We chat to the super talented, creative sneakerhead and Offspring community member Mel Fernandes.
Who are you and what do you do?
Pretty much everyone knows me as M Fernandes both online and off; but some just call me Mel – a heavily tatted creative from South London. Professionally speaking, I work in the Rail Industry, and have done for over 10 years but my love for art and creativity extends far beyond that – literally since I could hold a pen! (Shout out to all my lefties by the way!)
‘When I'm not busy with work, I'm developing my art and signature style which I'm hoping most have noticed features all things sneakers and tattoos and their respective cultures; with a particular edge and point of view.’
How long have you been into sneakers and how did you get into them?
I've loved kicks as long as I've loved drawing. Growing up in both East and South London, so in love with the UK grime music scene in its earliest years (arguably its best?! fight me!), sneakers and fashion in general have very much always had their place within that love. Think back to the days of the OG high-top Huaraches, with the Evisu jeans, Avirex jacket and a fitted cap. I grew up surrounded by that so it was only natural this developed as I got older – especially when I could afford to buy my own kicks!
Do you have an early sneaker memory and what’s your current rotation?
Got to be LA Gears. Were you even a 90's kid if you didn't have a pair?! I literally looked into buying some for-nostalgia's sake not even that long ago lol. Currently rotation, only a few... Union 4s, Pine Green 1s, Summer Solstice Dunks, Reebok Classic Revenge Gums, Offspring x Converse Paisley Pack, Concept AM1s and some extra chunky Jordan slides.
Do you have a sneaker regret? What is your sneaker grail?
My biggest regret and all-time grail will forever be the Travis Scott dunks. Regardless of the mixed reviews regarding the quality of the shoe, aesthetically speaking – I feel like it's me in sneaker form. Those that follow me and my art, know that I am deeply into Chicano culture, so the choice of patterns, colours and textures are all very much my kinda vibe and style.
What else are you into other than sneakers?
Aside from the obvious answer being drawing, you can also guarantee I'll either be obsessing over tattoos and practising on fake skin, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, swimming (preferably in the ocean – I've convinced myself I was a Mermaid in a past life lol) or binge watching all the shows and films I've got time for.
‘My love for Chicano style art comes from both being a Latina and also being so fascinated by the culture seen in places like L.A and most of South Cali. I'd say these have all been strong recurrent themes in all my work which I guess in turn is what has led to my pieces being easily recognisable as ‘done by M Fernandes.’
We are big fans of your art work as you know. Describe to us your style, what got you into drawing, What’s influenced your style and has it evolved and changed over the years?
Drawing, creating and art in general have all been an extremely strong presence in my entire family on my mother's side – it's a gene that's definitely been passed down the generations – pretty much all of us are artistic. As for my particular style, I've just always had a thing for edgy, sometimes provocative and almost always female-oriented pieces.
What does community mean to you?
In a word; ‘sharing’. The good, the bad, the wins, the losses and everything else in between. Being a part of a collective with a common interest and so many other sub-interests. It's exciting, enriching. You find yourself in a room with a bunch of people that on surface may look like they have absolutely nothing in common, but pay attention to their conversations and you'll be pleasantly surprised just how deep these connections are – and it all started from a pair of kicks!
Follow and check out the mad skills on display by @m._fernandes
