Larger than Life: Who is Bigboy Cheng?

Owning the family name to create its own identity, Bigboy Cheng is all about art, collectibles and food.

From owning the latest sneaker release to the most exclusive streetwear drop, Bigboy Cheng is a collector, entrepreneur and food vlogger. He has a collection composed of almost anything you can name. It consists of over 700 pairs of sneakers, art pieces from local and foreign artists alike, collectible toys that evoke nostalgia, unique products that he worked on together with various artists and brands, and many more items any collector would desire. In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of art, sneakers, and entrepreneurship, Bigboy Cheng embodies a great passion for audiences worldwide with his rare collection and keen eye for art and food. 

Bigboy Cheng grew up in a business-minded family, with his parents starting the Uratex Group of Companies over 50 years ago. Today, the company has diversified into other businesses ranging from cushioning and foam for automobiles, textiles, food storage, packaging, real estate and many more. However, Bigboy’s journey to becoming a global cultural icon has been his own undertaking.

Beginnings of Bigboy

At the very early age of 8, Christian Robert “Bigboy” Cheng started collecting sneakers. In one of his interviews, he was quoted saying “We are a sports family. One of my siblings is a fan of basketball and so we became basketball fans too.” After this, it was a domino effect as Cheng’s interest in sneakers brought his curiosity elsewhere leading to the breadth of his collection today.

Bigboy Cheng’s extensive collection is a treasure trove of items that span various categories. His portfolio includes a vast assortment of sneakers, caps, beanies, a pinball machine, and more. Some of the standout pieces from his collection are things such as a Louis Vuitton luggage, a Supreme x Coleman mini motorbike, and a Supreme x Everlast boxing gloves. He started posting his collection on social media through which he gained popularity.

His sneaker collection is especially impressive, as it is estimated to be worth a staggering $1 million. As his passion for sneakers allowed him to gain an appreciation for its aesthetic elements, BigBoy Cheng grew a discerning eye for art, fostering collaborations with both local and international artists. This collaboration has resulted in the acquisition of extraordinary art pieces, many of which have significantly appreciated in value over time.

Among his prized art pieces is a rare gem—a sketch by the enigmatic Banksy titled “Girl with Balloon,” a piece he acquired over two decades ago. Bigboy Cheng’s collaborations have consistently garnered attention, with one particularly successful partnership being with National Artist Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera. His influence and support within the art community have contributed to the flourishing of artists and their works.

Bigboy’s Big Influence

As an influencer, Bigboy Cheng has 276k followers on YouTube and 299k followers on Instagram. On this channel he shares unboxing videos of some of his rarest sneakers, as well as vlogs of his antics and daily life, often involving his hunt for new pairs. 

One of the rarer pairs of sneakers which was difficult to acquire was the Staple Pigeon Dunks which were priced at $6,000 then and soon after grew to be valued at $30,000. He flew down to New York to purchase them from a reseller. 

To name a few other highlights from his collection:

1. Nike Air Jordan 1 x Dior

These sneakers represent the fusion of streetwear and high fashion, featuring the iconic Air Jordan 1 silhouette with luxurious Dior branding. These sneakers are priced at $30,500.

2. Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 by Virgil Abloh  

Designed by Virgil Abloh, these sneakers combine the classic look of the Nike Air Force 1 with the luxury and creativity of Louis Vuitton. This collaborated shoes are sold for $350,000. 

3. Eminem x Nike Air Max 90

This pair of sneakers has a sleek brown design with subtle white and blue accents, featuring Eminem’s distinctive backward “E” logo. The price on this is on sale at $50,000. 

4. Air Jordan 4 Wahlburgers: 

These sneakers are extremely rare, with only 46 pairs in existence, and 23 of them belonging to Michael Jordan himself. They are known for their striking green colorway. These rare sneaker are priced at $100,000. 

5. Nike Mag Back to the Future (2011 and 2016): 

These legendary sneakers are a futuristic marvel, featuring self-lacing technology and were made famous by Marty McFly in Back to the Future II. Notably, he owns both the 2011 and 2016 versions of the iconic shoe. Nike Mag Back to the Future are priced at $80,134. 

Bigboy Cheng’s collection stands as a testament to both his discerning taste and his passion for the arts, whatever form it may take. Cheng’s dedication has gained him great status in the various communities he takes part in and supports, as the scene becomes more vibrant thanks to his involvement. He is truly a great inspiration to many in the collecting world, and like many other collectors have found out, is one of the most pleasant and enthusiastic people to ever grace the scene.