MFTW Sneaker Appreciation: Dir.By.Treya

Welcome to #MadeForTheW’s sneaker appreciation segment, where we introduce you to women who collect sneakers, work in the footwear industry, and/or impacting the sneaker culture. This week, we introduce you to one woman who is a director in this space and simultaneously trying to voice her opinions, through film.

“Hi my name is Treya Bolin. I started collecting sneakers in 2016. I prefer sneakers because they’re comfortable and I love the silhouettes to mix and match with different outfits. I also love some of the stories and history behind the different releases. When I was younger, I told myself that as soon as I started making my own money, I was going to start treating myself to buying the pairs of sneakers that I never had. Growing up, my parents were against having multiple pairs of sneakers and shoes. So when I got older, I was able to purchase as many sneakers as I wanted and I started growing my sneaker collection organically. Once you continue to see more and more releases, it gets tempting to purchase more. It’s to the point now that I’ve lost track of how many times I would say, “I’m going to take a break”. The first sneaker I purchased was the Nike Air Force 1.”

KickItwitDD: What are your 3 pairs of go-to sneakers in your collection?

Treya Bolin: Black Cement 3’s are my first go-to. When they retroed in 2018, I made sure I copped a pair because I missed out in 2011 and also, it’s one of the best models that have ever released.

Nike P-6000’s is my second go-to sneaker, and I won 4 pairs. These are my walking shoes that give me so much support, especially me running around all day in the city.

My third go-to sneaker is the Melody Ehsani Air Jordan I Mid Fearless. I got lucky with them because the resell on those is crazy. They are essential and timeless. Crazy story about these sneakers. I decided to release the signature authorization off of my package delivery with the delivery app because I was at work. Around 11 AM, I received a “delivered” notification and I remember my intuition was telling me to go straight home during my lunch hour to pick up my package. However, I decided not to and I stayed at work to finish instead. I raced home after work, checked the mail area in my building and my delivery WAS NOT THERE! Someone stole them in the mail. I was so hurt and devastated. I contacted the delivery service multiple times. I even had my super in my building reveal the camera footage. We didn’t see anyone. It was a nightmare. However, I’m very grateful to have them now.

DD: What sneakers would you like to add to your collection?

Treya: Two sneakers I’m missing from my collection are the AJ1 “Banned,”and Aleali May AJ1 “Satin Shadow”. I really wish I had them. I do have the WMNS A1I “Court Lux” but one day I plan to splurge and cop both.

DD: What drops are you looking forward to this year?

Treya: A couple sneakers I’m looking forward to this year are any Nike OffWhites, any dunks – I love dunks, and any women collabs. 

DD: Can you share with us some of your favorite sneaker brands?

Treya: The brands that are killing it are FOG and Jordan Brand. What recently stood out to me was Jordan Brand’s NYC Capsule campaign. I love how they featured Black/Brown creatives who are content creators, photographers, models and stylists. I love seeing this type of representation.

DD: Who are some women in the industry that inspire you?

Treya: There are so many women in the industry I recognize because how they impact the culture in their own way. Aleali May for one, as I love everything about her, such as her style and influences. I’ve been following her since 2016. The first time I saw her was in an Essence magazine article. There was a write up where they included several stylish women who are taking over Instagram of 2016 and her photo and @ name was included. I love that she’s been spreading a lot of awareness on Black brands to purchase from. I also recognize ​Vashtie of course, Melody Ehsani, Sheila Rashid, Rox Brown, Asia Irving, Teyana Taylor, Sophia Chang and Olivia Kim. There’s so many women, and each have their own story of how they wanna help keep the women culture alive. 

DD: Any feedback you wanna give of what’s going on in the industry?

Treya: I want to see more Black women creators surrounding sneaker culture. Not just designers, but also consultants, collaborators, photographers, content creators, directors. Anytime I see that, I’m immediately interested because I’ve always had a love for women related content. As a director and producer, I’m locked in.