What Are Those: Bigboy Cheng
Inside the larger-than-life sneakerhead’s vault in Manila
Bigboy Cheng’s reputation precedes him. His stacked sneaker vault broke the internet a few years ago. Yet, it is the heart-warming relationships he has forged within the Filipino street culture scene that make him the “Hypefather” of Manila. From ultra-rare Nike kicks to one-of-a-kind art collectables, Bigboy Cheng’s collection embodies his unbridled passion, child-like curiosity, and exceptional taste. He shares his favourite pairs in an exclusive tour alongside assistant Nico Yabut.
SHOP SNEAKERS“I have almost 1000 shoes in my collection and I remember 800 good stories about them.”
How did you and Nico meet?
Nico: I was about 15 years old when I met you. We saw each other at an art fair and ended up working together.
Bigboy Cheng: I thought Nico would last for only six months, but he lasted for…
Nico: Seven years!
Where did the idea for the vault come from?
BigBoy Cheng: The idea of the vault came from my interior designer. She suggested it and we did it in two weeks. She built the vault like an actual big bank vault. I put my shoes in it, and it turned out to be good.
Please share with us the most important pieces in your collection.
Bigboy Cheng: “Mr Hudson” (2009), which Kanye West worked with Louis Vuitton on, was my first Yeezy. It’s brand-new and has Kanye West written inside of it. I like the grey and pink colourway.
Nico: And this is exactly when he released his album Graduation.
Bigboy Cheng: The Air Max 1 “Oregon” is one of my favourites. I love the design; I love the designer, Tinker Hatfield. The Air Max 1 is one of my favourite shoes. My son Miguel got it as a gift for me.
Nico: Would you say that Thinker is your favourite designer?
Bigboy Cheng: Probably yes, because I love all his designs, especially the Jordan 3.
Nico: What has been your most memorable trip that is linked to a sneaker?
Bigboy Cheng: You were there, Nico! We were in Vegas. Remember that private room full of sneakers? All the sneakers were on the hotel room bed. The best of the best. All of them in my size. I took home three.
Nico: How many pairs of sneakers do you typically pack for one trip?
Bigboy Cheng: I bring one, or a maximum of three because I buy a lot! Especially when I go to the US, I usually take just one because I go home with 20.
If you were to invite a celebrity to visit your vault, who would you pick?
Bigboy Cheng: It would probably be Fat Joe. First of all, he is a nice, humble, and funny guy and I love his collection as well.
