It just happened. Sole Academy held the Sneaker Carnival. Being a first of its kind, the big day gathered ‘sneakerheads’ from different parts of the country. As a whole lifestyle event, the sneaker distributor tapped different connected markets for a fun-filled day at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Connected markets? Yes, as the Sneaker Carnival provided music, games, food, and of course sneakers to its followers/fans known as the SA Faithful. I went on-detail with all the happenings that day for my photo coverage.

Let’s start with the pop-up box art from Secret Fresh Gallery, a shop at the Ronac Art Center that caters to art pieces and streetwear brands.

As a heavy collector, the company’s founder DJ Bigboy Cheng displayed his complete-50-pair adidas Superstar Supercolor.

Sole Academy teamed up with several brands for the event. WIP caps provided hats and the quality was on point.

The Rastaclat phenomenon strengthens in the country as a collaboration with SA was a huge hit that day.

Publish also had a collab for joggers pants, that was displayed on their booth.

Yu-Ming Wu and Bobby from Sneaker News was in town for a talk regarding the sneaker culture. Excited to see their coverage.

Sneakers: A display of notable sneakers from different brands were inside huge ‘sneaker boxes’. What I found very interesting was the trivia on each sneaker – for this portion I will add my personal comments on the silhouettes.

I’ve always wanted a pair of Air Flow‘s for its classic yet sleek style. Nike never capitalized on this as much, but it can be a good alternative pair compared to the Air Max line.

The 97’s can be one of the most underrated sneakers to run Air Max branding. I am predicting another comeback for these, maybe on its 20th anniversary?

Air Footscape. Designed by Mike Aveni, its bold design might not be for everyone but it grew on many as the years went by.

Imagine this with Flyknit and Flywire technology plus Nike Lab branding? Boom.

One of the biggest reissues of the year, the modern icon –  the Presto. Hope Nike brings back the slip-on versions of these.

I spotted a Woven Gold Inneva at the Royalty Clothing display. Been wanting one of these for its laid-back design.

No need for introduction here as the Flyknit Racers might be Nike’s biggest hit this decade.

Here’s a Volt Flyknit Trainer worn by DJ Mars Miranda at the event.

The evolution to the original Footscape, the Magista SP. Again, the Footscape series not be for everyone but you might just want to reconsider these as construction and materials is just prefect. This takes the cake and its coming soon in white. 

Another bold step in terms of design for the swoosh, Nathan VanHook’s post-Yeezy creation – the Free Orbit.

The New Balance ‘box’ had a very wide variety of sneakers during their display, saving that up for another feature.

 

Reebok perfectly sequenced their timeline at their box. The Aztec’s design was ahead of its time.

 

 

Size 23 Shaq’s anyone?

I heard that Puma is really big in Singapore, here’s one example of the brand being solid in that region.

These Puma X ALIFE Blaze of Glory’ can be mistaken for a Philippine exclusive design for its colorway.

On that day, I shot an exclusive shoot for something BIG. Really excited for the ‘future’.

One of the first performers, Nix Damn P and MOTHERBASS had a crazy set. It was my first time to hear them play, but it won’t be definitely the last!

The 10k Dash accepted sneaker donations for the day.

The artists preparing for their fashion show.

#ARTandSole featured sneaker inspired artworks. This is curated Filipino talent.

Now that ‘known’ art work is mostly digitally made, it is refreshing to see traditional art pieces.

This piece looks like it drew inspiration from MJ’s 1987 dunk contest; added with a twist as he exchange the 2’s with Banned 1’s.

Speaking of Banned 1’s.

Here’s my favorite art piece that day. Details are on point!

There was non-stop music for more than 12 hours as they teamed up with The Palace Manila for this.

With these ideas, Sole Academy successfully executed the Carnival-themed event. It was a first of its kind, but it won’t be definitely the last as they are geared up for these types of events for the future.

This wraps the first of many Carnivals to come! Congrats to Carlo, Mike, Jojo, and the rest of the Sole Academy team. #BestInClass

Instagram: @kevcarlos 

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