One undeniable street style trend emerged from the London Men’s Fashion Week SS2019 that we couldn’t help but notice. Seen on menswear influencers and industry insiders, graffiti sneakers use bold prints and illustrations of the Gen X trend of logomania and text expression.
With Dad sneakers making a strong comeback in woman’s fashion, it’s only fitting that menswear is taking the sneaker and reinventing it with its own stream of trends. Brands like Vetements, Moschino and Dolce & Gabanna have made statements shoes, helping graffiti sneakers become the fashion week Street Style champions footwear choice.
Dolce & Gabanna
Dolce & Gabanna has created a softer, low top sneaker with black calligraphic style handwriting for those who want a less intense sneaker experience. With words like “Love is Everything”, “Follow Your Dreams” and “#DG” the graffiti sneakers are less edgy than its competitors. The Portofino sneaker will set you back $855 USD if you did want to invest in a pair.
Moschino
Jeremy Scott never shies away from bold prints and pushing mundane wardrobe items to the extreme. The idea of graffiti sneakers seems like it was created for a brand like Moschino, slapping bold highlighted phrases like “Express Shopping” and “Delivery Requires Receipt Signature” on the shoes, which pops against the black neoprene fabric. The Moschino sneaker is a delivery we would gladly sign for.
Mathew Miller
London based designer Mathew Miller has reconceptualized a simple white sneaker by printing a double “M” logo on the outside, its dripping design lending a freshly spray-painted aesthetic. The shoe was seen on Mathew Millers Spring/Summer 2018 collection which debuted this time last year. Unfortunately, the shoe has not been released with the collection but seems to be in demand. This sneaker is so exclusive that it is only attainable if you know an insider.
Vans
If luxury fashion houses are a little out of your budget, you can still wear this season’s brightest footwear trend with brands like Vans. Customization is available as part of their online service which enables you to send in artwork to print on the sneaker. Third party companies like Off The Wall Custom Creations specialise in customizing your vans with graffiti-esque inspired designs which are completely customizable depending on your taste.
Vetements
Vetements is the luxury streetwear brand of choice. Their graffiti sneaker is modelled on a classic low-top Chuck Taylor canvas shoe (although will cost you $840 USD) which uses bright, neon colours to push the street-art essence. The brand sticks true to its ironic wordplay and symbolism with “Product Placement” sprawled across the rubber sole and “Love Matters” on the canvas.
If you have your own artistic vision for your sneakers there’s no shame in revamping them yourself. A relatively easy creative project for those artistically inclined. Re-vamp your Chuck Taylors and Vans with water-resistant markers to create your own bespoke graffiti sneakers in time for New Zealand Fashion Week.
