“They’re a pair of sneakers by Maison Martin Margiela that I purchased from Ikram, one of my favorite stores in Chicago. I wear them almost every day because they add that perfect level of edge to my day-to-day looks and are insanely comfortable.

“Best of all, they’re a fashion ‘dog whistle’ I use as a form of non-verbal communication while I’m out street-style hunting. Only people who are into designer fashion are able to identify them as the Margiela sneakers, which strikes an instant bond between me and a fashionable subject. It’s an excellent way to tell if someone who I’ve approached is into fashion because they always ask me where I got the ‘impossible to find hand-painted Margielas.’ To everyone else they’re a ratty pair of gym shoes I spilled paint on.” — Amy, Chicago Street Style

Wear it yourself tip: “When I’m wearing the Margielas, I try to keep things casual but with a luxurious edge. Since the shoes play with conceptions of poor/rich and worn/new, it’s important that those are the ONLY ‘unkempt’ looking part of the outfit. They add an amazing sense of contrast to sleeker pieces.” — Amy