By Cheyenne Chia

The world is a sensory playground and our eyes are the primary tools of interaction. Oftentimes, we see someone before we hear, touch or smell them and this visual-first experience is what makes fashion—an intentional decision we make daily—a statement that communicates a notion of the self. And as with linguistic utterances, they vary from person to person. 

For some, their style is a bold exclamation, while for others, it’s a quiet whisper in a crowded room of extravagance or a cheeky quip that allows their sensibility to shine through. For design student Connor McWhinnie, if fashion has to be a statement, then he would like it to be out of this world.

This striking approach to style is clear from his Instagram feed, which is comparable to Pantone’s catalogue of colors. The saturated vibrancy of his fashion is not often seen in the neutral-leaning streetwear crowd, but is a unique take that is playfully vogue. Connor’s ability to bring together contrasting elements into a cohesive ensemble is a feat that has us questioning where his sensibilities stem from. 

Lucky for us, we had the opportunity to chat with the affable university student over email and learnt how his first Anti Social Social Club jacket has led him to be streetwear’s “part-time skittles imitator”:

 

Q: Hi Connor! Thank you for joining us in celebrating street culture and the sneaker community. Could you share with us your first encounter with the street scene?

I think my first encounter was when I was 18. I had just heard of Anti-Social Social Club. I got a jacket from them for my 19th birthday. Though it’s cringe to think of it now, that was my first encounter with streetwear! 

Q: We understand that you like to call yourself a “part-time skittles imitator” and really enjoy your experimentation with colour. Could you share with us how you settled into your current style? 

I love and hate that this is my go-to catch phrase! It took quite a bit of trial and error to understand what suited me, what made me feel confident and what styles I really liked. I have been through some absolute shockers. I don’t regret them, though, because they helped me understand what styles I liked and didn’t like. 

I think deep down, ever since I was a kid, I wanted to dress this way. I always pictured myself wearing fun and flamboyant clothing, but never really had the courage to pull it off when I was younger. 

Q: Who are your personal style inspirations? 

My style is reflective of the music I’m listening to at the time. My style icons are Lil’ Kim, Princess Nokia & Britney Spears.

I’m also influenced by many of my friends as well, considering that they’re in the same industry as me. It’s really great when creatives can bounce ideas off each other and be inspired by one another. 

Q: As a design student and artist, what stands out to you about a sneaker’s design?

I’m so interested in sneakers that look like they’re not from Earth. There is a fine line between ugly and not appealing vs ugly and super appealing. Does that make sense? Basically, I love any type of sneaker that looks like an alien designed it.

Also really love oversized and over the top sneakers. Like the Yeezy Insulated Boot.

Q: As per any sneaker editorial, we are burning to know about your collection. How’s it like? 

I was thinking the other day that I have a really unique and eclectic shoe collection. From the Kerwin Frost x adidas Originals Low Benchmate sneakers to my Jordan 1 Bred Toes, I think I have a pretty diverse collection! 

Every shoe I purchase reminds me of the exact time I purchased them. It’s kinda like a timestamp for that period in time.

Q: What is your thought process when purchasing sneakers or fashion items? Do factors like exclusivity affect your decision? 

I am trying to be the most sustainable person I can be and all my clothes get good wear out of them. That being said, my top two rules for purchasing something are:

1. If I can wear it with 3+ outfits.

2. If I keep thinking about it, then I really want it.

Exclusivity doesn’t really affect me with my decision as much as it used to.

Q: Are there any street fashion or sneaker collaborations that you are particularly enamoured with?

I absolutely love the Kerwin Frost and adidas Originals collaboration. It’s so wacky, fun and beautifully abstract.

Q: If you could own any pair of sneakers, what would it be? 

Any 2000s style BAPE STAs. There’s a brown, pink and white colour way that I am obsessed with. Sadly, it’s super rare and expensive!

Q: Do you have some styling tips you can share with people just getting into street fashion? 

I think incorporating new styles slowly into your outfits is a great way of testing the waters to see what you like and what works for you. I started slowly adding new accessories, colours and pieces to really understand my own style.

Q: As our first Australian interviewee, we’d love to hear your opinion or hot takes on the sneaker/street culture in Australia.

I think in 2017, the streetwear scene was very scarce. There wasn’t as much of a creative presence as there is today. It was very cookie-cutter. E.g. A rap tee and baggy jeans. Since 2020, I think people are more aware of streetwear fashion and how fun it can be to experiment with your own style and identity. I think streetwear fashion has grown within Australia, which is great.

Special thanks to Connor McWhinnie for the wonderful interview and images. You can find more of his stylish fits on Instagram. 

More SNKRDUNK Interviews:

From Japan to the World: Kohei Hamada

Real or Fake? SNKRDUNK Authenticator Kaoru Nohara Can Tell You

Virtually Real: Hartcopy’s Tim Suen on NFTs & Digitized Sneaker Culture

How to Start Your Own Creative Studio in Singapore: Tell Your Children

Sneaker Collecting as a Student in Singapore: Marcus Ho

Sneakers, But Make it Art: Felt Kenn Makes Sneakers Out of Felt