Collector Spotlight: Tuned Charlie Is Flying the Flag For Next Gen Air Heads
What’s your name and location, and what Air Max got you hooked?
My name is Charlie Fowler, I’m a 23-year-old from inner city Melbourne, Australia who loves everything . It was 10 years ago when I first got hooked on Air Max, specifically TNs (aka the Air Max Plus) and 95s.
What was your first-ever Air Max pickup, and do you still have it?
My first-ever Air Max pickup was a pair of grey with red and blue accents from 2012, followed by some TNs from 2013 called ‘Blue Palms’ or ‘Navy Canas’. I bought them both second-hand on for quite cheap. Sadly, I do not have either of them anymore – at that age I was fairly quick to sell a pair of shoes to fund another I had my eyes on. It wasn’t until I got my first job that I was able to start buying multiple pairs and get my collection started.
What was it about those pairs that you first connected with?
The aggressive silhouette is what got me hooked. The lad and eshay culture at the time was definitely heavier back then. As a little kid, wearing those models and knowing their reputation made you feel tough (although I wasn’t)!
How has your Air Max collection evolved since you started collecting?
TNs and 95s have definitely been the most dominant silhouettes throughout my years of collecting, but I’ve also thrown in many different models such as , , , , and . Like most, my collection started off very small and quite boring. Over time, I was able to introduce some crazy pairs from different years and countries. For example, many of the TNs I was showing online were ones that people in Australia had never seen. I was even nicknaming the pairs as they just didn't have any recognition.
What specific memories or emotions does your Air Max collection evoke? Is there a particular pair that holds the most sentimental value for you, and what’s the story behind it?
Different pairs within my collection are tied to specific memories, especially some pairs that I have parted ways with in recent years. A particular pair that holds sentimental value is my ‘Neon’ Air Max 95s from 2009. I’ve had these things for years and years. Sadly I no longer rock them as they are a little small now, but I won't ever part ways with them as they were always my go-to pair. The colourway and the quality really stuck out to me and made me start to collect more 95s over the years.
In your view, what Air Max release had the biggest cultural impact and why?
Personally I think the TN (Air Max Plus) had the biggest cultural impact. Since their release in 1998 (I wasn’t even born at this point!), they’ve been running with the streets and the painting scene and have been heavily recognised in the lad culture that was birthed in Sydney. Beyond Australia, the cultural impact of the shoe is seen in the UK, France, Italy and Brazil, where clothing styles of street and sport collide, all paired with the Air Max Plus.
What’s an underrated Air Max model or colourway that deserves more love?
An underrated model of Air Max for me would have to be Air Max 95s. I know the UK has so much love for them but I think the rest of the world overlooks them. The 95 silhouette has seen some of the best colourways and collaborations out of any Air Max Model. Notable pairs would definitely be the ‘Running Man’, colab and ‘Neon’ all day, every day.
What would you like to see for the future of Air Max?
I think the future of Air Max is in good hands. I love to see the new silhouettes that Nike have actively been releasing, but also love the fact that the community has held on tightly to original models such as TNs and 95s, where new colours and retros are brought out frequently. I would love to see a resurgence of Air Prestos and Air Max 98s though!
What does being a part of the Air Max community mean to you?
Being part of the Air Max community is far more than just collecting shoes, it has opened up a culture and community of fashion and art. It has given me the opportunity to connect with people and brands around the globe, from sharing and connecting with countless people in Air Max Facebook groups to being recognised by the likes of , and Basement Approved.
Show us three of your rarest Airs.
- Air Max Plus ‘Motherland’ (2012)
- Air Max Plus ‘Ruby Red’ (2013)
- Air Max Plus ‘Sapphire’ (2005)