Prior to the internet, social media platforms, and staring at screens all day, physical things like fashion magazines and physical places like department stores had a tremendous influence on everyday style. As digital media and platforms established themselves, we witnessed a shift in fashion and tastemaker power, from centralized gatekeepers to decentralized creatives. The visionaries behindĀ Sidewalk HustleĀ helped lay the foundation for the way we think, and talk, about fashion now.Ā
Who are you?
Individually we are Hawley Dunbar, and Tristan Banning, together we are Sidewalk Hustle. We are from Toronto, Canada.Ā
Love the name. What was the inspiration?
Originally, like 14 years ago, Tristan had a podcast with a ridiculously long name we can barely remember anymore. Eventually, he decided to change from a podcast to a āblogā because we could create more content with the time that was being spent on editing the audio. So, we needed a new name. Tristan was with some friends and they were joking around, freestyling, and the line “Hustling out here on the street” hit. A little playing around and Sidewalk Hustle was born.Ā
Did you expect people to embrace you as they have?
Honestly, we didnāt have any expectations. We started writing because we simply wanted to write. We both went to school for writing and communications and we wanted to actually apply them. We are both avid music and fashion enthusiasts, so we just wrote about what we liked and wanted to see more of. We would work at our full-time jobs and then come home, eat some dinner and write about the last sneaker drop, or song release, etc. Over time, people started to care which encouraged us to write more, and from that, it just continued to grow.Ā
You’ve been a part of streetwear’s resurgence over the last 15 years or so. What has been most surprising?
Not sure if this answers the question but what has been the most inspiring to watch is access. Iāve always wanted a fly pair of sneakers or clothing since I was in high school. But back then, there were two or three stores where you could actually get cool stuff. In the early days of the internet, message boards and groups of like-minded people were the places where you could see who was getting what sneakers, but it was almost impossible to get them yourselves. Nowadays, the culture is so embraced (for better or worse) that access is much easier. Yes, Canada still has high inventory and supply issues, but you as a consumer, fan, enthusiast are at least able to try to acquire the things you want. Whether itās small resale/trade groups, resale sites like StockX or simply brand apps, the ability to at least try and cop is more. That, I find infinitely inspiring.Ā
What is the most positive change you’ve seen in the culture since the internet changed traditional power dynamics?
The biggest and most positive change is the acknowledgment by big brands that women are part of this culture. Not just “Let’s add some pink,” but actually making sneaker silhouettes for women. There are brands started by, and made for, women. The constant growing inclusivity is by far the most positive thing weāve seen.Ā
The one thing you wish the industry would do to make itself better?
The answer to this is a double-edged sword because aside from the growing inclusivity thatās happening, which is good, the thing the industry needs to do to make itself better is sort out supply. But with more supply, you get less hype. And hype, unfortunately (or fortunately), makes the industry grow.Ā
You’re favourite Canadian success story?
Musically, The Weeknd, we remember seeing him do little club shows on the periphery of Toronto because he wasnāt yet ready to be booked in Toronto.Ā
When it comes to a brand, we love Bite Beauty, Lululemon (they make great workout clothing, seriously), Canada Goose with all their amazing collabs, and then shout out to George Sully whoĀ is an independent sneaker brand that is lowkey but has been making big moves for years. And a special shout out to Adrianne Ho.
