Meet the Collector: Chino
Meet Chino, a collector for 12+ years and Philadelphia native - whose love for sneakers started during his early days living in the Philippines.
WHAT STARTED YOUR LOVE FOR COLLECTING?
I started collecting sneakers in 2009, months before graduation, I bought my first pair of Adidas x Jeremy Scott Wings 1.0 sneakers from eBay. It was my sister who introduced me to them who was very obsessed with the K-POP groups. Especially the pop group, 2NE1 that influenced our style! Heads would turn every time we would go out in public or at gatherings!
EARLIEST SNEAKER MEMORY?
Basketball is so huge in the Philippines! I went to an all-boys school and during Physical Education, at that time, if you’re not wearing Jordans, you’re not cool. We could never afford it. They were very expensive in the Philippines (normally double the price). I was so jealous seeing my classmates wearing them. The other pair that I REALLY wanted at that time (along with a pair of Tommy Hilfiger or Guess Jeans) was the Airwalk The One sneakers in metallic silver. Something about that pair spoke to me, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to cop a pair.
WHAT SNEAKERS ARE IN YOUR CURRENT ROTATION?
There’s a couple of pairs in my rotation at the moment, including the Floral Gucci Ace Sneakers, the Nike Airmax 90 Bacon, Nike Airmax 1 Atmos Elephant, Nike Airmax 1 Atmos Animal Pack 2.0, Nike Aqua Air Rift, Yeezy 350 (Zebra) and Nike X Supreme Tailwind.
WHEN PURCHASING A PAIR - WHAT ARE THE MAIN ATTRIBUTES THAT LET YOU KNOW IT'S AN INSTANT COP OR MUST HAVE?
I love pairs that are collaborations, I enjoy seeing the artistry and end product of two (or more in some cases) brands or designers. I love that it represents the brand well while echoing the artist’s individuality. I’m always intrigued to hear what inspired the design! Most of the time those are the pairs that give me that “wow” moment and ignites that “must have” feeling.
WHAT IS ONE PAIR THAT YOU MISSED OUT ON - THAT YOU'RE HOPING TO GET SOON?
There’s three pairs I’m heavily considering copping: Nike SB Dunk Low x Stingwater ‘Magic Mushroom’, the Nike x Stüssy Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Fossil’, and the Aime Leon Dore X New Balance 550 Natural Green,.
WHAT'S YOUR MOST RECENT PICK UP, AND WHAT MADE YOU COP?
My most recent pick up was the Nike Airmax 90 Bacon. It came out on my birthday, which also happens to be Airmax Day, and I didn’t win any of the raffles! I had a “F*** it” moment and ended up paying a fortune for it.
I was really obsessed with the design, the materials used and the colors they selected for it. Nike and atmos also did a very clever job in marketing it that made me want it more. I wanted to get that atmos Bacon shirt from the store.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 PAIRS IN YOUR COLLECTION?
OOOOHHH! This is a tough question! In no particular order: Nike Air Force 1 Low BeTrue 2020, Nike AirMax Tailwind 4 Supreme White (this pair is shockingly insanely comfortable), Jeremy Scott Wings 2.0, Gucci Ace Sneakers (another sneaker that is comfortable and worth every penny) and YEEZY 350 Zebras.
IF YOU WERE A VIDEO GAME CHARACTER, AND COULD ONLY WEAR ONE FIT - WHAT WOULD THAT FIT BE? TALK ME THROUGH IT - HEAD TO TOE.
Great question! I’d probably have a full set of hair with green metallic highlights, a badass oversized jacket, a sheer black shirt, a pair of short black shorts (so I can kick properly) and a pair of sneakers with platform soles and wings (customizable as an unlocked feature). I may have glasses that look like a shield.
HOW DO SNEAKERS CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR OVERALL PERSONAL STYLE?
I normally build my fit for the day starting with sneakers. One could tell my mood from the sneakers I chose to wear that day. I enjoy being able to piece things together and experiment with style. They’re not always successful (I do go overboard sometimes) but when it is right?! IT SHINES! I usually also plan a small photoshoot to be posted on my Instagram. I think of it as my love letter to fashion, a gratitude to the artists, designers, and brands for sharing their talents - to allow me the experience of expressing myself in more ways than one! Hopefully in my own small way, for whoever sees the photograph, I was able to brighten their day.
WHAT STYLES ARE YOU CURRENTLY FEELING ON OUR SITE? PICK 4 AND PROVIDE A DESCRIPTION AS TO WHY.
|
Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 x ZX (white) I am a huge fan of the Adidas Ultraboost. They remain one of the most comfortable shoes that will never leave my collection. This collaboration in particular piqued my interest because of the colors they used for the cage to support the white prime knit and suede upper. |
Dr. Martens x Atmos I AM A HHHHHUUUGGGEEE fan of this collaboration, I didn’t even think twice in getting them. I was at the store first thing in the morning to cop it. They’re so comfortable and the design is so clever. I ended up getting the Tech Boot and have gotten SO many compliments from it. Maybe I should buy the oxfords too! |
|
Puma X Maison Kitsune Roma (Puma White) As mentioned earlier, you can never go wrong with a pair of white sneakers. The gum sole is a plus. It reminds me of that vintage Tokyo Olympics Onitsuka Delegation EX. |
Asics x Vivienne Westwood Gel-Kayano 27 LTX This collaboration caught me by surprise. I’m also glad that Vivienne Westwood is branching out and is collaborating with a lot of brands. I love this pair because it's a pair I can see myself rocking in London especially when it is gloomy. I’m sure it’s so comfortable and would give me extra height. |
