Love sneakers? This one-day festival in Mumbai uniquely celebrates the community

The sign of a true sneakerhead is their need to improve all the time even with the favourites in their collection ldquoI am a sneakerhead myself so I understand thatrdquo shares Pratyush Mohapatra head of marketing at Yazu Hospitality This weekend Mohapatra will likely join others from the community at the first edition of the Sneaker Fest at the Andheri hub of KICOA moment from a community celebrationldquoThis is our first step up towards the sneaker community in the cityrdquo admits Mohapatra Launched late last year the restaurant notably brought together the vibe of the growing sneaker culture in the city with a retail space offering the latest kicks and even building a specialised cocktail menu around it The deacutecor with the centrepiece of a 120kg metallic installation of an upsidedown sneaker is proof of the sameA view of the retail sneaker collection on display at the venueAtul Chopra cofounder adds ldquoWe wanted to create a space that blends innovation with nostalgia Sneakers and cocktails both have rich stories behind them and wersquove brought that storytelling to life in an experience thatrsquos immersive and exciting Plus having a retail component makes this a mustvisit destination for anyone who loves streetwear and sneaker culturerdquoPratyush Mohapatra and Atul ChopraThe fest is an attempt to reduce that distance between entertainment and the community by opening up the space to not just passionate sneakerheads but to anyone curious about the culture ldquoThe idea of the event is not selling We want to celebrate the sneaker culture of the cityrdquo he revealsGames at the fest will be themed around the sneakerhead experienceThe centrepiece will be an exclusive sneaker wall that will feature some rare collectibles like the latest Yeezys and Air Jordans that would not otherwise be available in the retail space Mohapatra shares Streetwear also forms a key part of the experience with Drippinn Kicks stepping in with new fashion collectibles while Silli curates the community experiences ldquoThe idea is not just to give people something to enjoy but a memory to take back with themrdquo concludes MohapatraAn example of the sneakerbong setup Pics Courtesysilli_inON October 11 5 pm onwardsAT KICO ndash Kicks and Cocktails Raheja Classique Andheri WestLOG ON TO districtinENTRY Rs 899Do not missAir Jordan 23 Representation Pics CourtesyWikimedia Commons iStockgtgt The great wall of kicksThe fest will host an exclusive sneaker wall made up of an enviable collection that will include the latest Yeezys and Air Jordans not yet available on retailMoonwalk and Black Panther cocktailgtgt A different kickWhile at the fest donrsquot skip the chance to sip on their specially curated cocktails built around some iconic kicks Sneakerheads will recognise the Moon Walk inspired by the Nike Moon shoes or the Black Panther originating from the Air Jordan 13Get your drip rightPaint it upSneakerheads looking to jazz up their collection can head over to artists for exclusive consultation to craft their vibesGame onMake sure your sneakers are on for this fun competition of sneaker pong mdash a variant of the popular beer pong gamesGo footlooseIndividual and couple participants will wear sneakers on their hands and show off their best moves at the sneaker dance to take home rare collectibles