Nice Kicks: Dope. Now time for some quickfire questions…what’s your top 3 sneakers of all time?
Levi Maestro: Vans Authentic, Jordan I, and I guess…let’s say a Chuck Taylor.
Air Jordan 1 Retro “Silver Anniversary”
Nice Kicks: What was your favorite release from last year?
Levi Maestro: Vans Vault’s whole collection with Taka Hayashi. I think what he’s bringing to Vans is really going to find itself in an entirely new brand or new style. They did a really great job, but as for an individual sneaker, I’m the type of person that buys a pair of shoes every two weeks, wears it everyday for that time, and then falls in love with another shoe. I’m more impressed by brands, then by specific sneakers.
Nice Kicks: Any releases you’re looking forward to?
Levi Maestro: The silver and grey Jordan I that comes in a briefcase. I just got the 2001 Jordan Is last week, so I don’t need them now (laughs). I think that’s one of the greatest pair for being a retro release not in the original colors.
Nice Kicks: So the last question I have is, what do you hope to accomplish in the future with Maestro Knows and are there any other projects you are working on?
Levi Maestro: I would probably say [I’ve already reached] the biggest accomplishment that I hoped to attain with MK, which is creating change and motivation.? That is ultimate reward to me because through this whole process, I am bettering myself to something greater.? The fact that it’s also doing things for other people – when I get their letters [from viewers] and they tell me their stories, it’s really amazing.? I want to be able to continue what I’m doing, and just excel at it you know?
As far as individual projects, I am going to working heavily with 13th Witness.? I’m also going to be speaking at some universities and high schools this year because I want to be able to do what I’m doing through my show, but in person you know?? I want people to feel that I’m in reach so they can get a hold of me, whether its writing me a letter or something like that, but I want to go and make that personal impact – to tell them my story, and to try and do my part to connect with people and help them.
I’m also going to be working with more brands and creating – to help great brands to tell great stories. I think that’s really been one of my best efforts so far – to tell how these companies and people relate to me and my life. Maybe [people that watch MK] can see how that’s the same way that brand resonates in their life as well, they just haven’t thought about it before.
Photographer: Scott Regan
