In conversation with All Amin

We recently had a conversation with Berlin-based artist All Amin, a free creative who specializes in sneaker upcycling.

What’s the first smell you remember?

That’s a hard question. The first smell I remember was probably my mommy’s Kurdish food. Especially a spice we call “baharat“ in our language, which she was always cooking with.

What made you start sneaker upcycling?

I felt super lost in life when I first started sneaker upcycling. I would sit in my small room, which had no space because it was full of shoes and clothes, half of which I never wore, and start to question my consumption.

This frustration gave me the push to start upcycling my own wardrobe into something new. I really liked the styles I created out of pieces I already owned. From there I continued working exclusively with used materials. It’s so empowering to give something new life with your own personal touch! xx

“...frustration gave me the push to start upcycling my own wardrobe into something new.”

What’s one thing most people disagree with you about?

Most people disagree with my attitude towards institutions. I really can’t stand any institution. It just makes me feel weird and uncomfortable sitting with random guys, especially in fashion, who want to become “fashion designers.”

I don’t want to label myself as a fashion designer because I see myself more as a free creative. Someone who can do everything. You can teach yourself anything on your own. And you can reach whatever you want if you really want it. Doesn’t fucking matter if you have a degree or not. It’s about being real.

There are too many people who will never agree because in my opinion they’re fucking scared; they talk about graduation as if it’s the most important thing you can do. Whatever they say, you do you and I do me.

“Whatever they say, you do you and I do me.”

All loves Broken Bouquet.