Michael Pazmino and Mache Customs
Michael Pazmino is an avid sneaker collector who decided to create Kixfair to celebrate the sneaker culture in a new way. Pazmino discusses Kixfair and predicts top sneaker moments of 2015.
For those who don’t know, what is Kixfair and how did it get started?
Kixfair is a sneaker convention where people of all ages can come to shop and learn about sneakers. We provide an outlet for footwear and apparel companies to directly interact with the consumer. Kixfair got started as a way for theAtlanta community to have an event where we can celebrate the sneaker culture.
How was the initial run of Kixfair in 2014?
2014 was great for the company. Our attendance grew with each and every event and we held our first event outside of Atlanta in Las Vegas. We have grown into the largest sneaker convention in the South and we also became the first sneaker convention to be held at the world famous Georgia World Congress Center.
What have you learned most about putting on this event?
What I have learned most from putting on the event is just how diverse the sneaker community is. It truly is something that spans all ages and races and the community is only growing.
What are some new things that you will offer with Kixfair in 2015?
Kixfair is unique in that it is a place where sneaker enthusiasts can come to shop, learn and play. I don’t want to reveal anything before hand but our guests can expect more involvement from companies and brands. They will get a taste of things to come at our first event in January.
How can sneaker enthusiasts be a part of Kixfair?
Kixfair offers a variety of ways for sneaker enthusiasts to take part in the event. The most common way is to attendthe event and shop around, either as a guest or as a vendor. You can educate yourself by listening to the presentations and panels we present. You can win some cash by participating in various competitions such as a video gametournament, free throw contest or our signature “Are You Smarter Than A Hypebeast” Gameshow. We also offer internships to high school and college students who wish to learn about the business side of the event.
What was the biggest sneaker moment of 2014?
The biggest sneaker moment of 2014 has to be the power moves being made by Adidas. They signed Kanye West near the end of 2013 but then followed that up by signing Pharell and Nigo, most known for Bape, BBC, Ice Cream. They also signed some of Nikes top designers(Marc Dolce, Mark Miner and Denis Dekovic) in another power move. Adidas has also embraced the “custom” sneaker movement and has worked with Mache and Sole by Sir to make custom cleats. To me it shows how Adidas is embracing the sneaker community and is catering to it. To see a brand directly target the sneaker community with its moves is definitely the biggest sneaker moment of 2014.
What will be the biggest sneaker moment of 2015?
The Nike Air Mag. 2015 is the year that Doc and Marty McFly traveled to in the movie Back to The Future II. In themovie he has a pair of futuristic, self-lacing shoes known as the Air Mag. The shoes designer Tinker Hatfield has hinted at its release being this year in honor of the movie. If it does in fact release it will no doubt be the biggest sneaker moment of 2015.
What are your thoughts on Nikes special edition Black History shoes?
I am impressed and it is easily the best iteration of the BHM collection since the 2012 collection. I personally am a fan of plain color ways so the use of black and white in the pack makes the shoe much more wearable to me. My favorites out of the new pack are the Jordan XX9, the KD VII and the Air Max 1.
Kixfair will take place Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at Georgia Tech’s student center in Atlanta, Ga.
