Earlier this morning the BBC released a documentary focusing on the crazy world of sneakers. The interesting and insightful educational piece starred KLEKT’s own Lynnie Zonzolo. Lynnie, who is a self-certified sneakerhead, had the opportunity to meet some of the most influential people in the industry. More importantly, the documentary raises a lot of questions about the sustainability of sneakers as well as why we buy so many shoes.
Taking place across the globe, Lynnie travelled from New York to Herzogenaurach in pursuit of the key answers. Why are we so interested in sneakers? Are limited edition pairs really worth it? What is the effect of sneakers on the globe? If you haven’t checked it out already, then make sure you do. You can watch the full documentary on BBC iPlayer now so click the link below to do so!
As one of KLEKT’s key members, we thought it important to get Lynnie’s take on what her journey taught her. We sat down for a quick chat with the UK’s sneaker queen to see just what the experience taught her. Check it out below.
Hey Lynnie, hope you’re good! It’s been a crazy week for you, right?
Crazy doesn’t even cut it mate! I’m super happy with how the documentary turned out and I’m excited so many people have watched it. It means a lot.
We’re all proud of you, you did the team proud!
Thanks guys!
Now we’re not gonna talk too much as we want people to watch the documentary. How did you get the chance to shoot this documentary?
So it was really out of the blue. I was on Instagram one day and I get this DM asking if I want to shoot a documentary for the BBC. Low key I was a bit suspicious as I’m thinking “this sort of stuff doesn’t happen” right? However, once I did some digging and got some more correspondence, it was clear that this was the real deal. They asked if I was interested and I jumped at the chance. It’s one decision I will never regret!
That’s dope. Obviously, you met a lot of people and did a lot of talking, but what are some things that have stuck with you since you finished shooting?
For me, the conversation I had with James Carnes, adidas’ V.P of Global Brand Strategy, really opened my eyes up to the whole industry. adidas’ work with Parley and its efforts to make more products from recycled ocean plastic is great, but the whole topic of sustainability is one thing I really didn’t think about when it comes to sneakers. In 2019, adidas made 409 million pairs of sneakers. 409 million! Where do they go? Who else is buying them? What happens to the sneakers that nobody wants anymore? It made me just think more about the state of the industry and what happens to shoes once people are done with them.
Obviously, you went all over the world, but what are some of the most memorable moments you had on your trips?
Bruh there was so much that I could talk about but I don’t want to give too much away. Going to New York was something that I will never forget. The vibe, energy and people in that city is next level. Plus, going to New York to talk about sneakers and the culture? Come on man, it doesn’t get any better than that.
Going to adidas HQ is also going to stick with me for the rest of my life. It’s one opportunity that I know a lot of sneakerheads would kill to have. I feel very privileged to have been given the chance to go and meet so many great people. Big up adidas man.
What was the best conversation that you had on sneakers?
A great conversation I had was with Sean Williams. Getting his take on sneaker culture in the early days is one thing that has really stuck with me. Hearing first hand that when he was a kid, nobody was allowed to copy anyone else is something that doesn’t happen any more. You look at kids all queueing up to get the same shoes, whereas, in those days, it wasn’t the case. I think that the whole importance of finding your own style is something that is lost in today’s sneaker culture and I’d love for it to make a return.
Finally, anything that you want to plug?
Yes, please go and watch the documentary! Whether you’re a new sneakerhead or an old sneakerhead, this project is definitely worth checking out. There’s so much culture in this industry and documenting the importance of our passion needs to be celebrated. Check it out on BBC iPlayer!
Thanks Lynnie!
Cheers guys!
Final Thoughts
We’re immensely proud of Lynnie for making this film. Not only has she done us proud but she has done the whole sneaker community proud too. Check out Killer Kicks on BBC iPlayer now and make sure you follow Lynnie’s journey through the sneaker industry.
