Perth’s premier sneakerhead talks kicks, the Cats and CBD style secrets
By Jamal Diallo
Each week, WAtoday reaches out to the Perth community to discover three things people love most about our coastal capital. Today we feature Jamal Diallo, who grew up in West Africa where his grandfather owned a soccer team, then moved to Italy with his family, and regarded his first special pair of sneakers – the Puma v1.06 iFG Italia 4 Star Edition – as his path to acceptance in a foreign school. Diallo went on to play soccer professionally and after moving to Perth in 2016 founded 1OFF Store and Australian streetwear convention Sneakerland, whose events across Perth, Sydney and Melbourne have attracted thousands. In 2020 Diallo sponsored foster youths to attend a football academy in Africa, and in 2022 he joined forces with Youth Focus to help local Aboriginal artists fundraise for community services in Meekatharra. This month’s Sneakerland at RAC Arena will raise money for Self Made, Think Mental Health and the Black Rhinos Basketball Program.
Left to right: Friends Thomas Adjei and George Kailis with Diallo at Island Market.
1. I’m constantly on the go with day-to-day operations of 1OFF Store and Sneakerland, so when I have time to relax I love taking walks at the beach. My go-to is Trigg – a beautiful beach, and it’s also home to one of my fave restaurants, Island Market Trigg, which has the freshest WA seafood and a cracking wine list. We’ve actually done two ‘Sneakers by the Sea’ events there in the alfresco courtyard, it’s the perfect spot. Next on my beachside list to try is Gibney in Cottesloe – it looks incredible. If I’m not at the beach, usually you’ll find me at Vitality House in Leederville, where I’m a member. I love the relaxed vibes and the community atmosphere there. Also the food is great!
Diallo at RAC Arena.
2. Perth loves sport, and I love being part of the crowd when fans really get around their team, whether that’s at the football for a derby or at RAC Arena when the Wildcats are playing. The Red Army is unlike any other fan base in the NBL – the passion and energy they bring to every game is something truly incredible. They’re also always the loudest! If you’ve ever been in the bowl on game day, you’ll know what I mean. I’ve actually been lucky enough to sit courtside at a game – highly recommended. The atmosphere is electric. After a game, I often wander up Wellington Street to The Royal Perth for a pub meal or turn up King Street to Varnish on King for a drink. They do a mean whiskey.
3. There are so many things that I love about this city. The food – shoutout to Ischia on Beaufort for their woodfired pizza and limoncello spritz that take me back to summers in Italy, Miss Mi in Perth city for their signature dumplings, and Si Paradiso in Highgate for their cool vibes. If I’m travelling further afield I really love La Sosta in Freo for its authentic Italian food and service. Most of the waiters speak Italian so it’s nice for me to speak in one of the languages I grew up speaking as a child. I’ve heard great things about Vin Populi in Freo – that’s next on my list to try. I also love the shopping – Cabinet Noir in the CBD carry some of my favourite brands, and McKILROY in Osborne Park is my go-to for Japanese streetwear. I get my sneakers/runners from my own 1OFF Store and Footlocker in the Perth CBD – they have a great crew that work there and an awesome selection. I’ve also just discovered HYPNOTISE which is a Perth hidden gem that curates a range of unisex fashion lifestyle clothing, accessories and homewear objects highlighting Korean fashion.
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