Francia Tardieu is a 19 year-old French young lady, with Madagascan origins.
I first discovered her on Instagram (@francia_t), in which she showed a unique personality and authentic way of styling her sneakers. She is more than just a sneaker girl. She has her own signature style: the reason why Sneakie decided to interview Francia.
Besides being a sneaker fan, she lives in Paris suburbs, reads books on her spare time, spend time with her boyfriends and friends, plays piano and guitar, and studies Sciences. Francia reveals what makes her the Sneakie girl of the month.
Sneakie: I came across your Instagram page, which I loved and that is how I noticed your passion for sneakers. How did you get inspired by the streetwear world and how did you first liked trainers?
Francia: Like a lot of people of my generation, when I was in secondary school, I started to wear the basics: All Stars (Converse), Stan Smith Adidas and the classic Vans slip-ons.
My taste for “THE” sneaker started to affirm through the years, partly thanks to my boyfriend who got me my first ever pair of sneakers for my 17th birthday: Air Max 1 Purple Dystany, a feminine, modern and trendy pair of trainers, so easy to wear, love them!
Since then, I discovered a passion for sneakers and started to have interest for this world.
The sneaker shoe is part of the street culture and is very popular in Paris and its suburbs. So I kind of got “naturally” inspired by what I was seeing and what I was surrounded by on a daily basis, in terms of street style.
S: Your Instagram shows that you live in Paris suburbs. How would you describe the fashion scene in your city?
F: In Parisian suburbs, where I live, fashion is even more street-inspired than in central Paris. Girls usually wear edgy headbands, cropped tops, leggings or sweatpants with Jordan’s and denim jackets. It is a fashionable look mostly inspired by Rihanna, Beyoncé, Kim K, etc.
I am quite different to them. I have a “hippie casual” style (as my little usually describes me).
In terms of fashion, I fall for Morgane Sézalory’s designs and her brand Sézane. I like her simplicity and femininity
S: Why do you call yourself a “sneakerhead” and how come you became one?
F: Truth is, I am starting to build a really strong sneaker collection: some are original, such as the Racer Oreo Volt’s or the Superstar Metal Toe’s, or some limited editions such as my Air Max Light Urban Safari’s that were a collab of Liberty and Nike.
That is what makes me a “sneakerhead” , I look for the pairs of trainers that have got a certain exclusivity and authenticity…. I look for sneakers that I aesthetically like and that can’t suit everyone… Well, expect my Air Force 1s. I pick my favourites from Instagram and I thank the girls I follow to get me so inspired! Like @uglymely @meystache @careaux @girlsonkicks, etc.
When I know what I am looking for, I usually search through easy-access marketplaces such as Ebay, Klekt, Leboncoin (French website), or go to the sneaker events not to miss the latest trends, like Sneakerness or Sneakerevent.
S: Which pair is your favourite ever?
F: I am lucky to have got (since last Christmas), my favourite pair, that I had been dreaming to get since its release in 2012: the Air Max 1 Liberty London Imperial Purple Sail’s.
They are everything I love: feminity, exclusivity, authenticity, with original patterns and colours. Plus, they are Air Max 1s, “the classic reference of the sneaker”.
S: In terms of fashion, how do you usually style your sneakers?
F: I like my outfit to be all black to style and emphasize my sneakers. I like a chic black look and the sportswear style of the sneakers.
I love mixing styles. I bought some of my oversized coats at Esprit or Zara for an effortless look, as well as my slim jeans and hoodies. If I would define my style I would say that it’s more like a mix of femininity and masculinity.
The girly side of me comes out when I wear a well-cut black fur coat and accessories, patterned socks, a nice stand-out scarf or exotic necklaces. I also am a fan of skater skirts and high-waisted shorts that I find in Parisian vintage shops. Those are usually what I wear with my trainers.
I obviously have the must-have ankle-cut jeans that perfectly go with sneakers I wear, like the Stan Smith’s or Air Max’s.
S: What do you think of the new Adidas Yeezy Boost collection by Kanye West?
F: To be honest, they are not my “kind” of sneakers. I do not really like trainers that go up to the ankles, they are way too imposing according to me. I mean… showing the ankles can be sexy, isn’t it ? I am only speaking for girls though.
Aesthetically, I think that the Yeezy Boosts have got a paradoxical style. The colours and fabrics have a lack of brightness and the design deliver too much information (the style, the striatal sole, the thick tongue, the ice-skating style lacing). They are close to designer trainers like Zanotti, Louboutin or Saint Laurent did. It’s another world… and another range of price too.
S: Have you ever thought of making a blog dedicated to your sneakers?
F: If I had a substantial sneaker collection and if that passion could be part of my professional environment, I would already have done it!
Making a blog or a magazine dedicated to this world need time and knowledge that I probably don’t have yet. But I share my passion for sneakers on Instagram and that is enough for me at the moment.
©Pictures: Francia Tardieu