Friday, December 24, 2010

SOPHNET x Visvim SERRA


Label SOPHNET teams up with footwear and apparel maker visvim on a pair of Serra’s, which will be releasing on Christmas Day. The popular Serra model has been modified with a side zipper which allows the wearer to easily slip on and off the boots without the hassle of fiddling around with shoe laces. Coming in a navy blue colorway, the SOPHNET. x visvim Serra boots will be available at SOPH. stores on Decemeber 25th.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Wacko Maria x Blackflag Python Hat


The Blackflag 5th anniversary has already seen some great products come to fruition, and this Python Hat designed with Wacko Maria makes for more welcoming news. Providing a traditional fedora hat with an interesting interpretation like the rabbit fur body and python embossed ribbon completes the look.

Friday, December 17, 2010

WOLF’S HEAD x WTAPS x HOOK Belt


For Blackflag boutique fifth anniversary, WTAPS teams up with jewelry brand WOLF’S HEAD and HOOK to release this special belt. Featuring the WTAPS FW10 collection name “ROKUDENASHI” design made of golden studs, it clearly reflects the British Punk-Harajuku movement. The belt is completed by the beautiful gun-metal HOOK carved skull buckle.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

RATS X Blackflag Keychain


RATS has joined forces with Japanese retailer Blackflag to release this commemorative keychain. The accessory was created in celebration of Blackflag’s fifth anniversary. The heavy brass key holder hooks a thick ring which itself supports a coin that reads “RATS” one on side and “WAY OF LIFE” on the other.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Shinsuke Takizawa: The Inspirations of a NEIGHBORHOOD



One of the heavyweights to emerge from the Ura-Hara era of Japanese streetwear in the mid-90s, NEIGHBORHOOD founder Shinsuke Takizawa has remained mostly in the background in regards to the Western world. Without a well-publicized background to both himself and the brand, NEIGHBORHOOD has seen itself move outwards over the last few years through both global retail points and more visible campaigns and projects.
Inspired by motorcycles and its rebellious lifestyle, throughout the last 16 years, NEIGHBORHOOD has maintained a certain bad boy image throughout streetwear. With powerful graphics and the usage of visuals sometimes construed as culturally insensitive, Takizawa’s recent launch with Hong Kong brand izzue enabled us to sit down with the figurehead while promoting the capsule’s launch. Some European counterparts have taken issue with NEIGHBORHOOD’s usage of icons in the past and that topic among the brand’s motives and inspirations all factor in to this feature.



Interview with Shinsuke Takizawa

It’s been said before that the movie Easy Rider was a big inspiration for you to get into motorcycle culture. But of all the potential creative outlets, was there a particular reason you chose fashion?

The movie’s storyline and the culture that it represented was something that I really related to. The image was something I was extremely interested in and I felt that the best way to represent this was through fashion.

While some people feel that NEIGHBORHOOD’s design is rooted in Americana, you’ve derived a great deal of inspiration from British fashion as well. Why do you feel that NEIGHBORHOOD is sometimes seen more on the American-side of style?

I was deeply influenced by British fashion in the beginnings. However I do have a great appreciation for American heritage and the previous styles. I didn’t have a specific influence or side I wanted to lean towards. I think that fans of the brand made this assumption more so on their own.

With the subcultures that have been so influential in the 20th century such as punk and skate, has there been anything in your eyes that will replace these cultures as major forms of inspiration down the road in the present day?

Once we hit the 1990s, there really hasn’t been any great or noteworthy subcultures. It’s unfortunate but this will undoubtedly ensure that the previous movements you’ve mentioned will continue to live on for years to come.

As I follow your blog on honeyee, there’s quite a few images you post from your Land Snail Racing outings. Could you explain what it’s all about?

We’re essentially a team of racers. We deliberately picked a snail for our mascot given that it’s a slow animal not associated with speed. We race over both drag and road races.




With the nature of racing required upgraded garments and leathers, would you ever enter into full-body leather designs?

It hasn’t crossed my mind right now but you never know.

With your racing and riding background, this seems to enhance the authenticity of the brand. How important is this to the brand itself?

While I never really created fashion explicitly for racing itself, I do want to reflect the culture through fashion and I think living in the world of motorcycles helps me convey this goal.

In your late teens, early 20s, you purchased your first Harley-Davidson. Did you ever keep that bike?

I didn’t keep it but I did pass it along to WTAPS’ TET and I haven’t gotten it back [laugh].

NEIGHBORHOOD has often created classic aesthetics with new-age and contemporary materials. What’s your philosophy on this?

When it comes to vintage apparel, unfortunately it’s sometimes lacking in some details. However, with these new developments in fabrics, you’re able to update the piece and offer a new and well-rounded package.



Looking back to NEIGHBORHOOD’s icons used throughout the brand, it elicits a lot of controversy. What’s the role of these icons in the brand’s identity?

I feel it’s all part of the story-telling of the brand with the slogans and visuals we use.

If I go further on this topic, some are referencing sensitive World War II details. What’s the purpose behind this?

I don’t want to avoid these events as they’ve happened. Despite the sensitive nature of it, the use of the symbols are more of a reflection of history.

What are your favorite parts of the collection to design?

I would say denim and jackets are probably my favorite to design.

Denim has been a popular aspect of the brand for some time. How does the design process work for NEIGHBORHOOD’s denim design?

We definitely look at old worn and vintage styles. However each year, we will research and update our finishing processes and techniques to hopefully create some different looks and washes.



On a personal note, the incense holders have been some of my favorite releases. Any particular stories behind the holders?

A lot of the incense holders we make take on inspirations from traditional Japanese styles and I wanted to carry on this design and representation.

NEIGHBORHOOD has enjoyed a great deal of success both within China and in select markets without any discernible motorcycle culture, what do you equate this popularity to?

NEIGHBORHOOD is unique in its aesthetic and this is largely the strength of the brand. NEIGHBORHOOD possess qualities that other brands don’t have on the same level.

Over the 16 year history of the brand, I’m sure you’ve experienced big changes in the way you run the brand. Do you still maintain the same attitude and DIY-style that was perhaps more prominent in the brand’s infancy?

I’ve taken an approach where I don’t really divide it into both business and DIY. The company is at its heart a humble one and we can decide direction whenever it is necessary. If something requires a more business-minded approach or DIY-approach, both are achievable. I have no specific desires or a need to grow the company far beyond what I’ve achieved now.

This season’s izzue x NEIGHBORHOOD collection is different than the previous one, what was the direction this time around?

Last year’s collection was very small, more so for a pop-up store. This time around we made something a lot more comprehensive and we pushed a more visible military theme.

As you enter this collaboration as well as other collaborations, do you take into account your demographic and then add NEIGHBORHOOD’s own twist?

We don’t really worry so much about the demographics involved. We hope to maintain our own creative vision without really taking into account who the consumer may be, however that does mean that we are aware of what sort of parties we may partner up with.

Interview: Eugene Kan
Direction: Edward Chiu
Photography: Louis Lau

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Visvim


Visvim Serra Talkeetna black/white

Visvim Serra Talkeetna sand/grey

Visvim Serra Talkeetna dk.brown/yellow

Thursday, December 9, 2010

01 Magazine: Hiroki Nakamura of Visvim Interview


In the most recent issue of 01 Magazine, Laura Vignale interviews Hiroki Nakamura of the cult Japanese label, visvim. Touching more so on the conceptual aspect of visvim and Nakamura’s personality, an unwavering sense of pride and passion run through the founder’s insights. The interview in its entirety can be seen here.

Why did you decide to create visvim anyways?

I always wanted to make my own product. I wanted to create something authentic. I have been studying what other brands had produced and I felt the need to produce my own.

Did working at Burton make you a businessman? Did your experience influence your work ethic?

My family has a manufacturing business so I always wanted to start my own business. I knew I couldn’t have anyone else run my business for me. For me it’s important to drive the business and the creative. It’s a delicate balance.

Do you believe that it is important for your products to last and age well with time?

That’s happiness to me! I love a product that lives with me, follows my life, and looks better with time. Every individual creates a unique experience in his or her shoe. That way you have “Laura’s shoes” and then there “Hiroki’s shoes”. Over the years the two shoes will look completely different. The condition of the product was the same in the store. That was just the starting point.

Do you have any secrets you would like to reveal on how you produce these great quality products?

I want to tell you a story. I work with these two Italian textile designers. They are largely unknown but they supply fabrics to some of the best high-end fashion designers. One day they came to my shop and saw my products and told me
they wanted to show me something. The asked me to please come to Italy. So I went to their factory in Como and they showed me their archives. There was a 1meter sample of fabric of everything they have produced in the last 150 years. It was amazing!

Now they are using a new technology in their factory but they still keep the same level of quality that they have maintained for all those years. There’s no question that the ones made by hand still have more feeling and personal touch, but this new machine technology was thoughtfully created so that the philosophy on how the fabric that it produces is still pure and high end. That’s how they are creating their products and that’s now exactly what I am doing too.

How important is nature in your work?

I really like natural authentic things, like leather and food, and fish! You can’t really compete with the authenticity of something from nature. To me it’s very important. I’m not necessary trying to be eco or anything, but if you eat fresh food or fresh fruit, it taste great. You can’t compare it to processed food. My focus is to make a good product with natural materials so that the organic and natural element comes out of it.

Do you think of yourself a fashion designer?

Actually no, I’m just a guy making products. I’m not that sensitive. It’s very simple. It’s not a big deal. You can call me anything you want, but I’m just a guy making products.

Is there another brand out there that you feel is especially relevant right now? Who would you want to collaborate next with?

I like people who are making good stuff. Maybe they aren’t well known. Like those guys in Italy I told you about. Just talking to them gave me so much joy. I love when people are passionate. Like this French guy I met in Mexico who had so much passion for western boots! He actually moved to Mexico and to start his own brand. No one really knows about him in the fashion industry but he’s there making great products. There are a lot of people out there like that. They inspire me. I love working and sharing ideas with people like that.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Visvim “Dissertation on Permeation: Harmony versus Convergence” Sendai Screening


This weekend, F.I.L. SENDAI will play host to an official screening of visvim’s “Dissertation on Permeation: Harmony versus Convergence”. Comprehensive documentary-style videos have complimented many of visvim’s recent collections as it properly frames the inspirations behind the conceptual aspect of the range.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Gallery 1950 x OriginalFake Mats


Gallery 1950 have provided a number of Japanese labels with a platform to create some impressive household products, none more so than Original Fake. Featuring a Dissected Companion and Skull design, here are two floor mats that impressive with the iconic art work of the renowned artist KAWS.

OriginalFake Plush Clash Cushion


OriginalFake has just added to its slowly growing collection of cushions with this most recent creation. Taken from a previous T-shirt design, the shape of cushion is cut to match the picture displayed. Backed in yellow, the black and white image is wrapped with a Bendy character as featured across a number of Kaws’s most prominent artworks.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Visvim Serra Paccard


visvim has just launched this run of colorways for its latest hiker model, the Serra Paccard. Created using a premium suede cowhide upper, the walking boot is fitted with a natural cork footbed for comfort and stability. Enhanced with leather welt construction and rugged outsoles, the high durability of the boots is matched with its quality. Completing the wealth of materials are the EVA Phylon midsole and cowhide lining which is said to increase the boot’s breathability. Beautifully constructed, the hiker is now available at select retailers in 5 different block colorways.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

KAWS Video Interview by Nowness



Today see’s the first of Nowness.com’s first video in a series of films focussing on Art Basel Miami 2010. They probably couldn’t have started the series with anything more popular than a video interview with KAWS in his Brooklyn Studio.

A graffiti kid who started out climbing New York's billboards in the middle of the night, Brian Donnelly, a.k.a. KAWS, now garners comparisons to Takashi Murakami and Keith Haring, and his collectors include Lance Armstrong and Pharrell Williams. The artist's often candy-colored paintings and sculptures wink at pop culture, appropriating characters such as The Simpsons, The Smurfs, the Michelin Man and SpongeBob into a fantastical, offbeat world. Original Fake, the company founded by KAWS in the 90s and based out of Tokyo’s Aoyama district, releases his vinyl toys and clothing line, securing an avid fan base in Asia; recently a 16-foot sculpture featuring a pirate skull on the body of Mickey Mouse was erected in Hong Kong's Harbour City. The new career-spanning monograph KAWS—which he will be signing in the OHWOW bookstore at Miami's Standard Hotel on Friday December 3—brings the elements of his one-man empire together: "Seeing the book has given me perspective on everything I've done until now," he says. "I can now mentally move on to the next thing.” Directors Jauretsi and Crystal Moselle caught up with the 35-year-old in his Brooklyn studio as he was shipping paintings to Miami's Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin for this year’s Art Basel Miami 2010. His current shows at Galerie Perrotin, Paris, and the Aldrich Museum in Connecticut, run through December 23 and January 2, 2011, respectively.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

RATS x Churchill Biker Gloves


RATS will release in mid-December a new set of gloves, coming in natural, off-white and black leather. Produced in conjunction with US-based Churchill, historical brand started in 1895 renowned in the world of custom motorcycles, they combine buckskin leather with a removable metallic plate and are exclusively Made in USA.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

W)Taps



N-3B / Jacket. Field. Nylon. Twill. Olive Drap


N-3B / Jacket. Field. Nylon. Twill. Black

W)Taps


Montblanc / Sweater. Crew Neck. Woak

Parasmock / Jacket. Field. Ctn. Dpm Tropical

W)Taps



Money Clip / Cadcase. Field. Lthr. Cow

Cream / Wallet. Field. Lthr. Cow

Militia / Mesh. Cap

Funny Pack / Bag. Field. Raco

Neighborhood



Thunderstruck Jacket

Neighborhood




Thursday, November 18, 2010

Visvim x Dita Sunglasses


Once again collaborating with eyewear specialists Dita, visvim have designed this pair of sunglasses. As to be expected from a joint-venture between two premium labels, the lenses are high quality and sit neatly inside Dita’s much celebrated Zyle acetate frames. Available in either black or red, each colorway is given a contrasting effect. Completing a cultured style, the glasses come in elk leather cases

Wednesday, November 17, 2010