Trainers have come a long way. No longer reserved for the gym, they continue to sweep the street style scene as well as the runways, encouraging us to reach for sporty footwear for, well, pretty much everything. Whether a knockout dress worn with a chunky sole or a sharp suit accented with jazzy laces, the woman who wears trainers knows she needn't suffer to look good. As way of proof, we challenged six women to style the Nike Air Max in their own unique way.
Liv is a producer, curator and editor. She is the founder of gal-dem, a creative collective and online magazine that address the lack of diverse images and opinions in mainstream media. She recently took home the Breaking New Ground Award at the WOW Women in the Creative Industries awards.
How would you describe your style?
"I'm all about comfort so I choose simple oversized clothes like baggy jumpers, high-waisted jeans and trainers. Always trainers. There's pressure in the industry to look stylish and never repeat an outfit, but I'm not rich, I can't do that! I'm more imaginative with my wardrobe; I go to charity shops or swap outfits with my girlfriend."
Who inspires you?
"My friends. They're brilliant, intelligent women who have their own thing going on. It's confidence that can transform an outfit into a statement. I'm increasingly inspired by sustainable fashion, like Chelsea Bravo who makes gorgeous clothes from hemp. Those are the pieces worth investing in."
Celia is a model and artist from Paris. Known for her creative approach, she ditches the usual clichés of French style for sportswear, crop tops and gothic accessories.
How would you describe your style?
"I follow my heart. I wear whatever I want, how ever I want. One day I'll wear a cosy tracksuit with quirky accessories and the next I'll be full-on goth. That's just me."
Where do you find inspiration?
"From the streets. France may be my home, but I don't dress like your typical Parisian. I feel more in sync with London style; it's far more relaxed and people are less judgemental."
Simran is bringing Indian culture to the forefront of the diversity conversation, spreading a message of intersectional feminism to her 108k Instagram followers. As well as working in radio, Simran was tapped by Estée Lauder to creatively direct a social media campaign that married her heritage with boundary-pushing beauty.
How would you describe your style?
"Style is an important way for me to express myself so I'm hugely influenced by streetwear and being a Londoner. I'll incorporate touches of South Asian culture with everything from jewellery to bindis — it's a huge part of my identity and post-Brexit, my heritage feels more vital than ever.
"When I went blonde, I got a lot of criticism on social media for not representing the South Asian community, but that didn't even cross my mind when I did it. I just wanted something different and why not? I feel more myself than ever."
How do you style your trainers?
"My love of trainers comes from trips to Wembley Market with my dad. He bought me my first pair. I now have an insane collection and wear them everywhere. I use Crep Protect to keep them pristine; I can't leave the house when they're messy. I'll wear trainers with masculine tailoring or jeans, but keep the look feminine with a crop top and shades of pink."
Ilana is a model signed to Select, known for her stunning curls and fresh face. You'll often find her pacing the streets of her home town, Sevenoaks.
How would you describe your style?
"My dream job is as a stylist so I take fashion very seriously and love following trends. I enjoy co-ordinating vibrant colours, like a baggy green jumper paired with pink trousers, matching socks and chunky trainers."
Where do you find inspiration?
"The '80s are my jam so I love oversized sunglasses, flared jeans and full, natural hair. Zendaya can do no wrong in my eyes — her style is so sassy and fearless yet youthful."