This is one of those rare times we post up something about a photographic exhibition – but we have absolutely no qualms about this one. Girls Got Kicks looks to be not only a great night of entertainment, but there will be some luscious imagery from Cheech Sanchez of kicks and chicks, oh, and there’s street art in the too – and who doesn’t love that whole combination?

“In her first-ever solo show, Cheech Sanchez presents a series of photographic portraits of female sneaker enthusiasts taken exclusively for the recently released international sneaker book, Girls Got Kicks. The photo series has since developed into a unique snapshot of female street culture in Melbourne. Juxtapozing feminine curves against the graffiti-laden laneways and back streets of Fitzroy and St Kilda, the exhibition is set to throw a bright spotlight on an otherwise elusive group of uniquely Melbournian women.

The opening night – hosted by Melbourne’s very own sneaker queen, M.A.F.I.A. – also acts as the official Australian launch for the book Girls Got Kicks (by Lori Lobenstine and Amanda Lopez -www.girlsgotkicks.com). The first ever photo documentary of badass female sneaker heads, Girls Got Kicks bursts with portraits and stories as rich and varied as their ever-growing sneaker collections.
Cheech Sanchez is a multi-disciplinary creative, tattoo enthusiast and sneakerhead from Melbourne, Australia. Spending her formative years in Sydney in the early 90s, she was introduced to graffiti and rave cultures as a young teen. These two cultures continue to influence her life and work every day, and form the basis for her personal goal to spend each day doing what she loves. Recently crowned Miss Illustrated Pinup VIctoria 2011 and completing a Bachelor of Design (Interior/ Industrial Design), Cheech’s relentless pursuit of her next big creative thing is seemingly never-ending – even she isn’t quite sure what she might try next! www.cheechsanchez.com.

A renowned sneaker freak and hip hop junkie, M.A.F.I.A. has been killing it on the wheels of steel for over 10 years. Growing up at the height of Hip Hop in the ‘70s/‘80s, she became FLUORO BREAKER after falling in love with Boogaloo Shrimp in Breakin. Here began her love affair with sneakers – no thanks to her brother’s obsession for all things adidas. Collecting kicks since the age of 13 (we’re talking 1985!) she quickly became known as one of the world’s most prolific sneaker connoisseurs. In 2007 she joined the infamous team at Sneaker Freaker magazine, and with a strong respect for the brand, she introduced and welcomed a roster of high profile artists, musicians and VIPs to the magazine. To top off her love of all things street, she’s also perhaps Melbourne’s hardest working female Hip Hop DJ, having supported and toured with everyone from Stevie Wonder, Missy Elliott, Spinderella, Ghostface Killah, Dizzee Rascal, Snoop Dogg and so much more! www.yomafia.com.au”

Fuck yeah, girls, kicks, graff, laneways, portraits, tunes – oh yeah, this will be totally mad! Oh, and we also just read a really fantastic interview with Cheech over at Profile Pub – go check it out!

Who: Cheech Sanchez
What: Girls Got Kicks – Portraits By Cheech Sanchez
Where: The Vic Bar, 281 Victoria Street, Melbourne
When: Thursday 2nd February from 5pm, show runs until February 29th

Check out Cheech Sanchez, the Girls Got Kicks website as well as the Facebook event page.