Tori Kirihara.

Her City: Seattle, Washington
Her Skills: Artist and Advocate
Her Word: Inclusion

Image: @samfuphoto

MEET TORI. ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE. STYLE ARCHITECT. VIBRANT THANG. SNEAKHER SUPPORTER. CREATIVE BOSS BABE.

The goal of our CNK Chick Chat series is to celebrate women. Not only are we tied together through a common bond of sneakers, but highlighting the journey of other women and their experiences resonates with our core audience – the every day woman. Whether we are in need of inspiration, creativity, entrepreneurship, or sisterhood, we vibe to the same beat when sharing the stories of other dope women in and around the sneaker world.

I’ve been naturally drawn to creatives in this space and lovers of artistic expression. Sneakers have been weaved in and out of the art world with collaborations, customization, and design as a whole. You may know Tori Kirihara from her hub of dope style and art pieces on Instagram as @T0ribabyy. Her passion for art and using her talent as a universal voice for inspiring others is just one reason, we love her. If you’ve fan-girl’d her page, you’d also know that her sneakHER style is on point.

We recently got the opportunity to chat with Tori about all thing’s art and sneaker style. Check out her insight below on connecting the dots to creativity, being authentic, and how her passion ignited her purpose of spreading love through art.

WHAT’S THE 411?

I have been drawing since I was a kid. Ive always wanted to do something that let me be creative. Life experiences and my personal emotions drive me to create. If I feel good, I paint. If I feel down and out, I paint.

My work is something that comes from such a special and genuine place. I hope it is received in the way that I have put it out there.

“Sneakers are art. Being able to wear things that are visually pleasing and go with your style or personality is a form of expressing yourself. ”

THE BLUEPRINT OF TORI’S SNEAKHER STYLE…

I try to start with my shoes first. I love for my shoes to be the key piece in my outfit because on a regular day I don't carry too many accessories.

TORI’S GO-TO SNEAKER IN 3…2…1

White low top forces. They literally go with every and anything. And theyre comfy AF.

SHOP TORI’S LOOK BELOW

ON PERSONAL STYLE… AND WHO’s KILLIN’ THE GAME.

Personally, I prefer to wear androgynous clothing. So when it comes to sneakers and streetwear clothing, brands that are able to make their clothing that is MADE for women, look not specific to women, is dope.

Nike is killin it. I shop the women's section and am happy to see that its not all leggings and sportsbras in the color pink. Not only is their product dope, but how they support and advocate for not only women, but all identities and cultures, is killer.

SUCH A VIBRANT THANG…

I really am that person who wears all black 99% of the time. So when it come's to sneakers, I love for them to stand out. My art is very colorful and the complete opposite of my color choice in clothing, but I think my artist side speaks volumes in my choice of kicks.

ADVICE FOR THE UP AND COMING SHAWTIES THAT LOVE TO CREATE…

Stick to it. Don't get discouraged or rely on social media for validation of how good your art is. Your art is your art and it came from a genuine and special place within you. Just keep painting.

SNEAKHER CULTURE IS DEEP ROOTED.

I think the shoe game has evolved so much and can literally cater to just about any persons style. Sneakers can be dressed up or down and its cool walking into a work place or a professional setting and seeing straight business attires mixed with a fresh pair of kicks.

I'd choose sneakers over heels any day, but I have been like this since I was a kid because of always playing sports, I was a little bit more familiar with lifestyle sneakers. My dad was also a big help with that. But, not all females experienced that at a young age and it wasnt marketed towards us. Now having brands and platforms like CNKDaily, it educates and familiarizes people who are not hip to sneaker culture.

Check more of Tori Kirihana out on Instagram and her website.

Chick Chat: Creative Expressions with Tori Kirihara