24: When  did you realize you had a love for sneakers?

Raquel Reign: When I was about 11years old and living in the Bronx. I always looked down when I meet someone, that was the very first thing I looked at(lol). So I guess looking down gave me a sneak peak at what someone was wearing and made me very aware of sneakers.

24: How many pairs of sneakers would you say you own?

Raquel Reign: It’s not what I say it’s what I do have. After buying Nike Free in purple and selling a few pairs I now have a total of “286“.  When just about a  few months ago I had “326” still in 2 storage units.

24: Some Sneakers Heads collect different styles and brands from SB Dunks to rare Air Force 1, Penny’s and of course Air Jordan’s. So I wanted to know if you are a collector of one brand such as Jordan’s or do you collect and few others as well?

Raquel Reign: Any and everything from Air Jordans, Air Max’s, Foamposites, Hoops, Penny’s, Nike Dunks, Patrick Ewing’s to Vintage Forces, Dennis Romans, SB Dunks, Barkleys etc.

24: What’s some of your favorite Sneaker Spots you have to stop by whenever your in town?

Raquel Reign:  Flight Club in NYC and LA!  I love them but I do also know some great mom and pop shops to get Vintage Nike’s that’s worth a lot of money from  but I will never kiss and tell(smiling).

24: How much was the most money you have spent on one pair of sneakers?

Raquel Reign: I spent $330.00 for a size 5  for  a pair of Original Blk/Red 1’s a few years back in DS condition which I sold last year for $670.00.

24: If you was forced to get rid of your entire collection and you could only keep 3 pairs which would it be and why?

Raquel Reign: Damn, just kill me(lol).

24: Is their any pair of Air Jordan’s that will be released soon that your looking forward to buying?

Raquel Reign: The Charcoal 9’s dropping September 4th and Cool Grey 11’s dropping in December which I both have the originals to.

24: I notice that every Sneaker Head his or her own special remedy of keeping their collection fresh or cleaning them after wearing so what are a few things that that has been working for you that might be a great tip for another Sneaker Head?

Raquel Reign: Yes! All White toothpaste to clean whites(Bleach can cause whites to yellow when multiple use)Magic Eraser is sneakers best friend especially for suede to get ride of scratches. SeaGlow to light gum bottom sneakers. Silica Packs to prevent sneakers to age as fast( sneakers can age quick)Keep sneakers from heat aka sun because it will cause them to shrink etc.

24: As a sexy female such as yourself I know when guys find out about your love for sneakers it’s just an added plus every time am I right?

Raquel Reign: Yes it is, but it also make some little bit upset because of all the facts I know(lol).

24: What advice would you give to a up and coming sneaker head  that’s reading this interview and in the very  beginning stages of trying  to start up his or her sneaker collection?

Raquel Reign: My advice is to keep sneakers very clean almost in NDS condition(Near Dead stock)if your planning to sell. buy multiple pairs. Also waiting in like at 4am for limited sneakers is worth it.. Trust me. Do a lot of research before spending money on something that can be fake. Sign up with forums like ISS.com, Niketalk.com, FSF.com if you trying to find people who is in the same game. You might just bump into some people who is willing to sell what you don’t have.

24: Anything you would like to promote before we go?

Raquel Reign: www.RaquelReign.com or follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RaquelReign be in the look out for the new Raquel coming Aug/Sept 2010. By the way for the folks who keep using the word “HolyGrails” you can’t say that if you continue to buy. True Sneaker Heads know Holy Grails are what will get you to stop. Once you have your Holy Grail your DONE!

Photos By: VXN Studios