- You’ve just traveled Asia and Europe – Why are they so obsessed with American street culture?
I really don’t think Europe is that obsessed with American streetwear culture. They are definitely influenced by it, but the streetwear scene is so small in Europe although some European countries have stronger scenes than others, i.e. Germany. In regard to Asia, I can only really speak on Korea and Japan, since those were the two places I visited. The scene in Korea is really small and you have to look for it to find it. You run right into it when you are in Japan. Japanese streetwear enthusiasts interpreted U.S. streetwear culture and created their own brands and their own scene, which may not necessarily be larger than the U.S. scene, but is much more concentrated so, it appears to be larger. As soon as you start walking through Harijuku and Ayoma, you see the scene come alive. When you are most of Shibuya, you don’t notice much streetwear. I feel like the Japanese streetwear scene has matured. It was evident while walking around the different parts of Tokyo. The Japanese streetwear brands with the cleaner aesthetics are starting to get the buzz in Japan, i.e. Visvim and Neighborhood. The Bapes of the world are not nearly as hot as they once were. The Japanese streetwear consumer is now looking for the authentic U.S. streetwear brands that represent the U.S. streetwear experience. This is why brands like Crooks and Castles, 10 Deep, Alife, aNYthing, and Supreme are so strong and sought after in Japan. They embody U.S. streetwear culture and it is not lost in translation.
- What was the best country to party in?
Let start off first by saying I enjoyed partying everywhere except for Japan. I have been told that I went to the wrong spot in Japan. I will get it right next time. Sweden was the best country to party in. It was crazy. In the winter, they only get about 5 hours of daylight a day, but in the summer, the sun sets at 11:30pm and rises at 3:00am. It is amazing to see it. There is something surreal about leaving the club at 4am and it looks like it is noon outside. You have a combination of Beautiful women, lots of sunlight, and more beautiful women. That makes for a live party…… It is worth noting that I partied in Barcelona on July 4th with quite a few Americans at the 10 Deep/Crooks and Castles Party. That was a good time because I was around a lot of my friends and we were all celebrating the U.S. Independence Day abroad.
- Did you check out the Bape store in Japan? Have some pics?
Yes, I visited a few of the Bape stores in Japan. While in Tokyo, I visited the Bape Café, Bape Kids, Bape Exclusive in Ayoma, and the Busy Workshop in Harijuku. They are all amazing!!! . I am not a big picture guy, so I only took pics of the kid’s store, but you can go to wonder-wall.com . Wonderwall is an architectural firm owned by Masamichi Katayama. Wonderwall is responsible for all of the Bape stores all over the world and also responsible for the Uniglo flagship store in Soho amongst other projects. You definitely check out the site.
4. You mentioned that you spent some time at the headquarters of WESC. What can we expect from this ultra-hip brand?
You can expect WESC to blow up in the U.S.!!! This is the smallest market so far for WESC although the U.S. is the largest consumer market. The Museum and Vanguard Group are about to change all of that. The Spring Collection looks good, particularly for the ladies. WESC carefully bridges the gap between street and contemporary. You will see a much larger brand presence for WESC in the U.S. through the WE Activists, marketing, and key events, like the Pepsi campaign that is coming up. WESC designed a Pepsi bottle and we are having a big party in Vegas during the VMA Awards. You don’t want to miss a WESC party. You remember what I said about partying in Sweden. WESC is a Swedish company…. Also be on the lookout for the launch of the headphones collection, which just launched. Steve Aoki and host of other celebrity DJs are already wearing the headphones. Also be on the lookout for the eyewear relaunching this Holiday and spring. People will be surprised by the eyewear that WESC is putting out.
5. Did you spot any new trends at the Bread AND Butter trade show in Barcelona?
I can’t really say I saw any new trends at Bread and Butter. The show wasn’t really that great this time. I always try to look at the people at the tradeshows as well, but it is difficult to spot trends at Bread and Butter because unlike U.S. tradeshows, the trends aren’t really apparent. The people at the show are all so different that you don’t really see any dominant trends. There is a lot of individuality.
- What was the best meal you had on the trip?
The best meals I had been in Korea. I love Korean barbecue and we ate Korean barbecue every night. I love eating Kim chi (spice cabbage) and drinking Soju (rice liquor). Believe me, when in you are in Korea, you drink a lot of Soju.
- When are you going back?
I am headed back to Asia at the end of October. This time I want to stay in Japan for about 5 days and then go to Hong Kong for about 2 to 3 days. I don’t know when I am going back to Europe yet, but I will figure it out soon. Next time I am going to London, Berlin, and Paris.
- What country had the hottest women?
I would have to say Sweden. So many Scandinavian look like models, even the short ones. Scandinavian women just have this exotic look to them. I can also say that Barcelona isn’t bad either. It is because you see a lot of different women there. In Barcelona, you meet women from Africa, Brazil, Prague, etc. If not for the imports, then it Barcelona would just be OK. Back to RoN
