While you may think that photo/fashion blogging is nothing new in this day and age, there’s one chap doing something massive for a small underground scene that is quickly moving to the masses. I Dig Your Sole Man is an exceptional photo diary of foot fashion and the culture that surrounds it, captured through the lens of a subtle snapper named Lester. His quiet demeanor and tranquil charming ways have made Lester big news on the sneaker scene, documenting the millions of sneakers that hit the streets on a daily basis. What sets
I Dig Your Sole Man apart is the fact that it doesn’t scream and beg for your attention –it’s intoxicating and refreshing to see someone’s photography and art speak for itself.
I was fortunate to catch up with Lester, and so honoured to be featured as part of his site last weekend while he hit Melbourne for a spot of footy and partying. It’s been a long time in the making too! We’ve known each other via email for over two years, so to finally meet and sit down for a quick chat, I knew I had to come correct with only the finest kicks I could find - did someone say Jeremy Scott x Mickey Mouse adidas?! Read on to find out about the flyest blog on your bookmark page!
Hey Lester, tell us a little about I Dig Your Sole Man and how it all came about?
Hi. I started the project in 2009, after being inspired by my wife who loves loads of the fashionista blogs like The Satorialist, Garance Dore, and Jak and Jill. It struck me that while there are loads of international blogs focusing on that high-end fashion space nobody was focusing on the opposite, more urban side of street style and voila, the idea was born. The work is designed to appeal to a broad range of people, and whether people stop by to check out the pics, read the stories or both, I always want to make sure there’s something for everyone whether they’re sneaker heads, fashion lovers, photography fans or just peeps looking for stories about the urban style of people and cities around the world.
What do you keep your eye out for when scoping the streets for content?
It’s a combination of things but my work is split into 2 main areas; portraits and reportage and for both style and attitude are the key things I look for.
While my portraits tap into the style and stories of people, the reportage shots document the style and colour of moments of the cities I am in, with (hopefully) an insight you won’t have seen before.
What are some of the noticeable differences between Melbourne and Sydney fashion footwear wise?
Ah, the old Melbourne vs. Sydney question. To be honest there are quite noticeable differences. Speaking generally, in Sydney I tend to think that a lot of effort goes into making it look like no effort has been made, I call it ‘dress up/down chic’.
In Melbourne on the other hand I think there is often more of an effort to dress up, perhaps due to the colder climate or the more European sensibilities of the city, but either way they’re both fascinating cities to shoot.
Who have been some of the standout peeps you've photographed - any interesting stories?
Where to start? The beauty is that everyone has a story to tell and the project has allowed me to meet some great people and unearth some great shots and stories in Australia and around the world. If you’re pushing me though, Mafia was a lot of fun to shoot! She brought it.
You seem to tell stories about people through their shoes - was this a conscious decision when starting out - was this always the basis for IDYSM?
I always wanted the project to be the antithesis of those flossy blogs that are more about the author/photographer (you know the ones I mean) than the content, and I strive to make my work humble, non-exclusive and relatable to anyone. The initial idea was to merely look at the role of sneakers in people’s lives as we all have a pair of sneakers in the closet, so what’s the story behind them, and what do they say about you? From here the project has evolved to embrace all facets of urban style; from shoes, to clothing, art, performance, travel, accessories, technology, photography; anything that looks hot or interesting and has a place on the street is fair game.
Is this a full time venture for you?
Er, yes! My background is in TV and I still Produce TV shows, but I Dig Your Sole Man is taking up more and more time which is great, and it’s fantastic to see the hard work paying off as more and more people follow the site around the world.
Where do you want to see I Dig Your Sole Man in five years? Will sneakers still even be in fashion then?
Trust me, sneakers are not going anywhere! Urban style is getting bigger and bigger so things won’t be slowing down at all and plans are underway to make the project an increasingly integral part of the urban style scene around the world. Plans for more travel to new and exciting cities, collaborations with more brands, and shoots with celebrities are already underway, and I’m also looking into an exhibition, and a book deal.
How can people be involved?
Just be you. I’m always looking out for the next shot and story so keep strutting your stuff and hopefully our paths will cross soon.