These days, shoe brands are trying to create their own holidays. I mean, what's more ubiquitous than Google Alert bringing your attention to a commercialised holiday? There's Nike with its Air Max Day; New Balance with Grey Day; and now Clarks launched its inaugural Wallabee Day. This occasion with occur every 26 April. Why this particular date? Welp, according to one source, on 26 April 1971, the JFK Airport customs were in a tizzy in procuring cages to house 4,176 wallabies that were coming in. They were actually 4,176 pairs of Wallabees, not the macropods, from Clarks.
To commemorate the moccasin-inspired shoe that took years off from some poor custom agent at JFK, Clarks teamed with local artist and constant smiler, tobyato for 30 unique pairs of Wallabee shoes. But they aren't your ordinary Wallbee in a different colourway. Nay, tobyato up the ante by creating a design that's inspired by the Chinese dragon dance.
The custom uses the iconic Clarks silhouette as a background for tobyato's artistic vision. Each shoe features a single laser-engraved frame from a swirling dragon dance animation (see above). Think of the 30 pairs as 30 frames that, when displayed together, show a mesmerising looping animation. This is an innovative approach to footwear design but also, must be a real bitch if you wanna locate all the buyers of Clarks x tobyato Wallabees for a reunion.
Aside from the animation, there are other nuances to the shoes like the custom acrylic and wooden charms that hang off the rope laces. Again, these are limited to just 30 pairs and it's bound to be a collectable item (who knows, by the time you read this, it'll all be snapped up).
The Wallabee Dragon Dance edition is exclusively available at Chamber, online and at Clarks ION.
Like New Year's Eve for the doomsayers or Christmas for the consumerists; Air Max Day has arrived for the sneakerheads. Nike's annual celebration of the Air Max model that came out on 26 March, 1987, will be greeted with special drops. The brand has re-issued grails like the Air Max 90 Bacon but this year's we're looking at a brand new look: the Air Max Dn.
This model was borne out of the R&D look into a new Nike Air unit called "Dynamic Air". This unit is a dual-pressure tubes that give a reactive sensation with every step. Not only is the Air Max Dn imbued with new tech, it's also made out of, at least, 20% recycled content (from post-consumer and/or post-manufactured waste) by weight. The Air Max Dn will boast six colourways.
There are other models specially released for Air Max Day. Models like the Air Max 1 '86, this time the red accents give way to the royal blue ones.
As we look forward to more Air Max Days, let us take a walk down memory lane with a few classic favourites from our local sneakerheads.
"I was 16 when it dropped, and this was a unicorn. I was just gawping at it in Japanese magazines like BOON and Non-no. It was such a fresh, dope, futuristic-looking sneaker. Pity, I never had a chance to cop. If someone were to rock a pair at Far East Plaza on the weekend, it would probably break necks. At that time, I guess they would have gotten a pair from Hong Kong. Finally, I'd gotten my own retro pair in the late 2000s... but it crumbled way too fast. RIP."
"Not only were these a Japan exclusive; they were an eye-catching combination of faux fur that definitely [grab attention] if you wore them out."
"Inspired by the style lines of a water ripple effect and the hues of mountain bikes (which is usually in silver chrome), this iconic pair is extremely versatile to pair with. Whether it’s completing athleisure sporty looks or street style ensembles, the Air Max 97 is just the hyped-up finishing touch you need."
(Editor's note: Animation studio, Laika, is owned by Nike founder Phil Knight and his son, Travis, is Laika’s President and CEO. Limited-edition shoes based on Laika's first four films were made, many were given to friends and family. When Missing Link (Laika's fifth film) was released, the Susan was given a wider release, although, they were quickly sold out. A Friends and Family version was also created, this was even rarer.)
"I love the attention to detail and it was a beautiful way to see the animation translated onto the shoe. It definitely opened my eyes."
"I've followed Sean Wotherspoon on his Round Two journey on YouTube. From how his curation and passion led him to a successful street culture vintage store to working with Nike to getting a shoe to involving the community. And they created a shoe that made so much buzz around the entire world. It made me feel that if [Wotherspoon's] passion, curation and hard work can get him to where he is today, maybe I can as well."
"[This is just] a little reminder that some concepts can just be playful and fun for the sake of it."
"Stash pioneered the artist brand collaboration space. And, in some way, paved the way to allow someone like me to do what I can do today."
It may be the Year of the Dragon but every animal of the Chinese Zodiac is a perennial representation of the passion-filled mythological race that determined the order of the lunar calendar. After all, it's a new year, new you. From fragrances to timepieces, we've curated an edit of items tailored to each characteristic from Raffles City to put that extra spring in your step. With tobyato adding his own touch on the Chinese Zodiac, we present a very special Esquire 12.
You’re a Dragon. You’re eccentric, and powerfully so. A BOSS cardigan crafted from a blend of cashmere captures that sense of regality, punctuated by an embroidered, stylised calligraphy by calligrapher Feng Tang. There’s no doubt that you’re the boss in a piece as unapologetically bold such as this—no mere mortal could pull this off like you do.
BOSS
#01-37B
For the trustworthy Rabbit, equally trusted Aesop grooming products are essential in ensuring that elegant façade remains in the spring of life. A Moroccan Neroli shaving duet—serum and post-shave lotion—helps keep skin supple and hair-free shape, while a facial hydrating serum and anti-oxidant eye cream act as youth-locking assistance.
Aesop
#01-44A
As unpredictable as the Tiger, there’s no telling what Onitsuka Tiger could ever be up to. The brand known for some iconic footwear, refreshes its chunky outsoled Dentigre LS sneakers with a mixed-media upper rendered in shades of grey. Red topstitching runs across for tasteful nods to the festivities while retaining its statement-making appearance like that of the Tiger’s stripes.
Onitsuka Tiger
#01-14
Steady and dependable like the Ox, you’re a ball of love at the heart of all that steely exterior. APM Monaco’s Morse Code series is a perfect match—a stylish go-to that effortlessly dresses up any outfit. Each piece taps into your softer side with words of affection reflected through coded messages embedded into its façade. Because no one really needs to know how you really feel, unless you want them to.
APM Monaco
#01-06
Why does one need five eau de parfums on hand? Because a quick-witted Rat knows to be adaptable in whatever situation it might find itself. The set comprises five 10ml vials of some of Creed’s most prized fragrances—from Green Irish Tweed to Aventus—each designed to cater to different moods and occasions. They’re perfectly sized to keep as part of a flight pack of essentials too, so you smell fresh upon landing at any destination.
Creed
#01-39C
The Pig gets a bad rep for being a glutton, leaving its determined personality overlooked. These coffee-laced assortments by Bacha Coffee will help to keep the drive going as one gets through the day. Start with a splendid cup 100 per cent Arabica coffee, snack on dark chocolate-covered coffee beans, and treat yourself to a croissant or two.
Bacha Coffee
#01-38/39
Chinese streetwear meets American icon in this collaborative effort between CLOT and Tommy Hilfiger. The latter’s emblematic colours have been cleverly interwoven with CLOT’s Chinese-inspired motifs to create a pattern that mashes the two seamlessly on this bucket hat. Prudent like the Dog, you’ll be prepared for light rain and shine no matter where you go, and rather stylishly so.
Tommy Hilfiger
#01-33
They say not to put your eggs in one basket—but when said basket is an intricately designed Shanghai Tang jewellery box in collaboration with artist Jacky Tsai, we see no harm in it. You’d want to fill it with your daily assortment of rings, bracelets, ear cuffs and more. And perhaps, being an observant Rooster, you’d make some space for the missus because hers is almost stuffed to the brim.
Shanghai Tang
#01-27A
The Monkey’s charm and versatility is exemplified quite fittingly in the latest Top Time piece by Breitling. Inspired by second-generation Chevrolet Corvettes, the red dial is immediately as stunning as the 1960s icon and is coupled with subdials that give the feel of vintage dashboard gauges. The perforated leather strap adds to the sportscar nod yet makes for an outstanding accessory you’d want to flex any day of the week.
Breitling
#01-35/35A
Real GOATs know that Givenchy’s all about refined elegance and the Gentleman Society rings true from bottle design to scent. The eau de parfum opens with a blend of sage and wild narcissus. Then the contrast hits—a quartet of vetiver essences coupled with a woody base—resulting in a bold, sophisticated fragrance crafted for the gentleman who’s constantly reinventing himself.
Givenchy
#01-40B
More than a decade has passed since the XT-6 first broke into the scene. It’s become synonymous with ultra-distance race athletes, owing to the sneaker’s lightweight and durable construction. The XT-6 has been reimagined with new colours and materials, but its heightened comfort and stability remains—no matter how hard and long one steams through harsh terrains at the speed of the energetic Horse.
Salomon
#02-31
Like the intelligence portrayed by the Snake, a little illumination goes a long way. With Dinesh to light the way home, its portability allows for an immediate brightening anywhere: within and outside your abode. With three levels of brightness, the Dinesh is powered by a simple charge via a USB connector. When it’s sufficiently suffused, create your own ambience by hanging it or leaving it on a flat surface.
Kave Home
#03-40/41
Find our more about Raffles City's "Spring in the City".
Photography: Jaya Khidir
Illustration: tobyato
Styling: Asri Jasman
