Dunkxchange SF Recap - 11 Years Later
The last time I actually attended a Dunkxchange in San Francisco (DXC SF) was back in March of this year (Which You Can View Here). If you're not from California, we've been getting these crazy wild fires all over California. Due to those unfortunate events, DXC SF got pushed back two weeks. In those terms, it's either going to be not enough people or vendors in attendance with an uncertain turn out. However with that short notice, the event was better than expected.The very first DXC SF I attended was back in 2006. Even after 11 years has passed, I can still remember the first event like it was yesterday. It was back at 715 Harrison Street. Others may refer to those days as "The City Nights" or "The Club NV" days. I remember arriving early to the first event which was roughly 8/9AM and the event didn't start until 1PM. I remember Gary (@Dunkxchange) was telling myself along with others, to leave because the event didn't start nor was it set up at all. After a few hours passed, it was a huge turn out to where the event was over packed. Literally you would be touching shoulder to shoulder walking inside.
For what I can remember, I always wanted to be the first person in line or just in general, the first person at the event. I remember one time with my homie Chris (@Chrissofresh) showing up at 3AM because I heard a rumor that one person was already camping out at 12AM. For one, I wasn't going to let that one person beat me, so I said "eff it", I'm just going to show up at 3AM. I ended up arriving at 3AM and to my surprise, of course no one is camping out or even there. I basically showed up where people were getting out of the club. Chris and I were thinking to ourselves "Did we really just come to DXC at 3AM?!" Man oh man, good times.
I honestly never knew why I wanted to be the first person in line. Maybe it was because I always showed up early and never had to deal with the long lines. Maybe it was because back then, a lot of the good sneakers usually were the first to go for such a steal price. Or maybe it was because being the first one there, allowed me to let my homies cut the line and not deal with the massive lines. For whatever the reason may be, I was always that one person that just showed up first for many years.
Looking through many photos that I have photographed, it's clear to see that times have changed. From the loud vivid color baggy clothes, the all over clothing designer brands to clothes that fit and colors that don't scream at you. From reselling original Nikes, Jordans, SB's, Air Max's to now Adidas, Yeezys, Supreme & Bape. I am aware that people still resell SB's and Jordans but when you attend sneaker events now, its more of the hyped items such as Yeezys, Adidas in general. When was the last time you saw a pair of Bapesta sneakers for sale? Jordans are still at the top but you would normally see the more hyped sneakers especially I's. Same goes for Supreme & Bape. They have always stayed at the top.
This brought my attention to how SB's at one point, were the highest point of reselling sneakers. I've heard the saying "SB's are dead" over the past few years. In the latest video, I had my homie Brando talk SB's in general. One point in the video I asked within the next 5 to 10 years will SB's be the same or will they make a come back and his response was simply "No". Brando expressed how quality isn't the same and it's mass produced. I brought this topic up for discussion on my Youtube channel and the response is quite interesting. DXC started off with the star born Nike Dunks hence the name Dunkxchange for the simple goal to buy, sell and trade with your local community. It was a time where when you camped out, you could find a potential hook up for a certain sneaker or item.
Fast forward 11 years and here I am still attending DXC SF. Although a lot has changed, I still enjoy it more than ever, which you can see in the video. Although I don't attend as much events as I did before, I still try to make time for them. I have really met some good people, who till this day, I consider really good friends. The ones that know me when I started doing this. I use to be that "kid" who camped at events, paid like everyone else to now coming in anytime and covering the events. So This goes to you DXC SF, for allowing to have a place where people like myself who loves sneakers, to meet people and buy local goods and possibility even more. Thanks for everything.
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The long lines before the event starts.
A familiar site to see. Still looking for Denim Reese Forbes Lows.
Classic Bapestas which you rarely see.
Fully Laced SF which started off selling laces, now has become a flagship store in SF.
Our small sneaker display. All for sale of course.
Long lines as usual.
This was the style back then for the whole urban punk rock look with loud vivid colors, bandana around your neck and shoes that stood out.
10 years later who knew those Baby Cascade Hemps and Hulks would go for so much. Peep the OG II Low Box in the back.
Circa - 12.15.07
U.N.I preformed live and the smash hit K.R.E.A.M. (Watch The Official Music Video Here)
The time I brought an air horn when ever an item sold. Shout out to Team Yell, Marvin, Armani, Paul, Chris and Albert for the photo.
Circa - 08.31.08
Circa - 11.08.08
Circa - 02.28.09
Around this time, the recession hit hard in 2008. In 2009, I believe during this time I just wanted to take a break from sneakers in general. 2009 was definitely one of my worst years so I didn't attend any DXC SF's for a few years. It was also during the time, I was photographing with a Nikon D90 with a 10.5 Fish Eye lens. Such a fun lens.
A few years later, I went back and attended DXC SF. This time, I was working with Fully Laced SF. This time I had VIP access and didn't have to camp out now.
Cliff aka the old Asian guy with the steals and deals. Long Time OG.
This time around, DXC SF switched up and decided to host at Terra Gallery as a new location and to try something new. Also they had local artist Jesse Hernandez & Big Foot do live artwork. The turn out exceeded expectations.
45 Concord Samples.
After almost a full year, DXC SF returns to a new location that's even bigger and better, Cow Palace. I believe this time around was the most vendors ever.
The Paris SB you see the girl wearing, won this sneaker event. What made it special or different were the fact they were a size 5. From what the boyfriend stated, only two existed in the world.
This was the first DXC SF event I decided to display a sneaker display. It was OG Jordans 1-14.
This was the first time DXC SF was held outside of San Francisco as well as attending at the Oracle Arena in Oakland where The Golden State Warriors play. It was called the Dubxchange.
This was the second time displaying my sneaker display along side with Brandon (@Flipitsf). This was also where I won a sneaker battle finally after so many attempts. I wore probably the cleanest pair of OG I's I own, White & Neutral Grey I's.
DXC SF decided to switch it up and try another location which is currently where the next few years it has been proven to work best at San Francisco State University. I just got back from the DXC LA which was on Saturday and the next day drove up for DXC SF. Ended up displaying my sneakers with Ace and Mario (@airaccountant23)
Flipitsf brought out a mini claw top machine.
LA to the Bay!
DXC SF decided to go back to Cow Palace due to how large the venue is.
Trinidad James.
DXC SF happen to land on Air Max Day. This was also the time where Nike let people vote to have any Nike Air Max to retro. The winner were the Atmos Air Max 1's. In honor of them winning, I wore my pair. This was also where DXC SF finally decided to stay put at San Francisco State University. The sneaker battle towards the end of the event was different. It was actually your best 5 sneakers against the other persons 5 best sneakers. In exchange it was for keeps and a cash prize which has never been done before.
This was the time where more and more Sneaker Key Machines were every where.
Current - 10.28.17
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