Over the years, India has found itself embracing and championing many alternative sub-cultures that have become integral to our way of life. One of the most popular, and one that is very close to our hearts, is the epic rise of sneaker culture. Whether it was documenting the journey or shaping it ourselves, Homegrown believes that sneaker culture in all its raw, honest glory is here to stay. There are many brands, experiences and artists the world over also championing the cause and this year they’ll be coming together under one roof at the World Sneaker Championship 2018.
In the lead for India is 21-year-old Vidit Singh Chhikara, currently based out of Portland, Oregon as a Design student at Pensole Footwear Design Academy. His first interaction with sneaker culture was on the basketball court. “When I played ball my eyes use to focus on what sneakers were on the court. Thereafter I discovered the sneaker culture and dug into the community and history of sneakers. I realized that sneakers grew over me especially basketball and lifestyle sneakers. I was passionate about 3 things. Basketball, sneakers, and sketching.” Unlike many, Vidit has found the opportunity to combine his passions and make them his career, he connected with sneaker design communities on Instagram, studied craftsmanship at Footwear Design and Development Institute, Noida, India and had soon built the skill set to enter the industry on his own terms.
In January 2017 he won a scholarship for the Pensole x New Balance Masterclass in Boston and he, along with 25 other designers had the opportunity to see the inner workings of the industry. “That was a life-changing experience and ever since then I took control of my life and focused on being the best.” He represented India in 2017 World Sneaker Championship, making it to the Top 32 finalists and today as he competes again, he’s ready to make every moment count, “I want to show the youth that everything is possible if you believe in yourself and work for it. The is a lot of hidden talent in our country and I just try to bring that out.”
His unique aesthetic is what continues to impress critics and sneakerheads alike, his designs lean towards the futuristic but he puts a lot of store in research and designing for the target brand or consumer. “Creativity and Authenticity is the most valuable source for any designer and it is a part of my integrity when it comes to designing sneakers. Over the past two years that I started designing sneakers, I have developed my own aesthetic which incorporates sharp, edgy and futuristic elements.” he says.
Vidit sees a gaping hole in India’s sneaker culture, one that he hopes to address with his work. It’s irrefutable that sneaker culture is influenced by the West, “and there is no problem in admitting that because ultimately we all together connected directly or indirectly.” he says. But throughout the diversity of design there’s a noticeable lack of India in Indian sneaker culture. He wants to incorporate some of the most iconic elements in a new an innovative style, “We have so many handicraft methods of making shoes so why don’t we incorporate that into sneakers. Why can’t we incorporate the influence of culture into the sneakers? We see that in food in art, music and fashion and somewhat in ethnic footwear but why not sneakers. I have seen a very little rise but as a designer, I would like to have my influence on the same.”
He wants to create a world where Indian sneaker culture stands apart from others and where instead of being the imitators, Indians are the trendsetters. He cites the work of influencers like Badshah and Anand Ahuja, both working in this space towards a similar goal, his work in this space has undoubtedly been groundbreaking and in two short years his achievements have racked up, so we suggest you keep an eye on this young designer as we topple over the brink of the sneaker revolution.