We all have our favourite places close to home, but what if you could go beyond your own city and see what others love about theirs? Our MYcity series gives you the inside scoop, revealing the hidden gems of each city through the eyes of our very own OFFSPRING Community members.
Next up on our MYcity series, Community member Nicky a.k.a @nickythevleuten chats through what the city of Amsterdam means to him.
Tell us a little about yourself
I am Nicky The, better known as @nickythevleuten. I have been collecting since 1996, but I took a break between 2003 and 2012 when my kids were born. I am married to the best wife in the world Mrs The and we have two girls and two boys, who have travelled many times with me to London to meet the sneaker fans and friends I have met along the way. I am a chef in my surinam restaurant Millie's Corner, which my mother in law Millie started in 1993. We took over the restaurant in 2000 and my wife is the general manager (and in our family).
I got introduced to the OFFSPRING community and OFFSPRINGHQ in 2017 when I won my first raffle for the 'Ten' Air Max 90. Since then I have had the pleasure of going to London many times to visit OFFSPRING Selfridges and fellow sneaker heads in the community.
What was it like growing up in and around Amsterdam?
Growing up in the 90s in Amsterdam was pretty wild. We didn't have a lot but my parents always made it work. When in the city and walking around, you usually see some of the older guys in the centre who earn fast money. But they always had the flyest shit.
Where did you hang out back then, did it spark up an interest for you? Has it changed?
After school it was straight to the basketball courts or the music stores listening to the latest swing-beat and hip hop. The spark definitely started there; 90s NBA and Hip Hop and swing-beat were the main antagonists in my story.
What's the sneaker scene like in Amsterdam? How has it developed?
It has changed a lot. The good folks at Patta and the former team at Oqium built quite a great community of sneakerheads years ago. The shift to mainly internet releases changed the culture. It spread to many more people which is amazing. I personally just miss the interaction and talking about kicks and culture with people who share the same passion face to face. Every trip to London brings me back in time, meeting likeminded people talking about sneakers and lots more. But I think alot of the younger ones are creating their own niche. SO I still think it's in good hands.
What brands are people wearing on their feet over there?
I think it's almost the same every where these days. Nike, Jordan Brand, New Balance, Asics and adidas lead the way.
Amsterdam breathes freshness, the will to take chances and to take whats yours. Whether its style or entrepreneurship, Amsterdam is special.
There's been a lot of brands out of Amsterdam, Filling Pieces, Daily Paper to name a couple. When it comes to culture and the fashion industry, how has your city developed in to what it is today?
Well if we are naming names, the biggest and baddest is Patta of course. They paved the way for a lot of brands. What makes them special is that they provide the blueprint for a lot of new up and coming brands from the city.
Where do you like to shop these days?
OFFSPRING app or pickup, Patta, DenHam, and Uniqlo are the usual suspects.
What is the food like in Amsterdam and what are your favourite spots?
Food is amazing in the Triple X. Due to colonialism we have a wide range of cuisines. Surinamese, Indonesian, Chinese to name a few. Our fave places to go to are in Zeedijk / China town, Albert Cuyp market or the diverse boroughs around Amsterdam City Centre. Warung Spang Makandra, Warung mini, Thai restaurant Bangkok and Italian Trattoria Toto. For the best Surinamese food of course Millie’s Corner!
What is your favourite neighbourhood in Amsterdam and why?
Amsterdam Zuid Oost aka The Bims! That is where the heart of the city is. Where the youth find ways to reinvent themselves, where a lot of music comes from, where new fashion is born.
Is there one thing that really defines your city?
The casuals would say the coffee shops but no. Amsterdam is so more than that these days. Amsterdam breathes freshness, the will to take chances and to take whats yours. Whether its style or entrepreneurship, Amsterdam is special.
Ajax Amsterdam must be mentioned also.
What would be the perfect itinerary for a weekend getaway?
I'm getting older now so, it's gotta be with the wife and kids. Dressed fresh as hell, ready to just have a relaxing time - especially when the weather is good. We'll hit Albert Cuyp market early for some fresh fruit and snacks from locals and then rent a boat with friends and family. A few organic wines get popped open and just share the day with loved ones. Occasionally visit a game of Ajax when they are playing home games. My trips to London now and then to meet my UK friends. Special shout to @solessmoothes and @air_max_collector.
Our MYcity Series aims to highlight various cities within the UK, imparting knowledge about its history, culture, fashion, art, food, and everything in between. If you would like to get involved and represent your city, contact: OffspringHQinfo@office.co.uk
