Sneaker Culture: Collectible Kicks in Street Fashion is a book that explores the world of sneaker collecting and its impact on street fashion. The book is written by Elizabeth Semmelhack, a curator at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canada. It was published in 2014 and has since become a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of sneakers.
Introduction
Sneaker Culture: Collectible Kicks in Street Fashion is a fascinating book that explores the world of sneaker collecting and its impact on street fashion. The book tells the story of how sneakers went from being just a functional piece of footwear to becoming a cultural phenomenon. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of sneakers.
The History of Sneakers
The Origins of Sneakers
The first sneakers were created in the late 1800s by the Converse Rubber Shoe Company. They were designed as a comfortable and durable shoe for athletes to wear while playing sports. Over time, sneakers became more popular among the general public as a casual shoe.
The Rise of Sneaker Culture
In the 1980s, sneakers became a symbol of status and style. Hip hop artists and basketball players started wearing sneakers as a way to express themselves and show off their style. Sneaker companies started releasing limited edition sneakers, which created a culture of sneaker collecting.
The Impact of Sneaker Culture on Street Fashion
Sneaker culture has had a significant impact on street fashion. Sneakers are now seen as a fashion statement and are worn with a variety of outfits, not just athletic wear. Sneaker collaborations with fashion designers have become common, and sneakers are often featured on the runway.
The Sneaker Collecting Community
The Sneakerhead Community
The sneaker collecting community, also known as sneakerheads, is a passionate group of people who collect and trade sneakers. They often wait in long lines for hours or even days to get their hands on limited edition sneakers. Sneaker conventions and online forums have become popular ways for sneakerheads to connect and share their collections.
The Role of Social Media in Sneaker Culture
Social media has played a significant role in the growth of sneaker culture. Sneakerheads use social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to share photos of their collections and connect with other collectors. Sneaker companies also use social media to promote their products and create hype around new releases.
Conclusion
Sneaker Culture: Collectible Kicks in Street Fashion is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of sneakers. The book provides a fascinating look at how sneakers went from being just a functional piece of footwear to becoming a cultural phenomenon. It also explores the impact of sneaker culture on street fashion and the passionate community of sneaker collectors.
