Ivan Antunes is a Rhode Island native and founder of SneakerShouts.com. Once a Karmaloop employee and now the owner of his own brand, Ivan Antunes can be considered one of the top figures in sneaker culture today. While sneakers is his forte, Ivan also packs a mean outfit game as well. aGOODoutfit.com had the awesome opportunity to interview Ivan Antunes on his thoughts about sneaker culture, fashion, outfit choices and inspiration to launch sneakershouts.
How long have you been into fashion? Have you always been a fashionist?
Ivan: I’ve been into fashion as long as I can remember. Really, since I’ve been into sneakers to some degree. I’ve always had a desire to present myself in a very certain manner. Whether it was shopping at discounted stores and trying to find the dopest gear/brands to being able to purchase higher end fashion pieces like I do today. I’ve always been into fashion, my tastes have just been changing. I’ve also been lucky to be involved with Karmaloop in the past and being able to run MenswearDeals, which gives me access to a lot of brands and discovering a ton of cool pieces.
Where do you get inspiration for your outfits?
Ivan: I’m really inspired by what looks good and feels good. There are a lot of pieces I enjoyed looking at, but when I tried it on or wore it for the first time I wasn’t comfortable. I like a lot of neutral and solid colors. I don’t tend to be the loudest or best looking in the room, I want to be the most comfortable and well put together. I like to keep the outfit very simple and add accessories around it.
What is your favorite fashion brand and why?
Ivan: I’ve always been a fan of Zanerobe, Publish Brand, and recently Premium Co.
Their collections have always supported my criteria and always fit me in the way that I like. As I stated before my style is always changing as I grow and mature. Before I was a huge fan of Crooks and Castles, 10 Deep, Black Scale and other streetwear brands .
You are REALLY into shoes. Do you believe shoes determine the outfit?
Ivan: Yes, I normally start with what sneakers I would like to wear and build the outfit around them. It also depends on the environment and what I’m doing for the day/night. There’s a lot that may go into what I decide to wear, but it usually starts with the sneaker/shoes.
Do you think it’s okay for girls to wear Jordans? Why or why not?
Ivan: If a girl likes wearing Jordans, more power to her. I wouldn’t ever knock anyone for expressing themselves. However, I think there are some women out there who overdo it or purposely wear them for intentions of impressing a guy or seeking attention, but I think that’s just an assumed theory. As long as its not the only thing you wear and you can pull them off, you’re good!
What is your favorite pair of shoes that you own?
Ivan: My favorite pairs, because its hard to just choose one are:
Air Jordan 11 “Space Jams”
Air Jordan 3 “White Cement”
Air Jordan 4 “White Tech”
Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”
What gave you the inspiration to launch Sneaker Shouts?
Ivan: The community did. I saw a lot of people taking photos of their sneakers and I pitched an idea of allowing the community/followers to create the content by engaging with them to Karmaloop, they rejected the idea and theory. So I decided to just start something where people could share their work and show off their kicks, which they already were doing. It ended up growing a lot bigger than I expected. I basically just created a community for users to submit posts to and be featured. It became the first “Feature Page”. There are currently a ton of them on IG now. So I’ve been focused on adapting and being able to bring something new and innovative to the community. So hopefully all that unfolds within the next few months.
What do you wear on really cold days?
Ivan: My favorite cold weather wear is actually a duck boot by Gourmet Kicks. The were given to me while working at Karmaloop and they’ve stuck with me since. I also wear a lot of Timberland in the winter. My favorite pair are the “Yams” collab that Villa did with Timberland right now.
Aside from yourself, who else do you think has a great fashion sense?
Ivan: I’m really conservative in the fashion scene. I just pay attention to what’s comfortable and what I like. Which is super simple. I don’t consider myself as big in the fashion world as I would in the sneakers. I know my roll.
Some of the homies like Jacob Keller, John Geiger, Christian (Bull1trc) are doing some cool things with fashion and really moving the culture forward.
Do you have any advice or tips for people just entering the sneaker collecting game?
Ivan: My only advice is just buy and wear what you personally like right now. A lot of decisions are based off others or the market (Because something has value). I know the game can be a hustle to make money, but just buy what makes you feel good and you feel comfortable in. Also be willing to try new brands out. I know for a long time I was only buying Adidas/Nike/Jordans. But I’ve been exposed to brands that I currently enjoy wearing and supporting like ASICS, Saucony, New Balance, Gourmet, ect. I’m actually buying less Jordans and more higher end sneakers/trainers. Probably because I’m getting older and running more errands. I need something that’s more light on my feet. Also Jordan Brand has been fumbling the ball a lot wit the new releases and material choice ♦
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