THE CONTEMPORARY FIX / Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 3-12-14

Info: SENSE

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

Words from Mega of Black Scale.

‘A few months back in April we introduced The Tenderloin Project to our friends, families and the viewers of our blog. Sean Desmond and John Elliott are the masterminds behind this amazing project that takes us on a journey through the everyday struggle through one of San Francisco’s most infamous neighborhoods. Sean Desmond and John Elliott asked us to be a part of the project and we felt it was an amazing opportunity to join forces and showcase their amazing work as a collaboration through our line. All the proceeds will be donated to the Tenderloin District to help build the community for the homeless. Hope exists and giving back to the community a little at a time makes a difference. This is our start. In the next coming weeks we will have more information on the event and the products that we will be releasing.

“The Tenderloin Project” is an ongoing artistic endeavor focused on one of San Francisco’s most marginalized neighborhoods, The Tenderloin. Utilizing the interactive mediums of photography and film, we aim to capture a compelling and honest portrait of this diverse community.

With living exhibitions that will travel through San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York the project will be showcased in a variety of outlets, creating access for a range of viewers to see these intimate, yet objective images, and to understand what life is like in the Tenderloin.

The project will culminate in publishing the images in book form, with proceeds from the sales being donated to organizations that promote and give access to art in the Tenderloin. This, we feel, will allow our project to live on for years and generations to come in the form of art within the community.”

Source Hypebeast

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

The Images are scanned from Sense Magazine, courtesy of HS.

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

Thanks to images from CADMUSfamily

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

Thanks to HB for the images.

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

Thanks to Honeyee who were on hand at the opening.

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

Adam Bryce

Fuct, I can’t think of a brand in my lifetime that has made as big an impact in one year than Fuct did throughout 2007, and interestingly kept its high standard of quality and respect throughout all that growth. Erik Brunetti’s decision to restrict production to Japan and availability of cut and sew to Japan has ensured that the brand will be kept in good steed in years to come as it continues to make one of the most impressive comebacks from any fashion or streetwear brand in some time.

Visvim, in an era where streetwear has become criticised for its lack of quality and inventiveness, Visvim has done nothing but provide the highest standards of quality and continue to create strong trends and a brand which has acquired a cult following. 2007 is merely a continuation of their good work, but with ongoing colaborations with the likes of Comme Des Garcons and others its obvious what direction they are headed, finding that gap between streetwear and fashion so sorely needed, as I expect the likes of Soph, Headporter Plus and Uniform Experiment to be a part of this movement too. Im always a big fan of Undercover, Margiela and Comme all had great years, it was great to see comebacks from Fergadelics Tonite and Moncler also.

Adam Bryce

SlamxHype

Chris Gibbs

One of my favorite brands every year is Visvim. They have great quality, witty twists to conventional pieces and inovative/ imaginative design.  Not to mention the fact that it’s rather hard to find so you can usually rest assured that there aren’t too many other heads out there bitting!  I am also a big fan of Wtaps and I feel like this season was one of their best.  They did a whole season around the rude boy look from the late 70’s early 80’s scene in the UK… and they killed it.  A lot of old W)taps dudes who hadn’t been shopping lately, came out the closet for this season (nohomo).

Chris Gibbs

Union LA

Christian Parkes

In June I visited New Orleans and it blew my mind.  Unfortunately, for all the wrong reasons.  As you know, Hurricane Katrina utterly devastated a city and with it, its inhabitants.  Yet nearly two years later the city is still a living, breathing disaster.  Everywhere you look there are remnants of what was once one of the most vibrant and culturally important cities in the US.  Now, a barren wasteland bound and gagged by an absent government that is more focused on destroying foreign lands rather than rebuilding its own, there is little to no hope that it can be reformed to its former state.  That said, there is one brand that is trying to piece it together one house at a time.

Make It Right is a non-profit organization that is committed to building affordable, green housing in the heart of the Lower 9th Ward.  Built from the ground up through public donation the program is an attempt to bring a level of normalcy back to the city and the lives of those who live there.  In addition, it also serves a model that can be replicated across the city.

Christian Parkes

Dante Ross

I would choose 10Deep reason being the band width the brand has is ridiculous. The gamut of people who wear the brand is as diverse and eclectic as any I have ever seen in "Street Wear" and the innovative designs and heady graphics make them my personal fav. I also really dig there new line Division, which is headier, more mature and totally fresh.

An honorable mention would be Haze. Seeing his brand remerge has been a tremendous thing to watch.

 Dante Ross 

DMOTE

Best brand is so hard but as a t-shirt label Rockers NYC have made the best most directional tees this year for sure.

Dmote

RVCA

Erik Brunetti

I would have to say Supreme.

I am partial to brands that offer both consistency and longevity: Supreme has both. James and Eddie have done a great job of keeping the brands image and integrity intact over the years (since its conception in the early 90’s). The brand only aligns itself with other respectable brands in the US and over seas; ( i.e. NBHD, WTAPS, etc…)

Supreme has produced, in my opinion, the best artist-label collaborations, and have integrated the brand into the real art world. (Terry Richardson, Richard Prince, Larry Clark, Vincent Gallo, Barbara Kruger…etc..) Supreme has repeatedly worked closely with artist and brands that are unattainable for most other brands in this industry. They are one of the few brands that started out as a skateboard related brand, and have been able to maintain facets of other subcultures without ever losing the respect of the skateboarding community. I have been wearing Supreme since the 90’s and still do today. Supreme is the blue print of a great streetwear label.

Erik Brunetti

Fuct

Fraser Cooke

Best Brand this year has been Visvim at least for me. I think they are managing to carve out a place of their own, that lies between high fashion and street that has a simplicity, attention to detail and wearability that suits a slightly more mature customer like myself as well as the younger crowd.

In a market dominated by graphics and loud statements it just feels more appealing and a progression, although for some perhaps younger consumers it may be a little too subtle or even seem boring. Other honorable mentions would be Undercover, Junya Watanabe, and I have to say Nike is beginning to move in the right direction beginning with Tech pack which still can and will evolve and get stronger.

Fraser Cooke

Nike

Jarrett Reynolds

Uniqlo is the clear cut winner for me.  Each and every trip I make to Tokyo or Hong Kong I load up on the essentials from Uniqlo.  Cardigans, crews, tee’s, jeans, underwear, polo’s, dress shirts, and socks?my closet is almost entirely Uniqlo.  What I like so much about Uniqlo is the fact that they consistently make quality timeless clothing at prices that allow you to buy more than one piece at a time.  To top it off, there is zero branding, which is very important to me right now.  I’m getting older, stuck somewhere between wearing Visvim and some goofy streetwear line, with nothing feeling quite right.  Uniqlo comes the closest. Another reason that Uniqlo makes it to the top of my list is the fact that the nearest store to where I live is thousands of miles away and in some weird way feels exotic to me.

Right now I’m not wearing graphic t-shirts. There are so many awful tee brands out right now essentially making the same shirt.  Limited edition, collaborating with some other stupid tee brand, referencing the same pop culture shit.  Its horrible, its played out, and its boring. RockersNYC stands out in this world of streetwear mediocrity with meaningful graphics and quality cut & sew.  Sean is so passionate about what he does, and it shows in his products.  EvolEyes was hands down the best print of the year.

Jarret Reynolds

Nike

Joe Hahn

DR. Romanelli.  Hands down.  DRX continues to innovate through design, premium materials, and brilliant collaborations.  With each collection, he manages to tell you a story.  Whether it be the vintage Nike reconstructs, the June 13th collab with Jose Parla, DRX-Maharishi-Andrew Brandou collection, Surgical Strike, the Maharishi and Lupe colection, the FCRB, or the Sophnet collection.  The list goes on and on and on.  Asides from looking fresh, his jackets feel like butter with the silk printed linings.  The juxtaposition of vintage against the new is amazing.  I always look forward to seeing each collection come out and am consistently amazed at the freshness of his work.  When you think of fashion designers as artists, then Dr. Romanelli is at the top of the list.

Joe Hahn

Linkin Park

Suru 

Jorg

For me the term "best" is quite difficult to grasp. What does "best" actually mean? Taking this term seriously – maybe a bit too seriously

- this would involve:

* design

* production

* pricing

but also

* communication

* distribution and

* consistency – in all of the above.

Even though some of my favourites are actually the best in design, production, and pricing, communication and distribution could still be improved a bit. I think that with today’s global high-speed information culture,  this is a very important aspect. Sometimes products are shown too early, or shown to people who will never be able to get what they see, even if they tried. This can get quite frustrating.

Acronym is the brand that is performing quite well in the mentioned categories. The people behind it have a good perception of the market and how to communicate (or not communicate for that matter). It is always a surprise to see their new products and, yes, the clothing is just fantastic. One might argue that pricing is their weak spot, but

when considering that it’s almost bespoke tailoring, then it is quite reasonable.

Jörg Haas

Beinghunted

AM-Firmament

Le Messie

I’d say, W)Taps. Tet’s philosophy behind the brand is awe inspiring "Placing things where they should be" evident in the brand’s output. Need i really say more? Attention to detail, quality, over-all feel and placement is apparent with the many high-end japanese street brands but with WTAPS there’s just this lil "UMPH" that consistently pushes it to the front for me.

Le Messie

False

Luca Ionescu

Its hard to pick one brand that covers all the things I like in a brand, I usually like some for the logos and illustrations as well and others for the cut of the clothes. If i had to pick only one I would choose two W)Taps & Neighborhood for the typography and designs on the garments as well as the cut & sew of the clothes appeal to me. I like Answer because its graphics  always have a message and the brand is produced by some of my favourite people. RVCA for its typographic executions on garments  as well as the artists showcased. Rebel 8 I like for its typography and illustration. Honorable Mentions in no particular order include  Supreme, Visvim, Alife, SSUR,Stussy, PAM, Bounty Hunter, Maharishi

Luca Ionescu

Refill Seven

Refill Mag

Michael Leon

Independent Trucks, file this under ‘Holding it Down’.  For around thirty years Indy has built a legacy based on integrity, quality, and rock solid branding. The history of skateboarding runs parallel with this companies own story. I can’t remember an era when Indy fell prey to a fleeting fad or fashion of the day. The design of their ads is the best in Thrasher every month (OK, maybe second to Anti Hero). Being someone who has been a part of building several brands, I am in awe of how they have managed to build around this one product, a skateboard component, based on a few principals…

1.Trucks are metal, make them strong. 

2.You need to turn, make them turn the best.

3.Guarantee them for life against defects.

4. Offer a range of sizes for every type of skateboarder.

5. Sponsor the best, most core skaters in the world and use them to represent commitment

6. Don’t stop doing 1-5

‘I see kids on tour and everywhere I go, I look at their board and right away I’m like  “What are you doing?  You gotta ride Indys from this day on…Promise me!” – Andrew Reynolds

Michael Leon

Nike

Paul Mittleman

Visvim: They have elevated basic gear up a notch or two, or three.???

A perfect mix or luxury and wearability. The clothing and shoes have all the correct reference points matched with a great sense of material use blended with a design awareness that is at the pinnacle of contemporary taste.

 Paul Mittleman

 Stussy

Sean Reveron

Yes yes world…I would have to say my favorite brand this year is Phenomenon!!! The reason being I love the way they use color…plus they use the illest fabrics & they are really good with details! What’s really important to me is that they have fun with what they create, & this can be seen in their creations. Fashion should be fun!!!

Sean Reveron

Rockers NYC

Shawn Mortensen

I’d say Maison Margiela. The Margiela team has consistently created thoughtful quality product with carefully considered details. I find it the perfect blend of form and function.

THAT & they also intelligently incorporate world issues and trends into their design process as well… For instance – recycling old mittens into a winter coat & creating shoes for men that look like they’ve been worn for 20 years. In my view, Maison Margiela are a designer’s design. I’ve seen it first hand – in my fashion work… especially in regard to consulting brands in advertising and style trend analysis – I’ve consistenly seen and heard Designers reference the work and standard that Martin Margiela do. Frequently they are cited for their craftsmenship!

 Shawn Mortensen

Steven Vogel

Flat out, Garbstore, by a long shot.

I find this a hard question to answer though, as I am not particularly interested in fashion per se. I like what I like no matter what brand it is from, I have little to no brand loyalty. Garbstore, I must admit though, makes clothes that I like, a lot, the fit me very well, I feel comfortable in them, the quality is superb and like the whole vibe about it. Other brands that need to be mentioned though are: Idiom, Tenderloin, Levi’s Vintage, Carhartt Europe-I tend to wear those brands a lot. 

Steven Vogel

Black Lodges

Tim Tsui

In my opinion, I will choose Mastermind Japan. Maybe many people didnt know, 2007 is already 10th anniversary of Mastermind Japan. Although they are not the brand grow fast within few years, but they still keep on their idealism, keep using skull with little bit rock style as their signature piece. They are selling expensive with high quality. At First, not much shop willing to carry their product, only Maxfield at LA and Loveless at Japan (some high class fashion selected shop). Finally, their hard work become successful. They made some skull graphics and pattern become popular in year 2007, they wake up the trend of skull again, many fashion brand had using some skull graphics and pattern in there collections. I really respect of their hard working.

Tim Tsui

Team Zero

Will Sweeney

For me it would have to be Visvim, for their attention to detail and understated, beautiful production. Their collborations with Undercover were very nice too.

Will Sweeney

Alakazam

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

Chris has worked with the best of the best: from Adidas,Addict, New Balance, Puma, Stüssy, Recon, New Era, Endeavor Snowboards, Wellbred, and industry personalities such as BJ Betts, Aaron Horkey, Michael Sieben, and Ian Brown.  He has been associated with Lewis Sterling, Addict, Crooked Tongues, CliqueNMove, and Bond International. Chris Law aka C-Law is not just an "author of cool," he is a gospel… Interview by Matthew Ross.

SXH:  Working with Adidas must have been a total blast.  The finish product looks amazing.  How did the process go? From picking the models?  Choosing the colors/Materials?  Production??? ETC???  Also, what were some of the failed sample ideas?  Also were did you draw inspiration?

C-LAW: Well, yeah it was/is good, love it. Ben (Pruess) asked me a year ago now would I like to do my own range for Adidas that would be a large scale release, not the small boutique style of releases that I’d worked on previously. Of course I was well happy about it, straight away my brain was going spaz thinking what I could do. There were however certain restrictions on what I could do, which were I had to select from a certain range of shoes, the shoes would be at a certain price point, so I couldn’t go mad on high end luxury materials, and the collection had to feature the a.d.i.d.a.s (All Day I dream About Sneakers) strapline, fair enough, let’s do this.

I started out just by doing the colourways, but really wanted to have a decent input into the materials as well, so I flew over from London to Herzo to the Gerrman HQ to work with Erman Aykurt on choosing the materials within the set FOB (…). I wanted to use classic materials that I love, suedes with mesh vamps especially (no creasy toes).

Some of the colourways are inspired by classic Adidas colourways like the ZX600 has the Fairway green with the lemon peel, one of the Attitudes was inspired by the SE Racing PK Ripper Camo.

There wasn’t any failed samples, just a couple of colourways that got changed (I have them still) and we were in the process of re-issueing the Avenger, which is a old late 80s fave shoe of mine, but that never happened unfortunately. There are a few things that I would change now If I could, and there are definitely other models I would have chosen given the chance, but over all I’m pretty happy with the results. 

SXH:  How was it working with Crooked Tongues?  Where do you see CT’s presence in the market?

C-LAW: It was cool, I was there right from the beginning with Russ and Chris (Diggers With Gratitude), then came people like Kahma (Clique N Move / TMI), A-Cyde (Nike / TMI), No Remorse (Tenderloin) and then you have the second generation of lads who run it now like Charlie and Gary – top blokes. My role was that of all the design for the site, along with Spinemagazine and all the other Unorthodox Styles projects. I was Creative Director, so when we came to do all the Co-Labs, I would lead the designs, although we all gave input.

SXH: For all that don’t know C-Law was the genius behind the Green/White/Gray colorway on the original Crooked Tongues 576.  What was your inspiration behind the design and what ideas did you scrap to get to that one?

C-LAW: That one was there from the start pretty much, there were other shoes that got dropped and we ended up with the 4 that came out. When we worked on that project we were pretty restricted to what the lads had in the factory at the time, it was a question of take the train to Penrith (near Scotland) spend the day walking up and down the aisles of leather roles and just doing it on the spot, very hands on with print outs of CADS and just writing on them what we wanted.

SXH: Looking at the US and Uk markets what similarities do you see and what differences?

C-LAW:  There is a big difference in taste I would say for sure, what UK heads like, some US heads wouldn’t, although we tend to like what the US likes apart from all the newer basketball styles and Jordan 6,4,5’s. The UK has a strong following for the 3–Stripes way beyond the hip-hop connection, that definitely sets us apart, and it’s not some sleek euro style either, It surprises me how much US heads don’t actually know about UK culture, streetwear history and style.

SXH: Why do you think that the trainer is so essential for the UK market but nothing more then another model in the US?

C-LAW: We had ‘Trainer’ culture before we had hip-hop, during the late 70s, the lads that would follow the footballteams into Europe would take trains around Europe hitting small towns and racking the shops of all these crazy Adidas models that no one had ever seen in the UK, it became a big thing and is still celebrated to day. It’s part of what once was (and to some in the know, still is) what we called ‘Casual’ culture.

Once hip hop came along during 82ish the styles blended together and became what it is today for the mainstream I guess, even though there is a massive difference in style now to those that lean the hardline Casual way compared to the hip hop/streetwear style way.

SXH:  What is your opinion on Designer trainers?  You have companies like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Hogan, etc. producing $400 plus trainers,

C-LAW: Not interested one bit.

SXH:  If you could sit down with anyone though out history and have lunch who would it be any why?  And what questions would you have for them?

C-LAW: My grandparents that I never met would be cool, that would be my first wish, aside from that. Bruce Lee, Cliff Burton and of course Adi Dassler…

SXH:   Do you think that the urban streetwear industry is a fad or does it have such a following to call it a permanent fashion staple, and if so where do you see it going?

C-LAW: I think Urban wear and Streetwear are two different things that cross over, that’s a difficult question, because if you aint wearing a uniform, a straight up suit and tie or dress like a 50 year old who couldn’t give a toss, then in some way you are wearing Streetwear, so it’s very hard to define the term.

I think it’s about being an original in your own way, putting together what you like, there are always going to be trends and sheep, but I feel that if your happy with your style, then your laughing.

SXH:   Do you think, “Men are the new women,” if so why?

C-LAW: Hmm, dunno about that one, fellas that have always wanted to be ahead of the game have always dressed well right back to MOD, I just think it’s a mindstate your either a dresser, or someone who just ‘wears’ clothes.

SXH:  What trend’s do you love, which do you hate, and which do you see on frontier?

C-LAW: I’m not massive on trends, I try to avoid them nowadays, I mainly wear black (I aint a goth) with standard shit that I like, I like my jeans to fit a certain way, be a certain width at the hem, I lace my shoes a certain way (religiously), I like techy jackets, a good fitting hat and sometimes a good graphic tee. As for what trends are on the frontier, I dunno I’d like to see one of the major cities turn shit around, get back to be less of the global looks and more homegrown.

SXH:  What are some of your favorite British insults and how often do you use them?

C-LAW: My friend BJ (Betts) love this saying this well old geezer once said to Gary at Crooked, he said, as they were loading up a van “You’ll get fuck all shit in that fuckin cunt” – amazing! No one swears better than the English, especially the cockneys.

I do tend to swear a lot, especially in meetings when I get all passionate about shit and amped up.

Top words: Spanker (edit of wanker), slag, nonce, clart and twat.

SXH:  Why is CT better then NT?

C-LAW: To be honest, I’ve never really spent any decent time on NT, so I can’t judge it, I’m just not into loads of people showing me 20 pairs of multiples of ugly Jordan’s.

SXH: What is a normal day for you?

C-LAW: Now that I work for Adidas (I was offered a job over in Portland just after I had done the range), it depends on what time of the season it is. It could be colouring up CADS, doing new model designs, overlooking apparel design, range planning, chatting shit with Mo and Klein or going home for a ‘beans on toast’ lunch with the kids. I cant really say much on what I do, as all that I have done so far hasn’t seen light of day yet as we work so far in advance, I tend to get involved with the more ‘heads’ stuff too that will be coming out in the US and some stuff that comes out from Germany.

SXH:  You were involved with CT for sometime, and given it was really the first sneaker website, how do you feel things have changed since you first became involved?

C-LAW: When we started it, we did it out of love, there weren’t that many boutiques about around 1999/2000, so we were sort of there at the start of what it is now. Things have changed so much, the thing I think that ruins it now for me though is that everything is so worldwide now, every store has the same exact stuff, you don’t get excited about traveling to spots anymore as it’s the same, unless your hitting some mom and pops places, that’s always a treat, although they’ve all been pretty much rinsed by locals in the know.

SXH:  CT has managed to keep its credibility in a sneaker world full of hate through staying true to its mission statement as such, what are your personal feelings of the way the sneaker culture as evolved?

C-LAW: It seems now that anyone with extra cash can rack up a good shelf stack now, it’s a bit plastic sometimes when you see what people show off, too many hype sheep followers and not enough individual tastes.

SXH:  You’ve designed a number of shoes throughout your time, what have been your favorites and what do you consider as the most important aspect of designing a shoe? Also what design (if any) are you ashamed to admit came from your genius.

C-LAW: My faves are these ones I’ve just done they’ve got my name on it, the first New Balances will always be cool as that was our first go (although we did do a CT Blazer way back in the beginning – well photoreals anyway- that fell though). The CT New Balances with Bees artwork were cool, although the boxes are probably better than the shoes. The CT Adicolor was a good idea with the changeable tongues as that was what the original Adicolor idea was meant to be – personal customization. Although they f’d up with the damn things squeaking (Stick some masking tape on the underside of the eyestay). The CT Clydes came out nice (I’ve got some special one offs I did that are mental – a Beat Street Clyde in yellow, pink and black and an Al Naafiysh ‘The Sole’ pair of States. I’m proud of all of them, they all sold very well, so I can’t complain.

SXH:  Its not just shoes you design? What are your favorite products to work on?

C-LAW: Jackets without a doubt are my second love and bikes, I have 3 20”ers, 2 24”ers and 1 26”er (BMX’s), I love to do more Co-Labs with Bike companies. I’d love to own my own garage specializing in restoring and upgrading vintage Minis Coopers (the car, and not the BMW fake), I’ve had quite a few, they are a passion for me, I can get well geeked out on them.

SXH:  How did you first get involved in graphic design?

C-LAW: I left school at 15 with shit qualifications, did shit jobs for 5 years, met a girl (now my wife) who inspired me and was into graff who talked me into going to college to learn design and typography. I blagged my way in with her portfolio and some black books, ended up putting myself through 6 years at college and university. Along the way I paid my dues by doing a lot of flyer work for chump change for hip hop clubs in the mid 90s, Graphotism and whilst I was at college I worked with Chris (CT) in Bond where we met Russ who set up and owns CT, from there I ended up here. 

SXH:  Which designers/artists inspired you as you were growing?

C-LAW: I grew up being inspired by the likes of Seen, Doze and Skeme, those were my earliest inspirations for art so to say, along with Jack Kirby and some comic book stuff, oh and the fella that did all of the Maiden covers. Through the years I’ve grown to like all sorts of design by many different people across many different medias.

SXH:  What do you think are the main differences between street culture in the UK and America or Japan?

C-LAW: hmm, that’s long.

SXH: Try and answer as many questions as possible?

SXH: Favorite Sneaker Manufacturer?

///

SXH: Top five favorite kicks? (Specific models and colorways)

1) Adidas Superstar in it’s 80s form – white with grey stripes

2) Adidas Campus in it’s 80s form – burgundy with white stripes

3) Adidas APS – original colourway

4) Adidas ZX800 – original colourway

5) Adidas Mexicana – Mexicana colourway

SXH: Non-Adidas shoes:

1) Puma Suede (the one shoe I have the most of) Money Green and White

2) Nike Air Max 90 in its OG colourway

3) Vans Old Skool – black and white

4) Puma Navratalova – All white

5) Nike Air Mada – Original Colourway

SXH:  Favorite English Premier League Team?

C-LAW: Arsenal– generations deep, grandparents, cousins

SXH: Beer or Ale?

C-LAW: Red Stripe

SXH: Favorite English Tourist Trap?

C-LAW: The original Intrepid Fox Pub, or Bond’s Bench RIP

SXH: Jordan III or Air Max 87?

C-LAW: 87, I own zero Jordan’s, although I don’t mind 1-5

SXH: Favorite Websites?

C-LAW: Apart from this site and all the usual blog spots, I only look at a few… Stonerrock.com, Vintagebmx.com, Radbmx.co.uk, ebay and youtube are about my only bookmarks.

SXH: What would be your ultimate sneaker collab and how what would it look like?

C-LAW: I’ve just started it, cant say no more.

SXH: What is your favorite Vintage/ and new Adi?

C-LAW: Vintage would be my 80’s Campus/ New Adi would be PT Training.

SXH: What do you think about how Adi does it campaigns: Adicolor, Consortium, etc?

C-LAW: I think they can be good, but they can be troublesome also, as those that like the top layers hate the bottom layers, you just gotta take and pick what suits you and ignore the rest that’s for your average Dave on road. 

SXH: What does Adidas mean to you?

C-LAW: A clever German fella with some serious passion, a heritage that is 2nd to none, the original street/sportswear crossover brand, an amazing history of street culture and street savy pioneer’s adoption that works on many levels.  Me and Dave Swooshhwhite and Bothan SpySwoosh love to argue this shit out with me, went something like this… :”Come on we had Run DMC, Bob Marley and The WHO. Nike had Elton John, Elton Fuckin John!” Hello fellas, x! Don’t get me wrong I’m not a Nike hater, far from it.  A few visits to Scheinfled’s (Adidas) archive has let me see first hand where this all comes from, who was the original, respect where respect is due

SXH: Of course Run DMC was a big part of Adidas’ success, were you a fan, and what other music acts did you grow up on?

C-LAW: I turned 13 in 1984, I was well into bboying and early hip hop culture, massively. Prior to that I loved the Jam and the Specials, but when I was an early teen it was all about breakin and lacing your shoes right, that mentality has stayed with me to this day, although my music taste goes way beyond hip hop. I did growing up listening to Run for sure, and when LL dropped Radio, that was killer for me too. I’m a massive fan of Electro, bboy hip hop and funk.

I did sway from hip hop the moment Sir Mixalot dropped ‘Square Dance Rap’, that shit was horse, I always liked the riffs on ‘King Of Rock’ and when in my last year at school someone lent me Kill ‘Em All,  I loved the sound, it blew me away, I saw Slayer on the Reign In Pain ’87 tour (not a bad first gig) and so I’m a massive metal, NYHC, L.A. Punk and Stoner Rock fan (I wont list everything – take all day). Anything that has got balls and means shit I like, I cant stand dance/club music though, fuck that crap, does my head in, plastic!

SXH: Is there any rumor that A.D.I.D.A.S. Stands for ALL DAY I DREAM ABOUT SNEAKERS?

C-LAW:  Nar! And let’s set this straight it’s addydass – not adeeedus. Adi Das… ler.

SXH: I myself played Football (soccer for our American Audiences) my whole life.  I basically lived in Copa Modials and World Cups… For anyone who does not know, that model of football boot has not changed in like 30 years… How has it stood the test of time? And what does Adidas football mean to you?

C-LAW:  Football and Adidas is just that, no boots look better than Copa Modials, as a kid in the late 70s – early 80s it was all about Adidas and football, it’s like the game’s official outfit, the only thing I wished was the England’s team could’ve have worn it… We had shitty Umbro.

SXH: Any inside info on upcoming product?

C-LAW: Nope 

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

As Fats has already said, it’s a shame to see such a pioneer of the streetwear industry forced to move because of greedy landlords. Bond has been trading in Newburgh Street for 20 years and was the inspiration for many of the most celebrated shops and labels in the industry, so we hope to see it back up and running again soon…

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE

For Complete Story and More Visit SLAMXHYPE