PSFK Shanghai Talks with Shumeng Ye, Author of “Book of Warriors”

We recently caught up with Shumeng Ye to discuss her “Book of Warriors,” a photography book dedicated to Warriors, China’s first hip sneaker.

First, who are you and what is the “Book of Warriors”?

I’m a 25 years old overseas Chinese from Helsinki, Finland, studying computer science and graphic design. “Book of Warriors” is my attempt to tell the world about Warrior sneakers. In order to do so, I released a photography book featuring people who still wear them, each book accompanied by a pair of WB-1 Warriors.

How did you choose the people that you took photos of?

It was more of a question of finding those people than choosing, haha! Basically, I shot every single person wearing Warriors that I came across during the 3 weeks I spent shooting in the Kunming and Chengdu area. One picture is from Beijing last spring, the girl (with Warriors) is the singer of a punk band whose gig I saw at D-22.

When was the first time that you noticed Warrior shoes?

As a teenager I wasn’t interested at all in China and Chinese culture. So when I visited China in 2006 it was my first trip in 12 years. My first encounter with Warrior was at the Shanghai airport as soon as I got off the plane. While waiting for my luggage, I saw a cleaning lady wearing the  beautiful sneakers; they caught my eye immediately.

What about Warrior shoes first attracted you?

Their looks, their long history and the hard-working people who still wear them. For shoes that have such a precious story and that tell so much about China even now, I felt Warrior didn’t get the recognition they deserve. It says a lot when new malls are full of foreign brands or Chinese brands who copy them but Warrior is sold only by street vendors and old-fashioned shops.

How do you explain Warrior shoes to foreigners?

I think in Finland and in Scandinavia in general, retro and nostalgia is a very strong force in fashion. So not much explaining was needed, people understood the idea very well because there are similar local old shoe brands here.

How many pairs of Warrior shoes do you have?

2 in use and 3 spare pairs waiting.

What do your parents think of the Warrior brand? What do they think of your book?

Both my parents used to play basketball and naturally Warrior has many memories for them. In the beginning my parents did not quite understand my idea and doubted my chances of success. From their perspective, it didn’t seem a very smart choice to skip school for many weeks and invest so much energy into this. But nevertheless they have been supportive all along which I’m very grateful for.

What image or memory do you most associate with Warrior shoes?

A family friend once told me how he used to wash and paint his Warriors every Sunday back in the days. That left a big impression on me. In a nostalgic way, Warrior reminds me of my childhood in the 80’s in China, when material wealth was scarce, home appliances were huge novelties and canvas shoes still abundant. I don’t mean to glorify that time but it will be always an important part of my personal history.

When do you wear Warriors? Do you view them as a sports shoe or fashion shoe?

Whenever I feel like wearing sneakers and Warriors are the only sneakers I have at the moment.

What other Chinese brands do you like?

Double Star and Silly Thing. I hope to get to know the independent fashion scene better on my next visit to China.

Do you think Chinese brands have a chance of succeeding in foreign markets?

Yes. The stigma that “Made in China” equals cheap price and poor quality is still there but I believe things will change gradually. Apart from many improvements needed in the industry, in my opinion it is a mental challenge above all. As long as the Chinese mainstream prefers foreign brands, local brands and designers are not likely to be confident enough to expand abroad.

What recommendation do you have for the increasing number of young Chinese indie designers?

Provide online information in English about your work. Believe in yourself, be original and have confidence in being Chinese. I wish you much success!

Thanks Shumeng!

Related Story: “Warrior: The Story of China’s First Hip Sneaker”