Straight up, Kevin Poon is a streetwear authority. His résumé includes a number of "co-founder" designations, from Hong Kong-based fashion imprint CLOT, and distribution agency DISTRICT, to the retail chain and one-stop-shop for all things street culture, JUICE, marketing and communications agency Social/Capital and Elephant Grounds Coffee. Over his 10 plus years in the industry, Poon has not only helped bring western streetwear culture to the Chinese market, but he's also aided in cultivating a distinct Chinese aesthetic within this engulfing genre, providing a lane for budding brands to grow and thrive.
Outside the office, Kevin is a chill and insightful guy. He's an NBA fanatic, a family man, a collector of contemporary pop-art and of course, a true sneakerhead. In collaboration with MR PORTER and its growing footwear division, we sat down with Mr. Poon to talk his grails, Jordan's reign over the market and the silhouettes every man should own.
What are your three favorite sneakers?
My favorites change from time to time, but if I had to choose my all-time favorites, one would have to be the CLOT x Nike Air Max 1, second would have to be the Tom Sachs and Nike collaboration, and the third pair would be the new kolor x adidas Boosts.
Where/when did your passion for footwear begin?
It came at a very young age when I was really into basketball, when everyone wanted to have the coolest sneakers on and off the court. From early Jordans to Pennys, then that transformed to Nike SBs to Nike co.jp, and the obsession goes on.
What are your grails -- sneakers that you haven’t yet attained, but wish to?
I’m hoping to get the Nike MAGs with self-tying laces in March. The other pairs would be the JORDAN 4 Undefeated and the white Nike Dunk FLOM x Futura.
Aside from the major brands like Nike and adidas, what sneaker labels currently interest you and why?
Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen have great footwear divisions. Rick Owens also makes good sneakers.
You’re known as a collector of Air Jordans, why do you think the Jordan Brand has remained so iconic in the sneaker industry?
I think, Jordan is a really cool person, and I think a lot of people that are into basketball really like him and his attitude on and off the court, whether it's promoting teamwork or being a leader. Aesthetically, they're just great looking sneakers. Also, in the early 2000's, Kanye, JAY Z, Don C and others wore Jordans as the sneaker of choice. And now you have Drake and his OVO collaborations.
What do you think about the MR PORTER exclusive capsule collections?
I am a big fan of Mr Porter because of their product curation and attention to detail. It's great that they're now venturing into capsule collections. I especially like the new Christopher Kane sneakers.
With Mr Porter’s vast collection of shoes and sneakers in mind, what models/styles of footwear should every man have in his closet?
Every man should own at least a pair of Stan Smiths, Vans, Converse Chuck Taylors and dress shoes.
Many high-fashion brands/designers are trying their hand at athletic footwear, who’s doing it the best and why?
I personally like Jon Buscemi, I think he's doing a great job with his brand. I also think Alexander Wang has some really funny silhouettes. Christian Louboutin does a good job. Valentino has been interesting. Also Common Projects and Gosha x Vans have been interesting.
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