There is a whole culture out there that I wasn’t privy to for a long time. Now that I’ve caught wind though, I’ve basically caught wildfire.

Let’s start at the beginning. It was probably around the 80s when the growth of hip hop culture, basketball obsessions, and THE Michael Jordan “Air Jordan” shoes were released that sneaker culture became a thing. I think it’s been chronicled that the origin is traced back to that trifecta. True as that may be, my history with sneaker life started but 2 years ago I believe, when I was at New York Fashion Week at an exclusive cult collab with the Shoe Surgeon for sneakerheads at a Zadig & Voltaire making live custom NBA and Nike shoes.

I remember staying at the Howard and visiting Stadium Goods and falling absolutely in love with a pair of kicks. I decided not to purchase, and then, as the story goes, I could not get them out of my mind for years. Obviously the one thing I don’t buy haunts me, right? But then, lo and behold, the Oak Shop comes into my life and with it comes the shoes I left behind. I swear, you’d think I’m Carrie Bradshaw fawning over a pair of Manolos, but these Retro Nike Air Jordan 1 sneakers are the real deal. And, you better believe I left my first visit with that highly coveted shoe box in hand.

Owners Andrew Rusnac and Franco Benalia brought a One of a Kind sort of shoe culture to our quaint little Westmount shopping street. Filled with incredible one-of-a-kind, exclusive kicks, Oak Shop makes it possible for sneakerheads to find their favourite pair of new releases and old releases both online and in their store.

I’ve always styled my looks based on the function of my day – if I’m hitting boutiques or events, I’ll always be dressed in the latest and greatest, chic from head to toe. But, the last few months, I’ve been basically dressed in streetwear – my new uniform has brought a lot of athleisure and Praise to my life. So, when I finally got my Retro Air 1s, I knew exactly the look I wanted to shoot and Patricia knew exactly the location for my backdrop. Cut to us, hanging out in just one of the many secret sweet spots in our city that create the perfect vibe for that hip hop throwback. Oh my goodness, I love my job!

Photography by Patricia Brochu