AF1 25th Birthday... Interview series

Slamxhype has done some interview with the rulers of the sneakers and streetwear scene about the Air Force One and it's pretty interesting.

I just copy one for you to have a look at the others:

AF1 25 YEARS: Frank the Butcher (WeeklyDrop)

Do you remember your first pair of AF1’s/Uptowns?

Frank: Yes, around 93-94. They were Navy Blue low canvas joints with a white swoosh, white sole… I had to hustle up the gwap, but I got it done!

What’s your favorite pair ever or top 3 (for those of you with AF1 addictions)?

Frank: My favorite pair ever were White high joints, light grey swoosh, light grey strap, white sole… what made them ill was the plastic tip of the strap and the little swoosh right above the toe box was Navy Blue! Method Man rocked them in the Ice Cream video. My man Fat Jon from the Bronx put me on to them in 95… Its the little details doggie. What up Fat Jon!

There’s been so many versions/colourways/colaborations of this shoe, how does it still manage to be the most popular shoe in this culture?

Frank: It’s perfect. Granted Nike wasn’t aware at the time that it would be the iconic classic that it is and even canceled production early on, but perfection stands the test of time. No ads, no re-design, no celebrity endorsements, just perfection.

Nike AF1 25th Anniversary or Adidas Superstar 35th Anniversary?

Frank: AF1 without question. Although I appreciate them, Shell Toes spoke more to the generation before mine..

If you could design a pair right now, what would they be? Colours, low, high or mid, fabrics etc?

Frank: That’s the thing about perfection, I don’t want to be the one who fucks it up. I am good with a clean pair of low White on White…

What do you think about the hype Nike have played on this event to this date, we’re only 3 weeks into 07 and it’s all we’ve heard about all year!?

Frank: The shit is, nothing has changed for me… I have been rocking them for 15 years without an anniversary party. If the 25th came and went without any special acknowledgement, I would still be rocking them.

Have you any thoughts on the cultural impact the AF1 has made?

Frank: The cultural impact is tremendous. It really put in perspective the power of Hip-Hop as a culture (sneaker culture IS Hip-Hop culture). The AFI has been an inner city / Hip-Hop culture staple for the past 25 years. No ads and no hype. I could remember when you couldn’t just go to Foot Locker to buy them. Hip-Hop made Nike and the rest of the world take notice.

Any thoughts on the impact this years anniversary celebrations will have on our already broadening culture and industry?

Frank: I am afraid that Nike will over do it. The shoe is a classic, the best selling shoe of all time with out any help.