Best spots, best footwear

Kesang is a London girl. She might not have grown up here, but a mere 30 seconds spent with the Oxford-born creative leaves no doubt as to where her urban allegiances lie. Today sweeping along in a pair of Salomon XT-Whispers, an 032c trench, and some Gucci shades — and offering exuberant “Hey babe!”s to each individual she comes across — Kesang’s look, and her contagious energy, is a true part of the London furniture.

Kesang moved to the capital over a decade ago and instantly found herself absorbed in its creative scene. These days, she’s known primarily as the co-founder of Trippin, an online platform and community which inspires its readers to travel more purposefully. “Trippin’ is like having a cool friend in every location around the world,” Kesang tells me. Its global network of creatives celebrates local cultures, maps underground scenes, and connects people with places — all of which come effortlessly to Kesang in her daily life.

SALOMON XT-WHISPER

Part of the Salomon's XT design legacy, the XT-Whisper is a provocative Sportstyle sneaker: rich with visual contrasts, playful with finish, and uncompromising on hold and comfort.

SALOMON XT-WHISPER

Part of the Salomon's XT design legacy, the XT-Whisper is a provocative Sportstyle sneaker: rich with visual contrasts, playful with finish, and uncompromising on hold and comfort.

“ London is the greatest city in the world. It’s a melting pot of culture that gives you this really multi-sensory experience you won’t find anywhere else. ”

- Kesang

We meet at Kew Gardens, and Kesang is ready to give us a tour of one of her favourite green spaces in London: The Palm House, Kew Gardens. We arrive at this miniature rainforest before the crowds, and Kesang’s enthusiasm is palpable (she is, after all, a nature lover). Despite shooting in 90% humidity and 30 degree heat, she chats animatedly to the gardeners, who tell her that over 500 species of rare or otherwise extinct plants reside within the greenhouse — information which she excitedly relays to me.

Below, Kesang tells us about her relationship with London, the joy of rediscovering your hometown, and how it’s communities, not buildings, that shape urban landscapes. Make sure to watch the video too to see her style tips, the joys of an all-day outfit, and why the Salomon XT-Whisper is her ultimate go-to for accessing absolutely all areas.

For the urban outdoors

Describe London’s green spaces in three words.

Serene, sanctuaries, skylines. But also — so biodiverse. Every park or green space has its own little ecosystem.

What are your top three green spaces in London?

Kew Gardens, Greenwich Park, and Woodberry Wetlands. Our cemeteries are also really beautiful (if that doesn't weird you out).

How has this city shaped your perspective of the world?

London is the greatest city in the world. It’s a melting pot of culture that gives you this really multi-sensory experience you won’t find anywhere else. It’s also the greenest city in the world, which people don’t always realise. There’s so much nature woven into our concrete jungle alongside this fast-moving creative energy — it makes London feel constantly in flux but deeply rooted at the same time.

Have you ever gotten lost in London?

Yeah, plenty of times. I didn’t grow up here, I moved over a decade ago and have lived in almost every part of London, apart from the South West. When you first move, getting lost is just part of the process. I walk around a lot, and when your phone dies, you have to recall those orientation skills we had before Google Maps. I always look to the skyline for reference points — BT Tower was my go-to for ages, The Shard or that weird Gotham-like building in Elephant and Castle with the three fans which do not work. If you can see those, you can usually figure out where you are.

“ Getting lost is just a part of the process. ”

- Kesang

Do you enjoy wandering without a set destination, or do you prefer knowing where you’re going?

A bit of both. I do think it’s all about the journey — sometimes the experience is in the wandering itself. That being said, London is so fast-paced that a lot of the time you don’t have the luxury to just roam. This year, I’m trying to be more intentional about making space for that, just walking without a purpose and seeing where I end up. The city evolves so quickly, so you’ll sometimes walk the same route and a new restaurant or pop-up will be happening. It messes with me sometimes after I’ve been away for a while… like where the hell did that spot go? Change is the only constant here.

Are there particular parts of the city where you feel most at home? Why?

I think it’s less about the area and more about the feeling. I feel at home in places that have a strong sense of community, where you see the same faces, where people actually know each other. London can feel isolating sometimes, so the spots that feel lived-in, where people are invested in the area, that’s where I feel most comfortable.

Ladbroke Grove is one of them. It was the first place I lived when I moved to London. And of course, it’s home to Carnival — London’s Christmas! That energy, the celebration of Black Caribbean culture, the music, the food — it’s one of the best times of the year. I’m drawn to places like that, where there’s history, culture, and a real sense of belonging.

How does your style reflect the city?

London’s a mix of everything and I think my style is the same. You’re influenced by what’s around you — different subcultures, different boroughs, the weather (which is unpredictable at best). You need outfits that can handle every season in a day.