Tag: footpatrol
Last week saw us bring back our in-store events at our London store! For feels like forever, we had the great opportunity of being the UK’s only stockist of The Hartcopy Journal – Volume 1. To celebrate, we invited down creative lead, Sam Le Roy for an in-store launch and signing event.
Acting as a digital documentation of all things within street culture, especially sneakers, Hartcopy became a go to digital platform where you’d walk away having learned something new! Now for 2022, they enter into the world of print with their first publication… because print definitely isn’t dead!
A massive thank you to all of those who came down for the evening, managed to pick up a book, joined us for a drink and said hello! Not only did we have a display on show of some of the footwear within the book, but you all pulled out the stops with your on foot selections. Take a closer look below and we’ll hopefully see you all again soon.
And for those who missed it, we recently caught up with Sam prior to the launch to learn more about Hartcopys journey and how it all began, CLICK HERE to read more.
JJESS KNOWS HER PLACE
JJESS’ music has been making waves for many reasons. Her DJ sets feature musical transitions that feel more like spatial shifts, spanning geographies and genres. These mixes create a sonic crosshatch, weaving techno beats with Afro house, big name artists with avant-garde sound.
This multi-genre trademark is the offshoot of creative ingenuity. But it’s also a reflection of Jess’s interdisciplinary approach to work and life, an unwavering tenacity to find her place within a variety of spaces, even those that might feel inaccessible.
Growing up in east London, Jess established her DJ career after leaving university in 2017. Since then, she’s navigated the music industry from all angles, working in radio production, playing clubs and festivals, and curating a professional identity online.
“My background’s in radio,” Jess tells me. “That’s actually how I got into DJing. I was working with [people] that played so many different genres of music. It opened my ears and my mind to all the different sounds out there.”
Despite early exposure to the industry, Jess tells me a sense of belonging took time; “I always wanted to DJ, I just didn’t really know how to start. I still didn’t feel like I could call myself a DJ […] for a few years.” This separation came from a feeling of inaccessibility. As a Black woman navigating a predominantly white cis-male industry, Jess recalls feeling anxious in certain spaces: “It was as though I didn’t really belong [in them].”
But a deep love of music pushed Jess to make accessible what had previously felt exclusive. “I’d never seen [music] as a career […] but I’ve always been surrounded by it. My dad was heavily into collecting CD’s and buying sound systems”.
Starting work in radio production for the BBC was a way in, though Jess describes the constraints it had on her creativity. This encouraged her to navigate the industry on her own; “I wanted to explore how the different sounds in my head could sound to others […] explore my own avenues and work on my own terms.” By carving out spaces that once felt unattainable, Jess has found creative agency and a stronger sense of identity.
“That sense [of not belonging] can sometimes consume you […] but I just remember why I started. I wanted to be the DJ that elicited that same feeling I felt when I was listening to a set.”
Since the pandemic, the spaces which Jess moves in have shifted. Clubs have closed and digital platforms are taking over, forcing creatives to navigate more uncharted territory; “Social media is tricky, because it feels like so many opportunities come from [these spaces],” says Jess. “It’s just another place where I need to present a certain image of myself, and you can get lost in that”.
But despite these shifts, Jess takes new spaces in her stride. I ask her where she feels most creative – playing out in clubs, recording in a studio, or sharing her work online. She tells me she likes a balance. Playing out allows her to build a community: “I want my shows to be […] a place to discover new music”. And in the digital sphere, she cites playlisting as another means of sharing with that audience: “it [allows me] to be that kind of discovery platform for others”.
This open dialogue is something Jess treasures in her work with the Girls Can’t DJ (GCDJ) collective, an initiative showcasing women and non-binary artists by giving them the platforms to network and perform. “Jords, who runs GCDJ, has been amazing at giving women the space to have certain conversations about things we all go through [in this industry],” says Jjess “Having that [space] to share things, it’s super important. It’s just made me feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
Jess recognises the importance of these outlets now more than ever, with the post-pandemic landscape favouring mainstream venues. “Spaces for women, for people in the LGBTQ+ community, it’s just almost non-existent. I’m hoping small clubs will start re-opening but it all comes down to funding”.
We talk about stagnant discussions to this effect. Every year within the music scene, Jess tells me, “We have the same conversation, that there’s not enough women on festival lineups. But nobody’s doing anything about it”.
Despite her evident frustration, Jess maintains a calm demeanour as we talk. I’m struck by this pragmatic sense of hope, a sign Jess hasn’t simply found her place, but is becoming that space for others. “I’ve always said, if anyone has any questions, just ask me. Slide into my DMs. I know that’s really scary, but I want people to feel comfortable enough to talk about these things”.
In this way, JJESS’ music becomes a conversation. Despite the divisions between Jess’s physical, digital, and sonic environments, she’s found ways to bridge the versions of herself that inhabit each space.
“It’s a very interesting thing, the different versions of yourself that exist in different spaces. When I’m DJing, I feel more confident. Whereas day to day, I think I can be pretty reserved.” This confidence ripples into all aspects of Jess’s life, “It affects your day to day mood. Just knowing that you’re talented, you can transfer that into other things.”
“Certain spaces can feel very intimidating. I think there’s still a lot of work to be done for women DJs, unfortunately.” She recalls being typecast as a Black woman, with bookers often expecting her to play rap or R&B. “After a while, you think ‘maybe this is what I’m supposed to play’ but I’ve realised I only want my set to be booked in spaces that will accommodate my sound.”
It’s inspiring talking to Jess, witnessing her steadfast response to adversity. But it’s also a reminder that, in exclusionary spaces, the burden of creating change often falls on the shoulders of those marginalised people. DJ training programs aimed at women and non-binary artists – like Mix Nights in Bristol – are positive signs, but they remain few and far between.
I ask Jess if she thinks industry leaders are doing enough: “Definitely not. Booking agents, the people in charge of festival line-ups, they’re the gatekeepers. They’re the ones who have to be willing to make changes.”
Rebuffing the borders erected by these gatekeepers comes back to JJESS’ multi-spatial, multi-genre sound. She pulls inspiration from everywhere she can, telling me her home city of London is unmatched in its diversity and creative opportunity. And it’s not just music she turns to for motivation; “People who’ve started a brand, and built a community around that brand, I think that’s so cool. I love when people think outside of the box to elevate other projects.”
DJing is ultimately a way for Jess to express herself – in the many forms that entails. “It’s like music. It has different genres, and those come from certain subcultures with their own way of dressing, their own way of living. DJing is definitely an extension of myself, my creativity, and how I portray myself.”
Perhaps most overtly, it’s her upcoming project, ’Code Switch’, that unravels this multi-faceted identity. Spanning various mediums, it’s a reflection of her transcendental sound.
“I wanted to connect to my Nigerian background. I went every year as a kid, but I wanted to find my own way there as an adult. I’ve started going quite frequently by myself.” ‘Code Switch’ draws on this experience of diaspora and identity through soundscape, music and film. Jess describes it as a research project, seeing it as a chance to explore the backstories behind our musical identities. It highlights an inspiring truth: that Jess’s capacity to weave spaces together exists in each of us.
“I’m speaking to people who live in lots of different spaces. Talking about growing up in a certain city, the music, sound, smells that describe that space, and how it’s shaped their creativity.” Jess says completing the project is her biggest goal this year. It certainly feels like a natural next step.
“Everyone’s a DJ” she tells me. Despite my lacking musical talent, I’m inclined to agree. Because for Jess – whose navigated a rigid industry by pushing a composite sound – DJing is more than a technical skill. It means trying to embrace the many versions of yourself that grow from different spaces, and filling those spaces unapologetically. If you ask me, she’s certainly succeeding.
Editor – @igweldn
Photography – @stuartnimmo_
Photography Assistant – @rhysbawilliams
Words – @flobellinger
Styling – @rachel.parisa
Design – @jack___sharples
Production – @pifivy
Birthed out of the necessity for a multifunctional shoe that breathed individual style and function. Hatfield’s Nike Air Trainer 1 was one that satisfied his own imagination – curating a sneaker that would serve as inaugural cross-trainer at the gym. Hallmarked for its extroverted colour iterations, stabilised lateral outrigger and a lockdown feel, occupying a retail space between the quintessential b-ball fit and runner – truly unmistakable and rebellious in nature solidifying its cult-like status amongst many different people. From all kinds of crafts, interests and walks of life – building a unique synergy between gym goers, tennis court enthusiasts, b-ball players and runners.
Over the years, the Nike Air Trainer has boasted a lengthy roster of eclectic collabs. I am sure you’ll remember the legendary and hi-vis accented ‘112’ pack with DJ Clark Kent, the Fragment open/chino iteration to the early HUF ‘Gold Digger’ collab – it is a trainer that never fails to make a stylistic impression.
The latest Nike Air Trainer gets the ‘Light Smoke Grey/ Honeydew’ upgrade. Opting for a synthetic leather upper coated in a mixed tonal hue of grey and blues, while accents of ‘Honeydew’ complements the collar, Swoosh branding and midsole. Airy mesh underlays on the sidewalls and perforations on the toe vamp keeps things breathable paired with iridescent detailing throughout.
A signature midfoot strap is situated across the lace chamber – ensuring a snug and customisable fit. What’s more, a plush insole unit delivers unrivalled cushioning and a lateral outrigger enhances performance. Underfoot, the rubber outsole features multi-directional tread – the durable must-have this season.
The Nike Air Trainer 1 ‘Honeydew’ is now available to shop in-store and online!
The written word is often overlooked when thinking of the creative industries. But copy – the written material that conveys an idea – is a key element of nearly every project or campaign.
Led by poet, copywriter and SNKRS Live host Will Stowe, this workshop will open up the specialised field of copy to show that when it comes to ideas, often less is more. This isn’t about paragraphs of long-form copy: what we’re aiming for is the ability to communicate an idea in an impactful way.
Attendees will be guided to create a slogan on the theme of ‘change’, using just a handful of words to get across a big idea.
To be in with a chance of attending Workshop 1 with us and Will Stowe, you can sign up to attend by CLICKING HERE!
To see more of our re.GENERTAION workshops, click here!
re.GENERATION – powered by FOOTPATROL is a series of workshops designed to lift the lid on the creative industry and pass on knowledge to the next generation. Aiming to open up access to those who’ve missed out on formal training, the workshops will help attendees form their own creative practice by showing them how to turn ideas into reality.
Led by respected industry figures from the Footpatrol community who’ve done things their own way, and using a mix of personal insights and hands-on experience, the workshops will provide attendees with a toolkit of techniques, contacts and real-world knowledge to kickstart or enhance their creative endeavours.
The workshop series will cover four key areas in the life cycle of a creative campaign, culminating in the launch of a Footpatrol Communi-T t-shirt. Workshop 1 covers copywriting, using the written word to convey an idea on the theme of ‘change’. Workshop 2 will use these ideas to create graphic images, a selection of which will then be screen printed onto t-shirts in Workshop 3. In Workshop 4, creative campaigns will be conceptualised for a shortlist of the best tee designs, with the winning t-shirt and campaign concept ultimately brought to life as the next Footpatrol Communi-T release.
Would-be participants can apply for a place in one workshop each, and must be able to attend a London location on the relevant date(s). Places for each workshop are limited, but printed and digital zines will be available after each event to share the process and insights with anyone who’s unable to attend.
To share your interest in attending workshop 2: Image Making which will be hosted by Mark Ward, please head over to our latest blog piece here and fill in the sign up form.
Though it’s relatively new to the scene having started back in the first lockdown in 2020, Hartcopy was never short of knowledge. Acting as a digital documentation of all things within street culture, Hartcopy became a place where you could enjoy learning new things about the things we all know and love whether that’s special apparel pieces, the oldest (or latest) sneakers or accessories, you always came away having learnt something new.
Now, two years later, Hartcopy are releasing their first physical printed matter with ‘The Hartcopy Journal – Volume 1’ and at Footpatrol, we’re excited to announce we’re the UK’s exclusive stockist. To celebrate, we caught up with creative lead Sam Le Roy to learn more about Hartcopy, how it came about and how they gather the knowledge for all the product.
To be in with the chance of getting your hands on a copy, head over to the Footpatrol Launches App or alternatively, join us in-store on Thursday 14th April between 7PM – 9PM BST where we’ll be joined by Sam for an in-store signing where we’ll also have limited availability of the book to purchase!
Footpatrol: Sam Le Roy, the man behind the copy, how are we doing?
Sam Le Roy: I’m great! Very busy, tonnes going on, but it’s a good problem to have.
FP: Let’s start off nice and easy. Could you give people a little bit of insight into who you are and what you do?
SLR: I’m a sneakerhead first and foremost, a collector, a writer, a content creator, all wrapped into one. I’m the creative lead at Hartcopy, a platform dedicated to shining a light on some of our favourite stories from the sneaker scene and its peripheral subcultures. I’ve got the best job in the world – writing about things I’m already fascinated in.
FP: HartCopy, a page conceived during the Covid pandemic. How did this journey for you all begin?
SLR: Well the journey started with Tim Suen, an amazing bloke from Singapore. Hartcopy is his creation, he really dug out the blueprint from a love of classic Japanese print mags and sneakers. Tim posted the account on a now disbanded Facebook group, and me being an aspiring writer, I sent him a message asking to give him a hand. That was near enough two years ago now, and the two of us really grafted to hollow out a space in the industry, and we’ve picked up a few amazing people on the way that have spend countless hours helping out.
FP: What was the aim with the page itself?
SLR: A few things really. For Tim, he wanted to simply document his collection. Things really developed quickly and we realised that we could do something big – speaking on my behalf, I saw an opportunity to capture some like-minded individuals, build a community and really become a force in the culture. On a more surface level, Hartcopy opened a door for me to escape reality and work in an industry I previously thought was inaccessible.
FP: The diversity HartCopy has in stories, brands and products is so wide that it’s hard not to be drawn into wanting to learn something new. Without giving too much away, where do you source this information from?
SLR: Personally, I get it from all over the place – there’s no one outlet. Old blog posts, instagram posts from collectors, chatting to designers and employees from big companies, the information is really a mish-mash from anywhere I can find it. In terms of inspiration, and figuring out what I need to write about and cover, it’s all about dissecting what’s relevant in the moment and thinking about how I can relate it to products from years ago. Sometimes it comes very easily, sometimes it ends with me in a very frustrated state, shutting the laptop for another night.
FP: Now of course, the book. I have been excited for this since you told me about it last year. How has it been producing your first printed edition?
SLR: The book has been amazing to make. All of the intricacies I have to consider on social media and digital content are blown up tenfold; the stakes are higher, and it’s amazing to think that someone will be able to open The Journal up in years to come, and (hopefully) admire what we did.
On another note, it’s been a massive learning experience for me, one that I’m hugely grateful for. I know so much more now than I did six months ago, and I’m excited to push hartcopy even further with these insights.
FP: Do you see this as an ongoing journey?
SLR: The Journal, and books as a whole, are absolutely an ongoing journey for Hartcopy. Tangible products are so hard to execute, especially so in a world so obsessed with the digital and disposable, but I’m confident we can build something really amazing from the foundations we’ve already got in place.
FP: What do you think is the next step for HartCopy, you are already a global platform. I am intrigued to hear where you look to take things?
SLR: Just like the products we write about ever day, the goal with hartcopy is longevity and timelessness. We’re in it for the long run, which is exactly why we didn’t rush anything putting this stuff out. I know we’ve nailed our goal of documenting culture, and we’ll never abandon this mission, but I really want to start steering the culture little by little. This will come through more books, products, maybe sneakers, all of which will have some brilliant stories attached.
FP: Sam, thank you so much for your time as always. We are really looking forward to the in-store book signing and launch on Thursday. Before we let you go though, we like to give all our interviewees a chance to sign off the interview in any way they wish, whether that’s to get people excited or just a message of positivity. So without further ado Sam, take the stage!
SLR: I’d love to say a big thank you to Tim Suen, who really is the man that made this whole thing happen. Him and I have worked so hard on this, but in reality, without him, Hartcopy wouldn’t exist, and I’d be in a lab doing a very bad job at a Masters Degree in Chemistry. On the same note, everyone else that contributed to the book deserves a big pat on the back and some love. Phil, Joash, Chris, Arthur, you guys really killed it.
Onwards and upwards!
Last week saw the coming together of two streetwear giants, Converse and Carhartt WIP. In what has been a long line of collaborations between the pair since 2017, the duo return with a collection that places a sport that’s rooted within the pair at the heart of it, skateboarding.
To celebrate this latest collaboration, they hosted a special event in the heart of Paris, France. Fittingly, we sent some of the Footpatrol Paris team to check it out and to see the two piece footwear collection being put through its paces.
With skateboarding apparatus set up within the foundations of a derelict Parisian building, select skateboarders had the opportunity to push their limits, show off their ability all whilst highlighting the Fastbreak Pro and One Star Pro.
The Converse x Carhartt collection is now available to shop online at Footpatrol here!
For their latest release dubbed the ‘Fast Pack’, the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% is one of those products that does exactly what it says on the tin… Consisting of a number of their top runners, the Alphafly is by far their most elite option.
The recipe is simple, ultra cushion, reactive and of course lightweight. How did they achieve it? Starting at the top, the Atomknit is a new innovation from Nike that’s moved on from the traditional Flyknit and brings a tad more sturdiness to the upper. Underneath continues with the innovations by taking the Air Zoom Vaporfly NEXT% and upping the ante. The stack height is larger with even more ZoomX foam, a carbon plate still sits built within the midsole for that ultra responsiveness whilst not stopping their, Nike call upon their history with Air by incorporating two Air Pods under the forefoot. This all adds up to become a shoe that loves taking on personal bests!
To finish things off, the Alphafly now comes in a burst of Hyper Violet which with its black staggered outsole against the white ZoomX foam, it definitely lives up to its name ‘Fast pack’.
The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% ‘Fast Pack’ is now available to shop at Footpatrol here!
Another one of Nike’s silhouettes that first came to light on the courts way back in 1973, the Blazer very quickly became a go to lifestyle choice with its simplicity and easy to wear nature and was a staple within street culture and even skateboarding.
Fast forwarding to 2022 and the Blazer has seen a vast amounts of attention given to it with a host of inline disguises and has often been a go to silhouette for collaborators. For 2022 alone, we’ve seen the likes of sacai and ACRONYM bring their ideas to the table and now, we see Off White.
Often is the way with Virgil Abloh’s collaborations, this Blazer Low takes inspiration from many sources from within Nikes archive that looks at many sports including basketball, skateboarding and trail running that brings with it a ultra playful nature to the collaboration. The most eye-catching of those details is the extended TPU heel piece that’s placed on top of the Blazers midsole which draws inspiration from the Terra Humara’s Classic design.
Not to forget this being an Off White collaboration, you can be sure to find signature detailing such as dual lacing, exposed foam tongue and the punched-out holes that we saw originally covered up on the Air Jordan V.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
The London in-store draw is now CLOSED!
All online draws are now housed over on the Footpatrol Launches App, CLICK HERE to download!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win. Within this email, winners will be given a set of dates in which they must collect their win from our London store. To collect, you will need to provide the winning email and a valid photographic government ID matching the winners name. NO ONE can collect on the winners behalf. Failure to provide this, or failure to collect within the given dates will mean failure to purchase your win.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will need to download the Footpatrol Launches app and 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!
The latest iteration within the Air Jordan 1 lineage combines colours that are embedded into the Jordan Brand DNA. Combining University Red, Black and White, this ‘Heritage’ release is identifiable with the Jumpaman but in an updated colour-blocking.
Baring similarities to the unreleased sample of 1985 of inverted royal, the latest retro utilises a white leather base, applying red on the toe box, Swoosh, outsole and heel counter, Hits of black takes on the ankle collar, laces and Wings logo all to be designed for a timeless silhouette.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
All online draws are now housed over on the Footpatrol Launches App, CLICK HERE to download!
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will need to download the Footpatrol Launches app and 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!
