Khalid Akram Mazid, a PhD student at Kyoto University originally from Guwahati, has been making waves by blending his academic pursuits with a passion for art and sneakers. Active in professional art projects since 2017, Khalid’s unique work recently reached the global stage at Sneakercon, the world’s largest sneaker event, held in Osaka, Japan.
Guwahati’s Khalid Akram Mazid Showcases Assam’s Muga Silk Sneakers
Khalid’s fascination with art and sneakers led him to explore Japan’s dynamic sneaker culture.
Over the years, he has participated in various local exhibitions, including a skateboard art showcase. However, his recent creation—a customized pair of Nike Air Max 90 sneakers adorned with Assam’s iconic Muga silk—has captured global attention.
Muga Silk: A Golden Touch of Assam
Khalid’s sneaker customization highlights Muga silk, a GI-tagged fabric known for its natural golden sheen and cultural significance in Assam. By incorporating this luxurious fabric into a contemporary sneaker design, Khalid created a unique fusion of traditional Assamese craftsmanship and modern sneaker culture.
The customized sneakers were unveiled at Sneakercon Osaka, where they became a centerpiece of admiration. Attendees were struck by the fabric’s radiant quality, with some likening its appearance to pure gold. Offers for the sneakers went as high as 150,000 yen (approximately ₹85,000), but Khalid chose to retain the pair, citing their deep personal and cultural significance.
“Muga silk is a symbol of Assam’s rich heritage. This project isn’t just about creating footwear; it’s about telling a story and introducing Assamese culture to a global audience,” Khalid explained.
Art Meets Heritage
The idea of combining Assam’s heritage with sneaker design emerged as part of Khalid’s broader effort to showcase the versatility of Muga silk. By adapting the traditional fabric for a modern context, he aims to expand its reach beyond conventional use in sarees and traditional attire.
Khalid’s creation is not just an artistic endeavor but also a cultural statement. “These sneakers are a bridge between tradition and innovation, showing that heritage fabrics like Muga silk can find relevance in contemporary, global spaces,” he added.
A Platform for Global Recognition
Sneakercon Osaka marked a milestone in Khalid’s journey, offering an opportunity to present Assam’s cultural assets to an international audience. His work resonated with sneaker enthusiasts, artists, and cultural curators alike, sparking conversations about Assam’s artisanal crafts and the potential of Muga silk in modern design.
Khalid plans to take his Muga silk sneakers to more exhibitions and events across Japan. By doing so, he hopes to raise awareness about Assam’s rich textile heritage and its untapped potential in global markets.
From Axom to Osaka: A Cultural Fusion
Khalid’s journey from Guwahati to Japan is a testament to the seamless blending of tradition and modernity. While pursuing his PhD at Kyoto University, he has managed to carve a unique space for himself in the world of art and design. His work stands as a proud representation of Assamese heritage on an international platform.
The Muga silk sneakers symbolize more than a creative experiment—they are an invitation for the world to appreciate the elegance and craftsmanship of Assam’s artisans. As Khalid continues to display his work, he hopes to inspire new ways of thinking about traditional materials in a globalized context.
Through his art, Khalid Akram Mazid has proven that cultural heritage, when reimagined innovatively, can transcend borders. His work not only elevates the appeal of Muga silk but also strengthens Assam’s cultural footprint in the global arena.
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