If you are a sneaker-head, you must have heard of or visited the recent and illuminating Sneakertopia: Step Into Street Culture exhibition at the ArtScience Museum. Co-founded by Steve Harris and Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur Steve Brown in 2019, Sneakertopia was born to allow the sneaker to be shared and enjoyed by audiences of all ages and backgrounds, examining the pop icon’s significance through the lens of basketball, hip-hop, skateboarding and high fashion’s impact on street culture.
For Harris, his understanding of pop culture is no ordinary one. The Emmy Award-winning entertainment executive cut his teeth directing numerous rap music videos and documentaries, before leading multi-million-dollar productions at A&E, NBC and Netflix. Now, he continues to create fun and impactful works with his own production company, Workaholics Entertainment, while still spreading the love of the sneaker culture with the still-expanding Sneakertopia.
We speak to the brain and heart behind this street culture passion project to learn more about how his involvement in entertainment influenced his relationship with sneakers, the preservation of the authentic street elements as the exhibition grows in size and prestige, as well as his love for music — specifically Daft Punk and Drake.
Hi Steve! Could you describe what you do for a living in 10 or less words?
Curator of Culture
When did your love for sneakers start?
10 years ago
What is the story behind your most memorable sneaker purchase?
My top two most memorable sneaker purchases are my Tiffany Dunks and my Jordan 1 Art Masel’s. The Tiffany Dunks I had been chasing for about a year before I could find my size, and it was completely unexpected when I got a call from my contact that he had a pair in my size for 2,000USD. I immediately said yes because not only was it in my size, but was also a great price. My Jordan One Art Masel’s are not my size, but for the price of 15,000USD, it was a steal.
Let’s dive a little bit into your personal history. Perhaps it is not a surprise to learn that you actually majored in fashion design before you switched over to film, where you have had a prolific run of productions across numerous networks. How has that design background influenced your work in TV, if it did in any way?
Fashion influences everything I do, personally and professionally. The subject matter, the talent I gravitate towards and most importantly the way the content is produced and viewed on screen.
What then led to Sneakertopia? Was putting up a show or exhibition about your love for sneaker culture something you had always wanted to do?
My TV producing partner Marlon Wayans was developing a show concept about sneakers. I then approached TV producer David E. Kelly and evolved that show concept into the physical exhibition, Sneakertopia.
How did you ensure that the authenticity of street culture is retained in a pristine setting like the ArtScience Museum?
We developed a design book and brand bible for Sneakertopia with the assistance of our producing partner in Asia, SPACElogic Pte Ltd. This very detailed and specific guide was the base and framework they utilised to create a new and unique version to showcase in Singapore.
What has been your favourite part about this Asian rendition of Sneakertopia?
Truly my favourite part of this new exhibition at ArtScience Museum in Singapore is all of the new local artists that are included.
Sneakertopia is as much an ode to sneakers as it is to the street culture that it was born from. What is the advantage of using sneaker as a lens to view dissect or appreciate street culture?
The advantage and beauty of using sneakers as our lens is that we are able to show all of the other categories of fashion and culture that overlap. We are able to include sports, music, film, TV and fashion and show how they are all connected.
What is your top tip for top tier sneaker care?
To best care for your sneakers, be sure to store them in a cool dry atmosphere. Keep them stored with a rolled up sock inside the front toe area so they keep their shape. And clean them after the fifth time wearing them.
You mentioned that Singapore marks the start of an Asia tour. What is next for Sneakertopia?
Our launch at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum was amazing – producers from around the world were even in attendance. The sky is the limit for what’s next for our Sneakertopia Asia tour and we will work with our partners SL Experiences and Gushcloud International to bring this experience to each country.
Last question — what song is currently in your heavy rotation?
This is a GREAT question! The song “Ciroc Loco x One More Time” by Drake & 21 Savage & Daft Punk extended remix version. This version of the song is 7:27 seconds long and it’s simply amazing. I’m a huge Daft Punk fan as well as Drake fan and this song is everything for me right now. It’s a perfect representation of evolution and culture. The best part about creating is recreating!
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our March 2023 issue.
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