PATRICK FELLOWS

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It’s different down here

I was watching all their outfits and thinking. “There was a choice made this morning and these were the results.”  Thoughts like “I’m gonna look great”, “my ass looks great in these shorts”, “if it’s wet these boots will be perfect”. Jazz fest brings about the best and worst in fashion. Mostly the latter. 


We were about 4 hours into the day yesterday when I finally sat down for the first time. We were on a blanket and therefore at foot level. You can learn a lot down here. Mostly i learned that I don’t look at anyone’s shoes on a daily basis and i was now in the position of seeing 1000s of shoes. It was mesmerizing. 


Festivals are primetime for people watching. Especially in New Orleans. Maybe any big city but for sure NOLA. Sitting amongst their feet you see some crazy ass shit. Mid hip suede boots, check. Army boots. Check. Handmade thongs. Yep. 


Being a running shoe guy and professionally noticer. I am drawn to the running shoes. One need only look for a moment to realize that with all the technology that goes into shoes. Most people are wearing the wrong ones and Skechers/Allbirds held the most market share. 


Down there on the ground you see a lot of calves. Bad tattoos, scars, and kankles. Festival feet are also a thing. Trust me on this one. 


I never looked up at their faces. Just their feet and legs. I wondered to myself how long it would take to recognize them by foot instead of face?  A week.  A month?  Never?


I thought it would be awesome to spend a whole day down here taking pictures. I probably should have used my phone. 


Instead I got up and went and got another beer. 


#hugsandhi5s