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18th January 2025 EDT FEATURES

[SNKRDUNK Snapshots] Culture Cartel 2025: ICONS Uprising

Singapore's celebration of street culture, subsuming the adjacent worlds of automotive artistry and tattooing.

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[SNKRDUNK Snapshots] Culture Cartel 2025: ICONS Uprising
[SNKRDUNK Snapshots] Culture Cartel 2025: ICONS Uprising
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If not for the nomenclature, it’s time to retire the prefix “street” from “street culture” since it has long escaped the confines of the urban underbelly, its threads so tightly interwoven into the fabric of the current zeitgeist. Beyond the original trifecta of music, art, and fashion, this orchestra has also learned to play the music of adjacent subcultures of automotive artistry and the artistry of tattooing, where expression is anything but “skin-deep”. All represented in Culture Cartel 2025: ICONS Uprising.

At the time of writing, Culture Cartel 2025 is currently happening at the Singapore EXPO (17 to 19 January, 10AM to 10PM). SNKRDUNK was given early access so we can show you a teaser of what you can expect, or if you’re reading this in retrospect, a teaser of what you can expect—in the next edition. So, without further ado…


Let’s begin with the immersive installations—they’re sure to be the first to captivate you. Many may be drawn to pfiynstudio‘s installation as the centerpiece, but don’t miss the proximate setups by Phillip Leeds, showcasing his Big Shots! book and apparel, David Huynh‘s Dollar Bills artworks, and The Visual Dome‘s AI-driven masterpieces nearby.

Expect to see major brands showcasing their best, including adidas, PUMA, ASICS, New Era, and McDonald’s. Don’t miss Limited Edt‘s LE DEPOT, a warehouse-type sale with incredible discounts, and the impeccably dressed team from Pharoah’s Horses. Also, visit the adidas booth to customize your own exclusive t-shirt and the Culture Cartel merch booth featuring collaborations with the PARLOUR and the event’s featured artists.

The cars would be impossible to miss. Even the writer, a self-proclaimed automotive illiterate, could appreciate the spectacle. Be sure to check out the collaborations with Nicky Diamonds and Koterie, and don’t miss the curated showcase by Horizon Drivers Club.

There’s something for everyone at Culture Cartel 2025. For the street culture historian, at the far right of the venue is where the memorabilia is located.

Here you’ll find Elim Chew‘s Star Wars collection, Singapore’s largest Hello Kitty collection by Sofie Chandra, the world’s most extensive Stüssy Tribe Jacket collection by DJ Alex Baby, some of POP Culture PUNCH Collectibles‘ toys from the 1960s to ’70s, Conceptshop‘s archive of iconic Urahara brands—including fragment design, BAPE, and Supreme, Ho Kien Meng‘s collection of rare G-SHOCKs, and many more.

More into footwear, watch out for special releases. Nicky Diamonds unveiled his new Coupes de Diamant Clogs, while NDPD and Classified Footwear showcased their artisanal workmanship. Homegrown hero SBTG also made a strong showing with his SBTG x Kanky x STAPLE collaboration and special colorways of his MONSOON PATROL x ASICS sneakers.

Let’s not overlook the contributions of local and regional vendors, including AGAINST LAB., FUTUREMADE STUDIO (FTMD.), Chota House Collective, GRAYE, bijon, and many others.

For dedicated hobbyists, there’s 1Collectibles for the TCG community, TOYQUBE for vinyl figure collectors (don’t miss UN1TED‘s “Mogul Grin”), and the Aliwal Chess Club for those seeking a mental challenge.

The tattoo convention has always been a staple of Culture Cartel, and this year’s edition was likely the most impressive yet. Artists from around the globe congregated, culminating in a friendly competition after a full day of work on those large-scale pieces.

For the pièce de résistance: the passionate people who breathe life into this community—the organizers, the attendees, and the most impeccably dressed among them.

Stay tuned for our upcoming interviews with Nicky Diamonds and Phillip Leeds. We’ll delve into their journeys, reflecting on their past accomplishments and discussing what else they have their eyes set on, even decades into their remarkable careers.

Finally, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the organizers, guest artists, and vendors whose collective efforts brought this remarkable event to fruition.

We deeply appreciate the opportunity to experience the extraordinary work they generously shared with us. Their presence at Culture Cartel 2025 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of individual agency, taking control of their own path. Ultimately, inspiring us all to embrace our own unique one. Until next time!

Culture Cartel 2025: ICONS Uprising

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App and use the welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you want to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!


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