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Style Profile: Jay Mijares

The Kickz Stand co-founder gives us his take on fashion and footwear

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On the current climate in streetwear

There’s been a big change. I’m more an old school kinda guy but 10 years ago there was a much bigger range in what people were wearing. Some people would wear really baggy pants and others would be in the skinnier fitting jeans, but now more and more people are going for that skinnier, tighter fit. But there’s still that influence from the ’80s and ’90s you can see especially today.

Start (your outfit) from the bottom

I start with my shoes and try to colour coordinate. So if there is a bit of red on the shoe, I try to match that with a shirt with a bit of red to make it flow. I quite like the look a lot of guys are going for at the moment where they’ll have a collared shirt and smart pants kind of like smart casual and will pair it with a really nice pair of kicks. But for me, comfort is key. I just go for what looks good and what’s comfy—hoodie and shorts, hoodie and nice jeans.

His favourite fit right now

At the moment I’m a big fan of Kikstyo brand. The shirts are great quality and I like to support them as The Kickz Stand had our first collaboration with them. With jeans at the moment I mainly wear another local brand, Andres Denim. They fit extremely well and are very comfortable. For shoes at the moment I’m beating a pair of Reebok Mastermind Ventilators—use them almost everyday

Favourite brands and local spots

Adidas is definitely killing it at the moment with the Ultra Boosts and the Kanye West collaborations. But I think Puma is really starting to grow again with some solid collaborations—like the Bape collaboration and recently with Trapstar, and one with Monkey Time on the way. Diadora are really starting to grow again as well, but for me I have my eyes on a lot of puma shoes.

I try to support the local stores—Above The Clouds, Sole Mate, Half Sleeve, and Espionage. They are there to support the community, if the local stores are supported and grow, the scene itself will grow.

Biggest fashion pet peeve

At the moment it annoys me seeing people getting super worked up over Yeezys, as if it’s life or death.

Everyone’s definition of style is different and while we should all ultimately trust our own instincts when it comes down to putting together a good fit, there’s no harm in getting a little guidance from people in the know. We sit down with individuals that have built a name for themselves in various areas of the fashion industry in Australia and abroad to gain their personal perspectives on fashion and how they approach their own outfits.

Jay Mijares is the co-founder and director of Australia’s leading sneaker, and lifestyle Facebook group, The Kickz Stand. With more than 17,000 members from Australia and overseas, the group definitely has a strong voice within the streetwear scene, becoming a vital source in where and how to cop the latest releases, and how to wear them once you’ve got them. And with a growing number of community events and local partnerships the group’s influence looks set to continue strongly.

Keep up with Jay via Instagram.

  • Interview / images: Cameron Oates

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