Photography by Alvin Dang
Alvin Dang is a Toronto-based digital marketer and streetwear enthusiast. His style can be described as street with a focus on minimalism. He’s always had a passion for fashion, streetwear, sneakers and photography.
Catch a glimpse of how Alvin marries these passions together through his lens or the lenses of other local photographers on Instagram.
I’m Alvin Dang, and this is How I Travel.
What do you love most about traveling?
Being able to dive into new experiences immediately. I love immersing myself in new culture and how that interacts with all your senses from the sights and sounds, to food and the people. I get extremely motivated to explore and see how I interact with the culture.
What’s one personal change you’ve experienced as a result of your travels?
To be honest, I haven’t had the opportunity to travel too often until recent. In the few experiences that I have been able to travel, it’s pushed me to be creative. I’ve always had a creative itch but never really had an outlet for it until I went on a trip to Chicago last year. My girlfriend pushed me to get a camera as she’s known I’ve always been into photography but was hesitant to pull the trigger on it as it can be a steep investment.
A year later, I’m still slowly learning elements of composition and other aspects of photography but it has provided me an outlet to blend my passions for streetwear, clothing, sneakers into photos as seen on my Instagram.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through all your travels
Speaking from a style perspective: invest in quality, versatile, timeless clothing pieces.
You must be thinking, I’m crazy to find items that fit all three of these categories. Believe it or not, if you invest in higher quality items that fit all three of these categories, not only will you be packing lighter, you’ll be able to streamline your outfits. An example would be a nice pair of dark raw denim that you’re able to develop the whiskers and character in through your wear. It is an extremely versatile item that you can dress up or down depending on your environment. With jeans like that, you won’t need to pack multiple pairs on a trip.
What’s the one travel experience/story that has had the biggest impact on you?
There isn’t one experience per se but on my recent trip to New York, it’s inspired me to put more effort into my creative endeavours and side projects. There’s something about New York – the energy and hustle – it’s indescribable. Walking through the different neighbourhoods, I felt the varying ambiences and character and was inspired everywhere I went. I began to understand what makes New York so great and why it lives up to it’s name, “The city that never sleeps.”
'I get extremely motivated to explore and see how I interact with a new culture.' @alvindang
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Alvin’s 9 Favorite Travel Items
My John Elliott Villain Hoodie
I love hoodies. They’re extremely comfortable, easy-to-wear and versatile. Great to keep one in your bag when travelling and perfect for layering in the fall season. I recommend investing in a quality hoodie that use a heavy cotton or french terry. Brands such as John Elliott, Reigning Champ, Champion, Wings+Horns, 424 on Fairfax, and KITH NYC have high-quality hoodies at a moderate to high price point. Other brands such as Zara, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Gildan can be as comfortable but won’t last as long.
GET YOUR VILLAIN HOODIE | $200
My Levi’s Trucker Denim Jacket
Denim jackets have always been a staple in any wardrobe. As of recent years, men’s style has taken a page out of women’s style with long-line layering. Denim jackets bring a pop of color and texture to any outfit. Much like any staple piece of any wardrobe, you’re able to show character in this jacket through wear and natural distressing.
GET YOUR TRUCKER DENIM JACKET | $90
My OVO Strapback Cap
Like any Canadian, I have enormous pride for my city and country. I’m not native to downtown Toronto, though I am from the Greater Toronto Area, so I always have to represent Toronto wherever I go.
GET YOUR OVO STRAPBACK | $48
My adidas UltraBoosts
Usually when I travel, I do a lot of walking and shoes are a major key (shoutout to DJ Khaled). For the past year and a half, I have worn adidas’ UltraBoost sneakers 75% of the time. They are by far the most comfy shoe I own and have worn in my life (which is why I have 4 pairs… but let’s not talk about that). Not only are the super comfy, they’re extremely on trend right now due to the Kanye effect and adidas’ takeover in lifestyle. A good colourway can match a lot of outfits and keep you cozy at the same time.
GET YOUR ULTRABOOSTS | $180
My Common Projects Chelsea Boots
Comfortable, stylish and necessary if you need to dress up in the city. Chelsea boots have been trendy for the past couple of years and are now a staple in men’s wardrobes. These are extremely comfortable due to the crepe sole at the bottom. There are many brands that create these now in varying price points.
GET YOUR CHELSEA BOOTS | $530
My Everlane Snap Backpack
A very minimal backpack that is capable of holding the essentials (laptop, camera and a sweater on a cold day). The material that Everlane uses for this backpack allows it to show wear and tear which I love; much like raw denim, you’re able to show the character of the bag based on your individual style.
GET YOUR EVERLANE SNAP BACKPACK | $68
My Olympus OM-D E-M10 & F1.6 20mm Lens
I carry this with me everywhere. I knew very little about photography last year but this purchase has pushed me to learn more and go out and take more photos.
GET YOUR OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 | $400+
My Daniel Wellington Watch
My style is very minimal and Daniel Wellington’s timepieces align with that. I received it as a gift years ago for my birthday and I’ve worn it almost everyday since. You can use my discount code “ALVINDANG” for 15% off when you grab a Daniel Wellington of your own.
GET YOUR DANIEL WELLINGTON | $195+
My iPhone 5
It goes without saying I need my iPhone everywhere I go. I frequently check Instagram to stay up to date on posts and look at others within the streetwear & sneaker community for post/outfit inspiration. Yes, I know, it is a 5, I’m looking to make the investment in the new 7+ later this year (that camera is insane!).
GET YOUR IPHONE | $400+
Alvin in 60 Seconds
Fav Place to TravelNew York
Fav On-the-Go ReadInstagram
Fav Travel AppSnapseed
Ideal Trip CompanionElon Musk
Next Travel PurchaseiPhone 7 Plus
Next DestinationSan Francisco or Italy
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