TALKING w/ PURPLE THINGS designer KIKUNO
“What is Sneaker Culture and Street Fashion for her?” -NIKE AIRXOTIC
By Forget-me-nots Director Kyoko NAKAJIMA

KIKUNO is wearing the "NIKE" Blazer MID 77' SE this time.
While the "NIKE" Blazer is becoming a staple in women's sneaker styles, its roots are actually in basketball shoes.
It's surprising that professional basketball players used to run around the court in such vintage-looking shoes when so many high-tech court shoes are available today.
The latest models of the classic Air Force 1 Pixel and Air Max Verona are also available in the same series.
This model features animal prints such as python and leopard on the "NIKE" swoosh, making it a pair that stands out with a single accent despite its simplicity.
How will KIKUNO wear this series?

KIKUNO: I actually have shoeboxes stacked up like this at home.
NIKE shoes are essential to my life.

Kyoko: What does sneaker culture and street fashion mean to you, KIKUNO?

KIKUNO: That's a really difficult question (laughs).
I really like how streetwear always has the designer's life experiences and culture embedded in it as meaning.
Sneakers also have a history, don't they? Like who wore this model at what time. I like things like that, and I try to look at the characteristics and features of the shoes.
I started wanting to know more about them in the last few years, and I think I've grown to like them even more.
Gradually, I've started to decide which models I like, and I play around within those.
I've always worn black and white NIKE Air Force 1s. I also often wear the Air Jordan 1 series.
Recently, I've been into functional shoes like the NIKE React series and Overbreak.
Besides being functional, I think "NIKE" is good at making rugged, unconventional designs look sleek.

Kyoko: What moments in sneaker culture and history really resonate with you?

KIKUNO: When I see someone in an old movie wearing Cortez, it's interesting to think, "Oh, so this person was wearing these at that time!"
The more I started to like sneakers and look into their history, the more I noticed things like that, and it made watching movies even more enjoyable.
It's exciting to see celebrities wearing them in street style photos, or to notice someone on the street wearing them in a cool way. Knowing these things makes everyday life more fun.
The more I learn about sneakers, the more I can understand a bit about a person from how they wear them.
Things like not mixing sports brands, or not wearing Air Force 1s in a certain way — knowing these rules is interesting, and I'm the type to follow them properly (laughs).

Kyoko: If you wear them without knowing, people who do know might think it's wrong (laughs). Respect for the culture is important.

Kyoko: Today, you're wearing the "NIKE AIRXOTIC" BLAZER with exotic animal print on the swoosh. What do you think of them?

KIKUNO: The pattern is really cute. I love animal prints like python and leopard, and I often incorporate them into my outfits. The BLAZER has a sleek shape for a NIKE shoe, so it's easy to pair with things. I wear a lot of denim, so I wear them often. Today, I paired them with cutoff jeans that I cut myself to get the right balance for high-top sneakers. The most important thing for my own outfits is balance. I have rules for myself, like "If only this were 2cm different!" or "These shoes only go with these jeans!"

Kyoko: What's your recommended styling?

KIKUNO: When it gets warmer, a simple white T-shirt, jeans, and these BLAZERs, or a dress with BLAZERs if you're a girl, though I don't wear dresses myself.
They also go really well with sweatpants. They'd probably go well with "fmn" originals too.

PURPLE THINGS - DESIGNER/DIERCTOR
KIKUNO
Born in Tokyo, KIKUNO grew up immersed in music, street culture, and other "boys' cultures." After majoring in photography, she spent four years from age 19 in San Francisco and London. Upon returning to Japan, she worked at a design office while also active as a blogger. In 2015, she launched her own brand, "PURPLE THINGS." As a true Tokyo local, she possesses a unique network, and her distinctive sense of connecting music, street, and fashion has garnered attention. She is frequently featured in various magazines and media, including Ginza. In the past, her activities have been diverse, including regular participation in planning and design for United Arrows & Sons, and writing a column for a curation site.
PURPLE THINGS - @purplethingstyo
@kiki_sun
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