We Are Shoe York City
We Are Shoe York City
Presented by the Division of Sport Management
and the Fashion Studies Institute
and the Fashion Studies Institute
Nike x Wu-Tang Clan Dunk. Originally released in 1999; rereleased in 2024
February 6– May 31, 2025
Opening event: Tuesday, February 6, 6–9pm
(Located in the gallery corridor and vitrines)
Opening event: Tuesday, February 6, 6–9pm
(Located in the gallery corridor and vitrines)
We Are Shoe York City, an exhibition presented by the Division of Sport Management and the Fashion Studies Institute st St. John’s University, delves into the profound impact of sneakers on New York City's fashion and culture. This showcase explores how sneakers have transcended their athletic origins to become powerful symbols of identity, community, and expression in the urban landscape, with each case displaying iconic sneaker moments and tributes to each of the city's five boroughs.
Beginning in the 1970s and 1980s, New York City witnessed the emergence of sneaker culture, deeply intertwined with the rise of hip-hop and street art, turning the sneaker into a cultural symbol utilized to reflect personal interest and style.Brands like Adidas, Nike, Converse, and more integrated streetwear and fashion-focused styles into their lineup of athletic sneakers.
Over the decades, the sneaker industry has grown and evolved to include everyone from street artists to CEOs, athletes to average Joes. Designers and brands have collaborated to create limited-edition releases, fueling a thriving sneakerhead community, with New York City at its epicenter.
Today, sneakers are integral to the city's identity, symbolizing the city's dynamic and diverse spirit. They represent a fusion of fashion, music, art, and community, embodying the essence of urban culture. This exhibition invites you to explore the rich history and enduring influence of sneakers in shaping the unique tapestry of New York City, borough by borough.
Exhibit curated by Emily Keller, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Sport Management, St. John's University; Sean Williams, Co-Founder, SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy (SSCA); and Simon Pack, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sport Management, St. John's University.