Dre Hayes on Streetwear
Dre Hayes from The Museum Group out of New York City is widely known in the underground of street and contemporary fashion as the brand curator of the 21st century.
Adidas
Adi Dassler makes his first shoe in his workshop in Herzogenaurach near Nuremberg in Germany. The shoe made of canvas was a training shoe for runners and cost two reichsmarks. Adi Dassler followed three guiding principles in his development work: produce the best shoe for the requirements of the sport, protect the athlete from injury, and make the product durable.
Origami
A piece of paper is plain and dimensionless. By carefully following a series of precise folds, that piece of paper transforms into a three-dimensional work of art and craftsmanship. The finished product reveals itself as more than just art, but as a physical manifestation of the creator’s self-expression and individuality. Once known as ORISUE, this craft is now commonly known as origami.
Official
Official® is a newly launched premium fitted headwear company hailing from the always inspirational city of San Francisco, California. The headwear company has constructed a truly unique and quick to market business model for their product by releasing one-time limited styles every two to three weeks to retailers in addition to traditional seasonal lines. Their ability to keep a constant flow of fresh new product on their retailer's shelves, in the media (blogs, websites, print magazines) is a concept that is aligned and in-tune with the demand of today¹s influential set and savvy consumer.
Homeroom
Started by ALVAL, a 3rd generation tailor and Dean Villa, an artist. They sought to make a brand that is purely them and their lifestyle. HomeRoom stands for purity in color selection, form, and function; no marketing gimmicks, the quality speaks loudly for itself. We have come to the conclusion that the purest form of marketing is set by having the ability to illuminate your product through truth. So, truth be told, we put a lot of work into our product. We're known for our hand crafted outerware. We hope that you not only enjoy our clothes, but that the designs, colors and cuts motivate you to rise up and feel confident through your day's journey.
ALIFE
ALIFE is considered a leader in the progression of the "sneakerhead" genre. From its collaborations with every major shoe company (Nike, Puma, Reebok, etc.) to the introduction of the lifestyle boutique/sneaker shop, Alife has always represented high quality craftsmanship and fresh designs.
10 Deep
Established in 1995, 10.Deep is a foundation brand for the American streetwear movement. Wholly individualistic, and defiantly New York, 10.Deep® seeks to create apparel that pushes ideological and stylistic boundaries, without ever sacrificing quality or style. Our motto is simple: forget everyone and listen to yourself.
RockSmith
Rocksmith Tokyo is Japanese street couture blendid with New York City swagger. The ultimate Mixtape of classic and futuristic cuts, fabrics, Music styles and attitude. After the birth of the brand in 2002 on the Tokyo club circuit, The Life Entertainment partnered up with NYC based Kilo International to take the goods worldwide.
Antenna Magazine
Antenna is one of the first mainstream magazine to target individuals who are on a constant quest for the newest and coolest products on the horizon. And it does so without using celebrities, models, concept shoots, service stories and whatever else they deem superfluous to our mission: to become a guidebook, allowing readers to navigate the most extensive collection of products ever compiled in a single publication, while championing the people who create, sell and collect them—all in one comprehensive, artful, elegant and innovative format. Featuring everything from dress shirts and cellphones to jeans and graphic T’s, Antenna is considered to be a non-disposable magazine in a disposable world.
Tokyo Flash
The home of Unique Japanese Watches all Limited Edition and exclusive. You will not find watches like these anywhere else in the world.
BLOC28
How did the idea of BLOC28 come about?
The idea for BLOC28 started about 3 years ago. We thought it would be interesting to work with artists experienced in non-traditional media like murals, graffiti, and street art. It started as just a few graphics, but it was soon developed into its own program. We knew there were artists out there that were inspired by Disney characters as kids, so we wanted to see how Mickey could be reinterpreted.
Whats makes BLOC28 appealing?
First and foremost, the art. BLOC28 is an art-based program with traditional works on canvas and board as the inspiration rather than a shoe design or some other object on to which an artist's work is photoshopped or "skinned." The idea was always to have new pieces of actual art that would enter into the canon of artists that have worked with Disney, like Dali. The appreciation of the epic scale that only art can rise to is what makes BLOC28 a unique program.
Second, to see how contemporary artists work together with an art company like Disney.
To see their interpretations of the most iconic cartoon character of all time mixing with the standard interpretations of Mickey over the years may have more impact on the overall contemporary arts culture than we can foresee at this time. That unknown quality with these collaborations makes the program more exciting than what has become the norm.
What can you say about the artists?
All of the artists have their own unique style. And they all have a following; having been able to take their street art to a broader audience. We saw something in their talent that reflected what we wanted to do -- tell a great story in a non-traditional way.
Can you talk about initial public reaction toward BLOC28?
Everyone who's seen it has responded well to it. Even people who haven't seen the art yet are excited at the idea of a Disney collaboration with some of today's top artists. I think it has gotten such positive reaction because we pulled artists from within the community, which keeps the project rooted.
How do you see BLOC28 fitting into Disney history?
If you think about Walt . . . he was all about trying different things. In every film he wanted it not only to be amazing storytelling but visually interesting. This is an extension of that, building on this great character Mickey and putting a different twist and interpretation on it. You'll see that each of the artists is telling great stories with their pieces in very different styles.
Are there future plans for BLOC28?
The plan is to do series two, which we plan to launch beginning of next year. We want to get a broader perspective and have a variety of artist. We're selecting artists from different regions around the world. We'll have artists from Japan, London, South America and also different parts of the US.
By: BLOC28
Nooka
According to what we learned in kindergarten, a watch is a watch is a watch. However, according to Matthew Waldman, the free-thinking founder of New York's Nooka, a watch is just another opportunity to turn a washed-up concept into a fresh idea.
Now in its sixth year, what began as a grade school flashback has grown into an entirely new way of telling time. Intellectually alluring, visually impelling, and incredibly functional, Nooka's unusual materials and playful methodology have reinterpreted the traditional method of watching the hours fly, and trendsetting time-tellers (us and so forth) are snapping them up like Vampire Weekend remixes (not to imply we have any strong feelings, positive or otherwise, for turbo-hyped indie bands).
We've been watching Nooka for a few years now, and each new season brings us more reasons to keep on keepin' on. Join us as we chat with Matthew about the past, present, and future one of our favorite non-watchlike watch company in thr world.
Nooka was born from a first grade flashback - Can you tell us more about that, and give us a brief history of the company?
Matthew Waldman: I was a creative director of an interactive design studio in the late 1990s when I began to explore information architecture over aesthetic design for my clients. When I try to figure something out, it’s in my head 24/7, running like a program until it figures things out. The rule for intuitive design is simple: If you need instruction, it’s not intuitive. Seeing a big wall clock gave me a flashback to first grade where we learned how to tell time… and if someone had to teach it, how intuitive is it really? This was my inspiration to explore alternative systems.
1998-2002: I initially came up with 5 unique designs which I received design patents for. Then with an introduction from Tom Dixon, Seiko produced a single model, which they marketed under their WN brands in a few markets. I was very frustrated Seiko's overall lack of marketing for the model, but they were in the process of closing all their sub-brands, including the very profitable spoon line. A friend suggested I pick up where they left off and do Nooka on my own!
2002-present: I produced two models, limited to 1000 pieces each [zot and zoo] which finally hit the market in 2004. The first run sold out within a year and I then realized that I had a business on my hands [which was a shock, being that I never set out to be “the watch guy”]. The past 3 years have been a trial-by-fire/school-of hard-knocks education in the business, but we are having fun.
And before the birth of Nooka, you were…
MW: Creative Director with a focus on brand development and corporate identity systems. You can see the kind of work I do in that field at www.berrymatch.com as I still run a small design studio for that. If you go way back, I was a club kid and an east village poet. Even further back and I was weird kid with long hair and the Bowie Aladdin Sane t-shirt that no one wanted to sit next to in grade school.
As far as branding goes, it looks like Nooka is really solidifying itself as a strong, unique personality. How are you positioning Nooka against other time companies?
MW: We don’t position “against” other time companies as our strategy puts us in many stores where we are the only watch/accessory being sold. For the same reason, we do not actively place in watch stores/watch departments. The Nooka customer is buying a design [or a fashion] experience, not a timepiece.
“Watch People” are sometimes a tough crowd to break tradition with. Have you found that your consumers — particularly those buying your watches made with rare materials — are in line with the classic collector, or do they represent a new genre?
MW : I think we’re helping create a new genre. We get so many emails from people who write “I never wore a watch until I found Nooka”, so we may not be a brand for ‘watch people.’ The models with rare materials are good for press, but the bulk of sales come from our watches made with standard materials, and, overwhelmingly, of the color black. That said, we have a model coming up this fall, the Nooka Zon, that I think will appeal to the Watch People.
Speaking of materials - one of the many highlights of the Nooka line are the materials you choose to work with. What combination of elements has been your personal favorite to date?
MW: I love the polyurethane body of the zubs and the same material on the new camo COTN models. They feel like flesh. I would like to work more with farm-raised crocodile, but getting a consistent grain has been difficult for a company like ours with small runs. The aluminum case with the polyurethane straps on the AL line creates a new feel with the case being so lightweight.
The piece you worked on for the Lego event in Tokyo, Peace Memorial for Great Buildings Lost, communicated your very intense feelings for architecture. What does a watch, as a more isolated medium of expression and identification, mean to you?
MW: I’m a city person and have been obsessed with architecture from a young age. The intense feelings from that piece show what an emotional endeavor architecture is! A building or structure can be used my so many people over long periods of time, and this process imbues them with special meanings. Architecture is big, watches are small. All man-made objects tell; a design story, a material story and a contextual/personal story from the way the individual interacts with the object. What an iconic building can do for a city, a Nooka can do for individual style.
Nooka watches really follow that classic “take something old and reinterpret it” design principle. Is this concept a big theme in the classes you teach at Parsons?
MW: Yes and no. The reason I went into teaching was a reaction to the lack of basic skills I found in design school graduates. Therefore, I focus first on basics and then concepts. Of course, lots of Nooka philosophy gets into the lessons!
By: JoshSpear
False is a unique hand crafted independent clothing label for the few that understand quality born from passion, sweat and blood. False garments are all highly limited, individually hand screened and hand finished with each piece being signed and numbered. Inspired by the fall of man and society, False tells a story through moving breathable subjects. With it’s low key all black or all white print secretly controls street fashion right from the heart of Singapore.
Jose Parla
José, What does Pirate Utopias mean?
It describes the action of us claiming an independence from the academic world of trained art, as we come from a different source. We favour our own school, as we come from our own autonomous area. Futura laid a path for us as independent artists, and we are grateful for that.
Could you tell us what 'Urban Archaeology' is?
Well, I look at the city (NYC), it's deterioration, and collect old torn posters, remnants from disused buildings as urban anthropology - then use them in my paintings. If you look at my latest piece 'Temporary Autonomous Zone', I have ripped pages out of UK newspapers, which refer to the terror incidents over the past few weeks.
Is there anything specific you're going to check out whilst you're in London?
I'm definitely going to the Royal Academy of Art, and to check out the Rei Kawakubo exhibition at Dover Street Market.
Do you think Brooklyn, and other boroughs in NYC are becoming too expensive for young artists to come and live, and work in?
I don't think it has stopped the creative flow, and there's always borough's that are affordable, especially if artists share space, which they often do. Artists will always find new places to go, and the real estate agents are always looking to where they are going too!
What do you like about Europe?
I like the rich history, and discovering the past, in terms of art; actually I used to live in Hackney (East London) for a while which was a great experience.
Let's welcome to the room Josa Parla....
Supra
Some hype has surrounded the Supra NS series, with previous releases of the Supra Indy and Strapped. But a new model has been added to the Supra NS series that (in our own opinion) is the best yet, the Supra NS Trinity. Featuring premium materials on the uppers, and that is the reason why this Supra NS Trinity has a $210 price tag.
SUPRA VANCOVER
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GREEDY GENIU$
I’m sure if you’re up on your kicks and street wear game you’ve heard of Greedy Geniu$ two years back during the Magic show frenzy. Sites like The Hundreds, Slam x Hype and Hypebeast had all documented the upcoming rise of the GN$. The official shoes will be hitting your retail spots later this month. The two creative minds behind this shoe company are veterans in the design world. Hue who only goes by Hue, what a moniker right, has done custom shoes for the entire Hip Hop industry including big wigs like Diddy, Nelly, and 50, plus Hue has worked with Nike Blue House for the past few years as well. The other man behind this creative duo is Mikhayel Tesfaye who’s been creative direcotor for many labels like, Rocawear, Phat Farm, Zoo York, Mecca and many others. So with years of freindship and experience under there belt, these two decided to throw a monkey wrench in the shoe game. Now read up on how they plan on standing out and doing things different with there shoes that others haven’t yet done.
How yall doing, can we get your names, ages and locations?
Hue: My Name Is HUE. I Use To Do Graffiti And I Kept The Name…It Also Means Colors, Which I Use Alot Of. I Am 31, I Was Born In France And My Parents Are Vietnamese. Right Now I Live In Jersey City, Just Bought A Condo There, Been Living There About 2 Yrs. I’m Originally From LA Though, Had To Come To NY To Get Paid!!!
Mik: Mikhayel Tesfaye/Co-Owner/Co-Creative Director/NY-LA
What is the significance behind the name Greedy Geniu$?
Hue: All Of Us Have A Little Greed In Us…We All Gotta Make Money To Survive…Dman Right I’m Greedy, Gotta Get Mine Before The Next Man Does. Genius, Because We’re All Geniuses In Our Own Way, The Name Just Fit The Company. Our Team Are GREEDY GENIUSES…We Make Dreams Come True!
Mik: A Greedy Genius Symbolizes The Creative Hustler Who Has Endured The Game, And Turned The Dream Of An Independently Owned Platform Into Reality.
How do you two work together to create the shoe designs?
Hue: As Far As Developing Sneakers, My Partner Mikhayel & I Both Have Our Own Different Style Of Designing. We Both Design Things That We Would Wear. I Did The Cupsole Like The AF1 For Two Reasons…1- That’s What The Kids Know, Gotta Pull In The Interest. 2- That’s What I Know, I’ve Been Doing Customs For The Whole Hip Hop Industry For The Last 4 Years, Also With The Nike Blue House. Mik Got Some Prada Type Joint Coming Out…A Little Bit More Sophisticated…We Balance Each Other Out. I’m Street, He’s Street With A Little More High End Appeal…A Dynamic Duo!
Mik: So Many Aspects Go Into Creating The Product, Our Brand Is All About Fusion And Influences Vary From Style To Style. On Any Given Design One Of Us May Design The Silhouette While The Other Has A Vision For Fabric And Color, We’ve Known Each Other So Long, We Just Balance Each Other Out.
Which shoe is one of your favorites and why?
Hue: I Would Have To Say That The Teal Phantom With The Red Reflective Is My Favorite. I Took My Favorite Elements From Sneakers Of The Past & Combined Them..Color Reflektive On That Kind Of Shoe? Never Been Done Yet! Not Nike Nor Bape! All Good Friendly Competition…Here We Come!!!!!
Mik: My Favorite Is The 3m Reflective, I Always Wore Techy Outwear Jackets And Outfits That Combined As Many Reflectors As I Could Wear Together, Go Figure…
Why a shoe company instead of a clothing line or something else?
Hue: Right Now The Market Is Flooded With Clothing Brands And Honestly I’ve Been Doing Kix The Last Few Years, So I Already Was Into The Groove. It Was A Natural Progression For Me, Get Productions Of Sneakers Instead Of Painting Them. Also As Far As Competition There Isn’t That Much Compared To Clothing.
How did you two meet and how did yall keep in contact over the years?
Hue: We Met Back In 95. I Was The Buyer For Sharon Segal/Fred Segal. We Started Styling A Few Things And Worked On Different Projects And Kept In Touch Ever Since.
Mik: We Met In LA Bout 95-96, Been Cool Ever Since.
Before Greedy Geniu$ what did each of you do?
Hue: Before Greedy Geniu$, I Was Painting Kustom Kix’s For The Hip-Hop Industry, Everybody From Diddy, Nelly, Lil’ John, Chris Brown, Jadakiss, 50, Etc…So I’ve Been Doing That For A Few Years And I Worked With Nike Blue House In California. I Was One Of The First Recruits To Set The Pace In LA.
Mik: I Was Creative Director For Alot Of Domestic Street Wear Brands Like Mecca, Ecko, Zoo York, Phat Farm, Special Projects With Rocawear, Washhouse, C. Ronson, Red Label, Etc.
How was Magic and what was the response for the shoes?
Hue: Magic Was Great, We Had A Plan…Account Target List, Web Hype…Everything Came Together Perfectly. I Really Have To Thank Everybody That Supported Us…The Hundreds, Hypebeast, SlamxHype, Freshnessmag, Mr.Kim Says, They Really Came Through On The Hype Side…Oh Yeah, OUR KIX ARE ON FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mik: All Love, All Retailers We Wanted Supported As Well As Our Peers In The Game, Couldn’t Have Asked For More.
Do you guys plan on designing a few clothing pieces to go along with the kicks?
Hue: Actually We Just Got Back From Hong Kong, And We Developed A Few Pieces That Will Drop This Holiday. We Got A Couple Different Hoodies(Monogram, Big Grfx Type Etc.) A Couple Variety Of Denims(Selvage, Workwear Dirty Wash) Some Cargos, M65 Jacket(Waterproof…Tea/Orange, Like The Old FACE & LO’). We Have A Beautiful Factory That’s On Board With Us. The Quality Is Gonna Be Bangin, Style Wise, If I Don’t Wear It, I’m Not Going To Design It. All The Samples Were Taken From Our Own Personal Closets! The People Are Getting Straight Jewelz Right Now!
Mik: Yeah We Have A Small Collection Droppin In November, Jeans, Tees, Hoodies Etc.
Can you describe the design process and steps for creating a shoe?
Hue: It’s No Brain Science. This Brand Is More About Hybrids Rather Than Creating Something Brand New. I Basically Pay Tribute To The Classics That I Love. I’ve Been Hearing Kids Saying We’re Biting A Biter, Really I Live And Breath This Shit Everyday, My Style Aint Bought! I;M A Cat That’s From The States. This Is My Flip On This, This Is My Opportunity To Design And Fabricate Sneakers The Way That I Wish They Were Done, That’s All… I Take My Favorite Elements Of The Classics And Blend Them Together.
Mik: There’s Never Really An Othodox Rhyme Or Reason For The Process Till It Gets To The Technical Stage, Generally, We Identify An Inspiration Or Theme And Develop Colorways That Personify That Inspiration Then Come Fabrication.
Have yall started working on new designs yet for a new season maybe mids or high top kicks?
Hue: We Got Some Other Models Coming Out Next Year, 07 We Got Some Mids Coming Out, No Hi’s Yet. I Can’t Wait For New Joints To Drop, The Color Combos Are Bananaz!
Mik: We Just Got Back From A Development Trip To Asia(Big Shouts To Hong Kong!!) So We Are Just Getting Back In The Lab To Develop Our Spring And Summer Collections With A Full Apparel Line, Accessories, And 2 New Styles Of Footwear Dropping.
By:ttsmag
These is HUGE for one year in the game.....
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