Yesterday saw the eighth edition of Sneaks and Peaks, the best lifestyle event in the Midlands.
Sneaks and Peaks was actually the first ever event I went to as a younger and believe it was the first event they ever did over at the custard factory. So in a sense I have to thank John and the crew for opening up a new culture for myself so close to home.
As someone who spent a lot of time in Birmingham growing up, I got to see the evolution of streetwear from 08-09’ish especially the Candy Store era that supplied brands such as Huf, Diamond Supply, Mishka and the rest of those American brands that are no longer as a whole deemed ‘fashionable’.
As times progresses and cultures expand and diversify, streetwear has changed and, sadly, for the most part, Birmingham has too.
Sneaks and Peaks is the only Midlands event that has maintained the passion of streetwear world and everything associated within it. SNP gives space for independent brands such as Dark Circle, GVNMNT and others that are the new age of Birmingham streetwear to showcase products in the flesh, which is a huge thing for myself as I like to learn about the backgrounds of each brand and seeing their authenticity.
Other additions this year included the Carhartt outlet, Ropes Laces, A Number of Names, 24 Hour Club and a new Birmingham centred culture magazine called ‘Bab Mag’.
The sneaker sellers were out in full force with a variety of heat and GRs as well in order to meet the needs of a variety of sneaker heads.
The food was, yet again, amazing: good burgers, and the Filipino fusion stall had long queues all day.
Me and Brick AKA Al Chapo got our hair did and got two naughty fades from the boys at Folsom Barbers. Lying in the bath right now writing this, I’m still extremely gassed about my new trim.
As a whole, Birmingham’s streetwear culture and community is a lot smaller in comparison to London but it remains very tight and I applaud Sneaks and Peaks for continuing what they do well and keeping the flame alive on the streets of Birmingham.
Words by Jake Hartwell
Photos by Tom Silvester
