Arts
In this brand new episode of the Cultural DC podcast, we sit with three purveyors of DC sneakerhead culture to discuss the impact and future of sneaker collecting and community. Today’s discussion is framed against CulturalDC’s latest Mobile Art Gallery Installation, Overboard by Andy Yoder, an exhibit of over 220 sneakers constructed from recycled and repurposed materials. The installation examines sneakerhead culture and brings attention to the impact of capitalist consumer culture on our environment. Joining our discussion today are DC sneaker enthusiasts Ian Callender, Dominick Adams and Abdul Fow-zi. Ian Callender has been longtime DC business owner and sneaker purveyor for many years. As founder of Suite Nation, Ian created events that were conceptual, creative footwear showcases blending music, fashion, food, art, and unique, exclusive sneakers. Today, Ian continues to build community and spaces for culture as Co-Owner of Sandlot Southeast and Southwest. As Co-Owner of SOMEWHERE® Dominick Adams has helped build the foundation of modern fashion in Washington D.C. A third-generation Washingtonian, he is a proud alum of School Without Walls with a career highlighted by time served as General Manager of the pioneering sneaker boutique MAJOR in Georgetown & founding member of the creative team that birthed communal marketplace Maketto. To many DC sneakerheads, Abdul is the “guy with ALL the shoes”. Over the last 30 years of amassing an incredible collection of classic and exclusive sneakers, Abdul has built friendships and community around the love of fresh kicks. As a fan of the industry and culture, Abdul can be heard discussing current event topics and sneaker industry regularly on his podcast, Whats’a Podcast with his co-hosts Eddy and Jerome Baker III.