When it
comes to speaking to interesting peeps with a love for kicks, today we’re
speaking to the biggest yet, as
towering in at 6 feet 5 inches tall, Ryan Hall of I Am Other is the latest name to take the time to speak to IDYSM.
The
host of the Stereotypes video series, Ryan is a man after my own
heart – hitting the streets to find those unique street stories. He’s a man accustomed to being on the
other side of interviews but as a huge sneakerhead he’s been kind enough to
become an amazing interviewee in this latest instalment
of ‘In Their Shoes’ as he talks
Pharell, NY street culture, what’s kicking in his world of kicks, and if you're a size 12 (US) how you could maybe help him out.
IDYSM: Hey Ryan. So how did you
come to be involved with I Am Other and what inspires your unique take on
street stories?
Ryan: A mutual friend introduced me to the
original director of "Stereotypes", Rae, who was in the process of
interviewing potential hosts. I actually cancelled out on the first test shoot
because I felt that I didn't have much of a chance at doing the gig. For
whatever reason, Rae pressed me about a reshoot and the rest they say is
history.
IDYSM: What’s your approach to
targeting people on the street; Who do you approach, why, and how do you get
them to open up?
Ryan:
Its all about feeling out peoples energy. Funny story, I used to do
statistical analysis for a horrid survey company while working my way through
college. I learned very quickly that no-one was gonna stop for you unless you
gave them the grand introduction. I even used a British accent at times. It
worked, honest to Jehovah, God, or whatever deity you believe in. I've not had
to rely on that for "Stereotypes"… yet.
As far as the
why and how, I really just want to know a lil bit of everyones opinion about
everything I take interest in. Im a conversationalist by nature. Grew up in a
home of counselors, lawyers, and a Judge. Everyone had an opinion, and a strong
one at that. I learned early that if you don't speak up you won't be heard. I
guess I want everyone to speak up, and in the process learn what defines their
character; attitude, opinions, and all. By engaging people with a mix of light
topics, and humor, they tend to open up. I slip serious issues in as the
interview progresses. It can be a
really mixed bag.
IDYSM: I understand your
background is in comedy performance, does that mean you’re always looking for
entertaining and uplifting people and moments?
Ryan: I take whatever may come. I like happy and
entertaining folk as much as the next person, but its good to have a variety. I
like the challenge of getting to the core of what a person is feeling, and
while the show is often humorous, I embrace the chance to delve into serious
topics when the opportunity presents itself.
IDYSM: Looking at what you wear,
you seem to take great pride in presenting a unique sense of style – what is
your look exactly?
Ryan: Much like my interviews its a bit of this
and a bit of that. I'm a very eclectic person and I like my style to reflect
that. I hate to be put into anyone category, other than cool, which I have yet
to actually lay claim to. That last statement was me blatantly reaching out for
pity and accolade. Never hurts to be a bit of a ham. Guess I'd say my style is
all about embracing individualism.
IDYSM: Do you think your look
stands out because your approach to style is outrageous, or because it’s
getting harder to find fresh people with a unique sense to style these days?
Ryan: I think being 6'5" and thin I already
stand out. My mom has great style so I was always motivated to put my best foot
forward. Being so tall, it was already a challenge to replicate the things I
liked so I had to always improvise. Eventually I just gave into my id and
jumped off the deep end. I'm sure I'll look back at a lot of what I've worn and
wonder what the Hell I was doing, but at least I've had a blast doing so. I'd
rather be eccentric, and having fun than cookie cutter and unmemorable. I think
people are hungry for individuals that stand out, which may have something to
do with the success of "Stereotypes".
IDYSM: How big a part do sneakers
play in your look and your life?
Ryan: I'm a shoe freak. I might literally be the
male Imelda Marcos. I just built a walk in closet at my apartment to house all
my shoes. and it still aint enough. Sneakers are such a mainstay I can't think
of completing my look with out them, quite often. And I've realized Im obsessed
with white sneakers. Ive worn my white Nike Blazer Mid AB TZ's so much I had to
reorder them twice. Also obsessed with Pierre Hardy sneakers. If they weren't
so damn expensive I'd own every pair! Have one pair at the moment but once I
start getting real money you won't even have to guess what I'm wearing most
often.
IDYSM: There must be some serious sneaker heat at I
Am Other, how does your sneaker game rate, and I have to ask, is Pharell’s the
best in the office?
Ryan: Like I said, I got a shit load of shoes. And
considering your interviewing me I'll take the title of Sneaker King! Just
don't let anyone else know. As far as Pharell, he could wear mismatched
flip-flops and be cool. I don't even think he wears sneakers anymore. He just
floats around on two miniature flying carpets, or those "Back to The
Future" Nikes, but really from the future. He can do no wrong!
IDYSM: What have you learnt from
being around Pharell?, surely one of the most influential individuals in
contemporary street style.
Ryan: To just remain myself, and try to date
someone as hot as Kelis at least once. I see him every once in a blue moon, but
he's always so down to earth. And dressed in such a manner that suits only him.
Seeing how comfortable he is in his own skin motivates me to remain the quirky
guy I am, and hopefully shape the following around me rather than toning down
my image to fit in and appease the masses. I'd like a gathering of open minded
individuals that allow me to fit into my own space.
IDYSM: What’s the sneaker scene
like in New York at the moment?
Ryan: Just as you imagine it, All over the place
encompassing every facet that sneaker culture has to offer. Not a day I don't
step out the house and find a pair of sneaks I'd like to call my own. The price
of living in the New Rome. Real first world problems I'm suffering from.
IDYSM: NY’s influence has
obviously been pivotal at key times in the history of sneaker culture. How influential and iconic is the
current scene?
Ryan: I think its pretty global at this point. NY
has had its moments, and will always have a hold, but in my travels, every city
I've been, there's a noticeable scene. Japan, London, France, Germany, LA, you
name it, theres a scene. Plus you add in whats happening with the online
community, and you've got sneaker freakers everywhere.
IDYSM: What’s on the horizon for
you – both personally, and for I Am Other?
Ryan: Skies the limit both personally and for I Am
Other. Always working on something fresh so keep your eyes peeled as I'm sure
to pop up somewhere soon.
IDYSM: I like to end all ‘In
Their Shoes’ interviews with this question, and I’m certainly hoping for
something interesting…so, what’s on your feet right now?
Ryan: Right now its some dirty socks, but earlier
I was wearing my favourite sneakers of all time; these ivory Alejandro Ingelmo
Trons from his 2011 collection. I know all the details cause they're in the
dying stage and I was Ebay hunting another pair. If anyone has the connect on
another pair, size 12, hit a brother back.
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