkham shoes and I love them so much. I got the GEL-LYTE IIIs I think they are, and I opened them and I was like, oh my god, I love them so much, they’re so creative and so unique, and I really wanna see more of that kind of stuff in the industry.
It just feels nice to be heard and represented in the community and to see someone that’s had similar experiences to me and (also looks like me!)
When it comes to those who inspire me in the community, I love Nicole McLaughlin’s work. It’s just really cool and so creative. I think Helen Kirkum’s gotta be on there as well of course. And my friend Mel, (@mlcka) she does these really cool sneaker sculpture creations, and it’s just crazy – and I feel like the industry’s just gonna get more and more creative.
I’m more than a sneakerhead because I bring colour and creativity to the game, and allow everyone to express themselves with their sneakers.”
For fall 23, we embrace the nostalgic vibes of the early 2000s with our latest collaboration with PUMA, focusing on the Velophasis silhouette. This latest coming together pays homage to the ‘Y2K’ fashion trend that emerged in that era, blending various styles from sleek and minimalistic to outright outlandish.
The Footpatrol x PUMA Velophasis merges futuristic design elements with a modern runner silhouette, capturing the essence of the Y2K trend. From a futuristic colour palette of metallic silver and icy blue hues, the heavy use of translucent material and squishy gel branded heel logos (inspired by the inflatable furniture craze of the late 90s/early 2000s), or the reflective under-layers beneath the air mesh panels, all elements add to the attention to detail.
To enhance the early 2000s aesthetic, we went a step further by creating visuals reminiscent of console game demo discs found in computer game print magazines (complete with nostalgic menu button sound effects). The visuals are a trip down memory lane which includes an old school menu system categorised into Metal, Gel, and Ice elements, come together with a soundtrack that transports you back in time.
Shop tehe PUMA x Footpatrol Velophasis in-store and online here!
