In a world full of sneakerheads, the female sneaker community is a minority. But that’s changing – and fast.
Photographer Matt Pearson set out on a project to highlight the women who are leading the charge and how they express themselves through footwear.
The common denominator between them is a united drive to bring each other up, and we all could use more of that. Presenting 50 queens in their own right, wearing one of the most iconic shoes of all time.
What is Queens of Air?
Queens of Air is a personal project that has been constructed over the course of 2022. The piece consists of 50 diverse women from different backgrounds and walks of life, wearing 50 different pairs of Jordan 1 Highs, in 50 different pairs of colour ways. Why 50? 2022 marks Nike’s 50th anniversary. The piece combines my love of Jordans and Polaroid. It has been a labour of love, whilst also learning more about the female sneaker community.
“I participated in the Queens of Air project because it was the vision Matt had. It was a personal idea in his mind, and he wanted to bring it to life, by learning and involving female sneakerheads – the passion brings like-minded people together. Also, it was important to get involved from a representation perspective, Asian minorities and females, giving us a place for us to be seen.
Female representation is so important everywhere and anywhere; in the sneaker scene it is important for females of all diversities to have a safe place and voice. Such as, Offspring with the Jordan 4 Shimmer campaign. There are many great communities out there just for women & non-binary: @sneakersisterhood, @_womeninsneakers, @oursoles_ etc.”
Steph @stephm8
How did the idea of Queens of Air come about?
A Polaroid I took of a pair of Jordan 4s sparked the idea. I thought I could do this with loads of different trainers with loads of different women and that’s when the idea started.
“What made me participate in the project was Matt’s sense for women empowerment and community and how important this project is for us women in the sneaker community. My favourite part of this experience was actually shooting the Polaroids and seeing Matt’s excitement and passion behind the scenes.”
Andrea @andreacdasilva_
What was your inspiration behind the shoot?
I would say my passion for Polaroids and just in general love for fashion. Jordan 1 Highs are one of my favourite shoes so if I could combine that with my love for Polaroid it seemed like a match made in heaven. I remember buying my first pair in 2018 whilst in New York and I instantly fell in love with this shoe and the history this silhouette brings. I’ve worn this shoe to the ground, they’ve seen miles of city concrete, and sticky club floors. They’ve travelled around the world with me, and they’ve lasted this long, but I suppose good art does last, right?
“Being a woman in the sneaker community is meaningful to me as I have grown up seeing the scene dedicated and tailored to men. Women in the community are doing great things and they deserve their flowers, not because they’re a woman but because they are talented as an individual.
The sneaker scene has always been heavily male dominated, things are changing. We as women are breaking down barriers and are creating room for future generations that will grow to be a part of the sneaker scene and will enable them to know they have a voice and place in a space where they belong.”
Khaila @khailakays
What special element made you choose to shoot the female sneaker community?
It was just how the original idea started, the model I used was female when I had the initial idea so I just thought it would look good if it all matched, and from there I had the pleasure of learning more about the female sneaker community.
“Being a woman in the sneaker community used to mean having to prove I belong here but now, after all I’ve done in my personal life and with @HerStoryInSneakers, it just means I have to be myself and make sure it’s easier for the next gen of women to feel comfortable in the sneaker community.
Female representation in the sneaker scene is incredibly important – until we as women, and women of colour at that, see people that look like us we aren’t going to feel like we truly belong in the space we acquire. Women can sell product with our looks, and we have been used for that, but it’s time to also let us talk about it.”
Sandy @skg.jpeg
What has been your favourite part about executing this personal project?
Meeting loads of incredible people and seeing a project that’s taken a year come to an end, that’s a special feeling.
Do you have a favourite Polaroid shot from the collection?
I couldn’t choose one but love the one of Tash and Bel a lot. They’re quite unique poses.
What’s next? Do you have plans for more sneaker related projects?
I’ll get back to the drawing board in the new year and see what I can come up with, but I don’t think there will be anything sneaker related for a little while. I’ll just do my best to get this project out into the world.
To see more from Matt and pre-order ‘Queens of Air’ check out his Instagram @matt.pearsonn
