Just opened in Treviso, Italy, Habitat is a new concept store specialized in limited edition sneakers that aims to become a reference point for true connoisseurs and fashionistas. Its “inventor” is Vittorio Tomasella, 29, an Italian-Brazilian, sneaker collector. A passion born from an early age that, fuelled by his travels around the world, led to the creation of a collection of over 250 pairs of shoes, some of which very rare. “In big cities, especially New York and Tokyo, the sneaker market is getting bigger and bigger, considering that, among collectors, figures range, on average, from 400 to 10,000 euro for a pair, for example, of 2011 “Back to the Future” Nike. Thanks to Habitat, I hope give sneaker-addicts the opportunity to buy special shoes models, otherwise hard to find” said Vittorio Tomasella.

Inspired by an underground sneakers-room, the original interiors of the store, with pitch-black walls, neon logo and shelves lit by colored LEDs to highlight the shoes, were inspired by the 80ies “street” culture. It was back then that sneakers, from a mere sport object, turned into a must-have accessory in the fashion world.

For Habitat, Vittorio Tomasella has carefully selected several models, limited edition or premium, among the main top-notch international sneaker brands. The store will be among the few selected stores in northern Italy to propose sneakers for “connoisseurs” including limited edition Converse created in collaboration with fashion designers, such as those made with Missoni fabric; the Diadora Avio Pack limited edition, that takes inspiration from the camouflage colors used in the Soviet and Israeli aviation, or Made in Italy, handcrafted in the factories of Caerano San Marco; Huf, a Californian brand very popular in Los Angeles; Native, a Canadian brand, with its lightweight sneakers produced without using of animal-derived materials; the Nike Air Force One revisited with Flyknit technology, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico ’66; or, again, the Puma designed by Rihanna. Habitat will develop soon both an e-commerce and bespoke service in order to procure also sold-out or rare shoes upon specific requests.

Designed by The Reflection Studios
Photography by Bobby Jones