The Cult of Sneakers
With specialist auctions and devoted collectors, there is an entire subculture dedicated to the superlative sneaker.
Long gone are the days of sneakers only being worn to the gym. With hectic days spent quite literally running around, these rubber-soled shoes are what we spend most of our time in. So if we’re living in them, shouldn’t we invest in the best?
Lane Crawford presents four brands that have captured our sneaker-loving hearts with their myriad charms - from the minimalist and utilitarian-influenced designs by Common Projects, to the furry emoji details of Joshua Sanders’ joyful collection.
And we thought – why not illustrate the unique beauty of these sneakers by actually “illustrating” them? With the help of some of the coolest illustrators around, we bring the sneakers to life.
Golden Goose Deluxe by Jenny Walton
“I'd wear these sneakers with a long skirt - it’s less sporty compared to trousers and makes the outfit more interesting for autumn.”
Fusing art and fashion in product is at the heart of the Golden Goose aesthetic, and this is particularly true of their embellished, city-ready sneakers for the new season. Venetian craftsmanship meets West-Coast skater cool in their lace-ups, which have attracted a loyal following that includes Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow. Whether it’s the distressed touch or quilted leather, there’s always a special, eye-catching detail that makes a pair of Golden Goose Deluxe sneakers stand out from the rest.
Jenny Walton is an illustrator and fashion director at The Sartorialist and has recently collaborated with Monica Vinader on an illustrated campaign. She is known for her vintage style and loyal Instagram followers.
Common Projects by Cecilia Carlstedt
“I would wear my nude colour sneakers with something fluorescent red and go on the dance floor.”
For the crème de la crème of minimalist sneakers, we turn to Common Projects. It’s the sleek, pared-back style and use of the finest materials have sneakerheads, including Kanye West and Justin Theroux, returning to the brand season after season. Founded by avid sneaker enthusiasts, Peter Poopat and Flavio Girolami, their 'no-branding branding” has made Common Projects a modern icon - and a go-to for those who want to add a refinement to their everyday wardrobe staples.
Cecilia Carlstedt is a Stockholm-based illustrator who has worked with clients including Paul Smith and Swarovski, as well as publications including the New York Times and W magazine. Her colourful and beautifully composed work is often inspired by the worlds of fashion and art.
Filling Pieces by Kitty Wong
“I'd wear my sneakers all over the Lower East Side, where I spent this past summer in its many cool coffee shops people watching. I’d pair them with a silky slip layered over a vintage tee in a faded, pastel pattern. Comfy and sexy.”
One unique silhouette, the “low top”, launched Dutch footwear brand Filling Pieces straight to sneaker stardom. This architectural, signature shape sits higher around the heel and ankle, with an extended tongue that elongates your legs. Perhaps no surprise then that the designer, Guillaume Philibert studied architecture before launching his brand in 2009. Handmade in Portugal using Italian sourced leathers, they are the perfect fusion between fashion and sport - comfortable but with a streamlined look that makes a statement.
Kitty Wong is an artist and fashion illustrator based in Hong Kong. She’s fond of drawing “faces, retro patterns and cool girls” and has been featured in Dazed Digital and Hong Kong Tatler.
Joshua Sanders by Isabella Cotier
“I like to wear my sneakers when I’m in work mode.”
There’s no skater shoe quite like a pair of Joshua Sanders. Whether adorned with oversized bows, fluffy pom-poms, or a smiley face logo, Sanders’ unmistakable New York street style-influenced shoes, made with impeccable Italian craftsmanship, are the kind of statement-making luxury sneakers that makes us grin from ear to ear.
Isabella Cotier is a London-based illustrator who thrives on capturing unique and often whimsical characters in her drawings. Alongside her personal projects, she has worked with Tank magazine and H&M, among others.
