The sign of a true sneakerhead is their need to improve all the time, even with the favourites in their collection. “I am a sneakerhead myself, so I understand that,” shares Pratyush Mohapatra, head of marketing at Yazu Hospitality. This weekend, Mohapatra will likely join others from the community at the first edition of the Sneaker Fest at the Andheri hub of KICO.
A moment from a community celebration
“This is our first step up towards the sneaker community in the city,” admits Mohapatra. Launched late last year, the restaurant notably brought together the vibe of the growing sneaker culture in the city with a retail space offering the latest kicks and even building a specialised cocktail menu around it. The décor, with the centrepiece of a 120-kg metallic installation of an upside-down sneaker, is proof of the same.
A view of the retail sneaker collection on display at the venue
Atul Chopra, co-founder, adds, “We wanted to create a space that blends innovation with nostalgia. Sneakers and cocktails both have rich stories behind them, and we’ve brought that storytelling to life in an experience that’s immersive and exciting. Plus, having a retail component makes this a must-visit destination for anyone who loves streetwear and sneaker culture.”
Pratyush Mohapatra and Atul Chopra
The fest is an attempt to reduce that distance between entertainment and the community, by opening up the space to not just passionate sneakerheads, but to anyone curious about the culture. “The idea of the event is not selling. We want to celebrate the sneaker culture of the city,” he reveals.
Games at the fest will be themed around the sneakerhead experience
The centrepiece will be an exclusive sneaker wall that will feature some rare collectibles like the latest Yeezys and Air Jordans that would not otherwise be available in the retail space, Mohapatra shares. Streetwear also forms a key part of the experience with Drippinn Kicks stepping in with new fashion collectibles, while Silli curates the community experiences. “The idea is not just to give people something to enjoy, but a memory to take back with them,” concludes Mohapatra.
An example of the sneakerbong setup. Pics Courtesy/@silli_in
ON October 11; 5 pm onwards
AT KICO – Kicks and Cocktails, Raheja Classique, Andheri West.
LOG ON TO district.in
ENTRY Rs 899
Do not miss
Air Jordan 23. Representation Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons; iStock
>> The great wall of kicks
The fest will host an exclusive sneaker wall made up of an enviable collection that will include the latest Yeezys and Air Jordans, not yet available on retail.
Moonwalk and Black Panther cocktail
>> A different kick
While at the fest, don’t skip the chance to sip on their specially curated cocktails built around some iconic kicks. Sneakerheads will recognise the Moon Walk inspired by the Nike Moon shoes, or the Black Panther originating from the Air Jordan 13.
Get your drip right
Paint it up
Sneakerheads looking to jazz up their collection can head over to artists for exclusive consultation to craft their vibes.
Game on
Make sure your sneakers are on for this fun competition of sneaker pong — a variant of the popular beer pong games.
Go footloose
Individual and couple participants will wear sneakers on their hands, and show off their best moves at the sneaker dance to take home rare collectibles.
