Sneakers with a Statement: Hip-Hop Culture and the Elements of Sneaker Design (Lost Articles - NUSKOOL, Inc.)
It was a Sunday evening, and usually my family gathers in the living room to partake in Family Movie Night. Typically, I use this opportunity to add “Black Cards” to my children’s decks. My wife and I always constantly debate on movies that are deemed appropriate for my children’s temperament. My movies tend to be prominent films in the mid-90s revolving around the black experience; however, my wife always has to remind me of the heavy content often embedded within these films. Fortunately, we were able to find a movie we mutual agreed to share with the kids, “Sneakerella”.
“Sneakerella” is a contemporary version of the story Cinderella, but remixed to fit the current times. The music, cinematography and even the casting, is truly a reflection of the evolution of storytelling. Representation matters, especially in my household, and this movie hit it on the nail. This is what Disney+ has to say about the movie:
Set in the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City, "Sneakerella" is a high-energy, music-driven movie that puts a contemporary twist on the “Cinderella” fairy tale. El is an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens who works as a stock boy in the shoe store that once belonged to his late mother. He hides his artistic talent from his overburdened stepfather and two mean-spirited stepbrothers who constantly thwart any opportunity that comes his way. When El meets Kira King, the fiercely independent daughter of legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon Darius King, sparks fly as the two bond over their mutual affinity for sneakers. With a little nudge from his best friend and a sprinkle of Fairy Godfather magic, El finds the courage to use his talent to pursue his dream of becoming a 'legit' sneaker designer in the industry. El is now ready to lace up and dream big.
Inspired by my experience watching this movie with my family, I decided to dig up an old article I previously wrote for NuSkool as a Content Developer. Check it out!
Sneakers with a Statement: Hip-Hop Culture and the Elements of Sneaker Design
In terms of its influence on urban style, sneakers widely became the ultimate status symbol…
Sneakers are the most sought after fashion trend in the world. But why? What is it about “kicks” that make them so prominent amongst the youth? Well, most of its popularity can be attributed to the global phenomenon known as Hip-Hop culture. Beyond it being a culture that stems from the artistic expressions of inner-city youth, it has also become a multi-billion dollar industry that has influenced, or at least played a part in, almost every facet of society. In terms of its influence on urban style, sneakers widely became the ultimate status symbol, particularly because of the Adidas brand. They were the perfect shoes for b-boys due to their comfort and color variations. They became even more popular in 1986 due to the promotion of the brand by Run DMC when they stated:
“My Adidas/walked through concert doors/ and roamed all over coliseum floors/ I stepped on stage, at Live Aid/ All the people gave and the poor got paid/ And out of speakers I did speak/ I wore my sneakers but I’m not a sneak/ My Adidas cuts the sand of a foreign land/With a mic in hand I cold took command”
In the article, “Three Brothers with Three Stripes: RUN-DMC and Adidas,” it states:
“Enter Run, Jam-Master Jay and DMC. Their signature street style, a staunch mix of denim, Adidas tracksuit tops, Kangols, fedoras, heavy framed glasses, and of course Adidas Superstars (worn in true prison-style without laces) was a powerfully simple statement that recast the template.”
The relationship between Hip-Hop and shoe brands would eventually spark a sub-culture, known as the “Sneakerheads.”
The Superstars became a fashion statement that represented the streets and its direct influence from the prison system. Inmates in prison were not allowed to wear shoe laces due to the probability of using them for harmful purposes. As a result, when inmates returned to their respective communities, they continued to wear their sneakers without shoe laces. RUN DMC wanted to shy away from looking like superstars and more like the ordinary people the community would see on a daily basis. Their fashion statement would eventually gain the attention of executives at Adidas. The website Sneaker Freaker mentions “while performing the track ‘My Adidas’ to a packed crowd at Madison Square Garden in NYC, they asked the crowd to hold up their sneakers. Thousands of Adidas Superstar sneakers were raised in unison. An Adidas employee in the crowd informed the company and the subsequent million dollar deal marked a new era of corporate affiliation with hip hop music.” The relationship between Hip-Hop and shoe brands would eventually spark a sub-culture, known as the “Sneakerheads.”
The Elements of Design
Each element in a sneaker design can serve a purpose. For instance, lines can stress a word or phrase, the use of color can generate emotions, shapes can be used to attract attention, value (lightness or darkness) can be used for emphasis, size can attract attention, texture can create visual interest, and space can be used to define importance or group information. The use of color can be depicted by one particular shoe that would literally change the shoe game forever, Nike’s Air Jordan 1s.
The Black / Varsity Red model was banned by the NBA back in 1985 due to NBA color rules and this actually helped to create more publicity and interest for the shoes. In essence, the rebelliousness fell right in line with origins of Hip-Hop culture, which at times was a form of rebellion against the establishment. It became symbolic not only because of its color but also because of the man who wore them, a young, innovative athlete who overcame the odds. As a result, the Jordan Brand has been one of the top selling sneakers of all time.
Another shoe that utilized the elements of design to make specific statements was the Lebron 10s. Austin Boykins states, “With LeBron James facing a wide range of opinions from fans and naysayers in the recent year, the beauty and durability of a diamond is used within the shoe to tell the story in relation to LeBron’s on and off the court abilities and experiences.” See “The Inspiration Behind the Nike LeBron 10.”
Other shoes such as Nike’s Air Galaxy Foamposites, Nike Air Mag’s, or the recently released Yeezy Boosts by Adidas all encompass a wide range of unique styles, which can be explored when taking into consideration the elements of design.
Just for KICKS: What Do You Rep?
“Suede Timbs on my feet make my cypher complete” ~ Nas “The Word is Yours”
As I think about my childhood as a military brat, I remember the distinct differences between what was worn throughout the various regions of the United States. Whether it’s Converse’s Chuck Taylors in California, “Soulja” Reeboks in New Orleans, Timberlands and Clark Wallabees in New York, or New Balances and Nike Boots in Washington, DC, each city, state or region, seemed to have a shoe that represented where they were from.
What statements do these shoes make, and why were they chosen to represent where they are from? Fashion trends aren’t necessarily limited to just sneakers; however, it is evident that you can tell where somebody is from strictly by what they are wearing. So, what does your shoe selection say about you? What do you rep?
My daughter wanted me to share her design! Apparently, she is a a huge BTS fan. Shout out to The Army!!
Test your kick game knowledge by taking the quiz after the jump…
What is the author’s main purpose for this article?[1]
Select three details from the passage that are most relevant to providing an objective summary of the passage.[1]
What are the elements of design?[1]
How are the elements of design used to make a specific statement?[1]
How did sneakers become a popular fashion trend in Hip-Hop culture?[1]
How did sneakers use the elements of design to convey a particular message?[1]
Choose one of your favorite pair of sneakers (Note: Students may pick the pair they have on.) and identify the various elements of design that are placed on these particular pair. What do you think each element represents?[1]