More than half of his salary spent, Siddharth Pal, a former Adidas employee, still couldn’t find contentment in his closet of 150 sneakers that he bought compulsively. His penchant for the footwear was extra-ordinary, so much so that his love for them could no longer be contained within the cubical of his wardrobe. That’s when he decided to share his passion with everybody. Soledition was thus born. It’s a sneaker festival where one can buy, sell and trade sneakers. It caters to sneaker geeks, as well as novices.
In a novel attempt, Pal, in addition to VJ and actor Rannvijay Singh, the co-curator of the festival, have put together a Sneaker Museum as part of the event, with a collection of sneakers from the world over. “Phenomenal statement collaborations intersecting luxury with sports have shaped the rising sneaker culture, giving them an iconic status,” says Pal.
From a criminal’s first choice back in the day, to now being one of the ramps coolest kicks, sneakers have come a long way. Year 1917 was definitive for them as that’s when they began to be mass-produced. Several different types emerged subsequently. They were all developed in line with their primary character, that of being noiseless (we have a lot to thank the London police officer who in 1800s, developed a noiseless rubber sole that aided him while chasing criminals), and comfortable. In the past, they were a favourite of with sportsmen, were used for Physical Education in schools.
The footwear had so deeply gotten ingrained into our athletic culture that thinking of wearing them anywhere outside those ‘casual, sporty’ boundaries was seen as a transgression. They was considered unsophisticated for formal gathering. Even today, majourity star hotels and offices shun sneakers labelling them as space-inappropriate.
Having said that, there is no denying that things are loosening up. With the rise of smart casual trend in clothing, the last three decades have seen the sneaker sneaking into forbidden areas. In short, there is no rule to follow now. “India has seen a contrasting shift in alternate culture. Brands have changed the landscape of how consumers perceive street fashion. Social media influence has been on the rise with global and local sub-cultures joining forces. My visits to Berlin and New York made me see sneakers living the vibe of these sub-cultures,” says Pal.
Soledition is not just about sneakers but everything connected with them. Through art, dance, music, photography and design, the point is driven home. Therefore, at the event, you have a corner for skateboarding with scheduled classes. Street artist Harsh Raman will undertake a Graffiti class. There is a basketball court, a DIY zone dedicated to sneaker customisation, music and dances, flash mobs, games and rapping, all in hope of giving you quite the kick.
Soledition: February 25, from 2 pm to 10 pm, Eros multi level parking Nehru place.
Entry by registration only.
THEN TO NOW
From a criminal’s first choice, back in the day, to now being one of the ramps coolest kicks, sneakers have come a long way. Then they became a favourite with sportsmen, and for Physical Education in schools. They got so deeply ingrained into our athletic culture that wearing them elsewhere was seen as a transgression. They were considered unsophisticated for formal occasions. But with the rise of the smart casual trend, the last three decades have seen the sneaker sneaking into forbidden areas
Adidas Originals Stan Smith
Chuck Taylor All-Stars
Nike Air Max 1
Mexico 66 - Onitsuka Tiger
Vans Sk8-Hi
Puma Clyde
ACE CROCODILE-TRIMMED LEATHER SNEAKERS
Nike Air Force 1
Adidas Superstar
Reebok Pump