Like many in my generation I love sneakers. Borderline Sneakerhead. There is a history behind the global addiction to athletic shoes, a phenomenon that first took hold in the mid-’80s, with the arrival of Air Jordans and at the height of Run-DMC’s love affair with Adidas.
Among notable sneakerheads hip-hop artist Wale; Complex magazine sneaker editor — yes, that’s a job — Russ Bengtson; and Jeff Staple, designer of the legendary Nike Pigeon Dunks.
Are you a sneaker aficionado? interested in one-of-a-kind kicks to collect and wear? How about pieces that are a bit exotic? Then you’ll want to pay a visit to Little Istanbul on North Main Street in White River Junction, Vermont!
My Mother-in-Law, fresh from a recent trip to India, Oman, Jordan & Turkey heard great things from her friends about the new shop in recently artsy & trendy White River Junction, took me here, and changed my sneaker outlook forever!
Owners Jackie and Vural Oktay also own Tuckerbox Restaurant across the street and the Istanbul Kebab House in Burlington, VT. (Update: had a terrific lunch there today and will feature Tuckerbox in an upcoming article) Jackie is a Vermont native, Vural is from Istanbul, and the bazaars of his childhood inspired eclecticism and quality of the myriad offerings available at their quaint shop located at 27 N. Main St. White River Junction.
Vural sourced a variety of household objects, clothing, and accessories that are unique, handmade items. An array of spices in large bins occupies the center of the store. You’ll also find Turkish wines and candies for your pantry.
In an interview in a local Vermont paper –
“The spices have been a big hit,” Jackie says. “There seems to be a lot of interest in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking in this area. People around here seem to want to try it. We’ve had requests for cookbooks and recipe cards.
That’s something to look at for the future.”
They offer hand-etched leather handbags in the shop, plus boots and bags made of recycled kilim tapestry carpets. Also available are ceramic bowls and plates, pendant lights, wall sconces, mosaic candle holders, Turkish towels, and pashminas. And, of course, there are Turkish rugs and carpets for sale.
Jackie says her husband traveled to around 500 carpet and rug venders in Turkey to select the best of the best. I saw the collection of
handmade bags, boots, I fell in love with this place!
BUT THOSE SHOES THO!!!
The Suzani fabric shoes & bags are handcrafted by experts of the embroidered decorative tribal textile of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian Countries. This hand embroidered fabric is traditionally made by central Asian brides as part of their dowery.
Since all Suzani are different, no identical shoes or bags can ever be made! The sneakers I tried were $135. They have a wide variety of shoes, boots for men and women in this style as well.
They’ve just opened, so no website yet, but they ship anywhere so contact them-
[email protected] (802)-698-8611 27 North Main St. White River Junction, VT 05001
Images courtesy of the author and LITTLE ISTANBUL