Describe your personal style:
Akshay: My way of dressing is innovative, individualistic, and fun. My style is constantly evolving, experimental, and generally a conversation starter.”
What percentage does each of the following brands consist of in your wardrobe?
Akshay: @nike : 90%, @adidasoriginals : 8%, @puma : 1%, @newbalance : 1%: I like Nike best because it resonates with a younger demographic. With clean, comfortable, and chic silhouettes, I find them to be right up my alley. The vivid color tones, sometimes sleek and sometimes very futuristic designs help elevate any basic outfit. I would love to have more of New Balance in my collection but they aren’t easily accessible in India.
Your first sneaker ever was…
Akshay: It was a Nike SB Stefan Janoski Skate shoe, all black with a white swoosh. I remember being super excited to skate in those around LA. The comfortable silhouette and minimalist design was what made those my first every pair.
What’s your take on reselling?
“I aim to make the sneakers and fashion market as inclusive as I can by actively engaging in conversations and helping people out when it comes to exploring their individual style. I feel like the streetwear sector is just a competitive bubble space which does have downsides to it as it creates a create a sense of exclusivity that deviates from fashion being an inclusive space. On the other hand, the resale market can always be relied upon to source a rare find at a reasonable price as well. That’s just how the industry works currently.”
Name three people that inspire your personal style…
“I draw inspiration from my contemporaries on Instagram itself like @olibrom, @curlyfrysfeed & @casoperdido.”
Where do you shop for your sneakers from?
I usually shop from retail stores like @vegnonveg and try to keep an eye out for their release calendar. If I am not able to cop on the release date at retail I look into resellers on Instagram, you’ll see me finding the best price around. Over time, I’ve built a good network system with two of my favorite resellers (@cupsnkicks and @contemporaryblues.india ) who help me find or source a sneaker that I’m looking for at the time.”
Your wardrobe is a good mix of colors and prints and many stapes that sneakerheads don’t generally wear. How important is it to have a personal sense of style and to not be ‘categorized’?
I tend to shy away from hopping on the trending bandwagon. It’s always fun to experiment with unorthodox silhouettes and funky patterns, which men generally shy away from. Personally, I love to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and keep my style quotient more dynamic than predictable or too trendy.
What do you think of people buying clothes just for the gram?
While there is a pre-conceived notion that Instagram is all about different day different fit aesthetics, I think it’s high time that we opt for a cyclical approach towards fashion. Rather than splurging on a one-time fit for the gram, I encourage budding fashion enthusiasts everywhere to cop pieces that they would wear in everyday life as well. At the end of the day a sustainable wardrobe beats a mindless haul.
How has 2021 been so far? What are you looking forward to as we enter the other half of what’s left of 2021?
2021 for far has been quite a ride with a fair number of ups and downs however I learned to take it all in my stride and try to be consistent, grateful, and patient throughout it all, be it on the personal or the professional front. Honestly, I’m looking forward to the post-pandemic boom in the fashion world and otherwise.
What’s your take on reselling?
I aim to make the sneakers and fashion market as inclusive as I can by actively engaging in conversations and helping people out when it comes to exploring their individual style. I feel like the streetwear sector is just a competitive bubble space which does have downsides to it as it creates a create a sense of exclusivity that deviates from fashion being an inclusive space. On the other hand, the resale market can always be relied upon to source a rare find at a reasonable price as well. That’s just how the industry works currently.
Name three people that inspire your personal style…
I draw inspiration from my contemporaries on Instagram itself like @olibrom, @curlyfrysfeed & @casoperdido.
How has the pandemic changed the way you look at fashion?
The pandemic isolation period pushed me to take a deep dive into my closet and play around with different prints and patterns beyond the mundane way of dressing. It set me off on a journey of unearthing a newfound sense of confidence and an unabashedly bold take on fashion. Putting myself out there, trying to stay connected to the world through social media has helped many push their style boundaries, learn from each other, adapt and create some sense of fashion/sneaker online community.”
What kind of music do you listen to? Does it have any influence on your style? Who was your favorite artist growing up? And how has that influenced your style?
“Initially I started off as an avid techno head and later branched out into Hip Hop/ Rnb and other genres. Music influences my mood and the constant vibe that I’m in which inevitably eases the process of creating and makes me feel more inspired. It plays a key part when it comes to my Instagram visuals as well. Currently, I am jamming to @giveon ‘s latest tracks.
Your favorite Indian streetwear brands and why?
I love @six5sixstreet and @warping_theories. It feels good to endorse homegrown brands as they are pioneering the Indian take on streetwear and putting a fashionable foot forward in the global market while introducing and urging the average Indian enthusiast to experiment with their style and discover the world of streetwear.
You are a restaurateur, how does your fashion and your career go hand in hand?
I find myself to be fortunate enough to pursue both my passions simultaneously that is food and fashion. I pride myself on being a connoisseur of fashion and all things gourmet. Constantly evolving and challenging myself to be the best version of myself in both spheres is the end goal. Social media has played a pivotal role for me as a content creator and a restaurateur as well as it has opened up a world of opportunities to grow and learn.
How many sneakers do you have and whose sneaker collection do you envy?
I currently own around 50 pairs of kicks (growing each day). I have my eyes on @adityab27 ‘s incredible sneaker collection.
Three Instagrammers from India you think we should all check out?
@dheerajredy – eclectic style and funky color palette.
@krishenriyat – interactive content and useful fashion tips.
@lensbehindlens – overall aesthetic and general outfit inspiration.
Any particular fashion collection, particular drop or collab or brand revamp are you most excited about and looking forward to this year?
The recent @yeezymafia X @Gap collection has me all hyped and I absolutely loved the jacket made of wearable nylon. I hope we got access to some good pieces without much struggle, here in India
