Esquire Singapore brought sneaker enthusiasts and culture aficionados together for an intimate evening. Namely Dexter Tan and Jonathan Fong, the visionary founders of Sole Superior, who have been instrumental in shaping the region's sneaker landscape over the past decade.
Under the warm glow of Singapore EDITION’s comfortable salon, the duo shared candid anecdotes about their decade-long journey building Southeast Asia's most influential sneaker convention, spanning industry insights and the evolution of sneaker culture in Southeast Asia. Their storytelling not unlike a live podcast, with guests quietly seated around as servers offered a thoughtfully curated selection of savoury and sweet canapés.
Auchentoshan, the evening's distinguished spirits partner, elevated the experience with three bespoke cocktails keenly crafted to resonate with the sneakerhead crowd. The Auchen Three Wood stood out with its rich and smooth profile, showcasing the complexities of double sherry cask maturation.
In contrast, the Auchen Autonomy challenged traditional norms by delivering a fizzy reimagination of the classic old fashioned. This drink epitomises the spirit of being self-made—a philosophy that not only fueled Sole Superior’s rise to being Singapore’s first sneaker convention, but also mirrors Auchentoshan’s commitment to standing apart. As one of the few distilleries employing a triple distillation process (scotch whiskies are typically double distilled), Auchentoshan has forged a unique identity for itself, boldly reflected in the cocktail.
The crowd favourite, however, was the Auchen Tì—a name cleverly playing on the Gaelic word for "tea". With a perfect balance of oaky depth and fruity brightness, it’s no wonder why it’s been crowned the brand’s signature long serve. A cold drink in hand and tongues loosened by the Scottish whisky's signature smoothness, conversations came easily—touching on everything from rare releases to the future of sneaker conventions in Singapore.
As the evening progressed, the salon became a microcosm for what Sole Superior represents—a space to celebrate community, creativity, and the cultural appreciation of streetwear. Guests left not just with new connections, but with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and community fuelling the local sneaker scene.
