Joy Yoon RSS Feed

Website —

Latest Posts

  • Tofer Chin TOTALLY Interview

    February 1st 12, 17:05

    Last Friday Lu Magnus presented Totally, the first New York solo exhibition by artist Tofer Chin.

    The show highlights his new geometric paintings, photographic wall wrap, and sculptures that utilizes a color palette reflecting “the brash attitude of the ’80s and early ’90s skate culture,” which means, lots of black, white and neon.

    Tofer sat down with me for 2  minutes before blowing me off for someone more important, but that was enough to get a real in depth feel for this new show and make a life long best bud.

    JY: Whoa. You don’t look Chinese.

    TC: Uhh… hello.

    JY: I see this is your first solo exhibition in New York.

    TC: Yes it is.

    JY: What took you so long?

    TC: Pardon me?

    JY: During your last show “Alex,” you were on drugs. I’m glad to see you’re clean now.

    TC: I wasn’t on drugs. It had a drug themed undertone via an Aldous Huxley quote but focused on Op-Art.

    JY: I thought step 1 was admitting you had a problem? Doesn’t seem like rehab was that successful…

    —

    JY: Your geometric constructions are based on mathematical calculations. Did you use an abacus?

    TC: What?

    JY: You’re telling me that you’re that good at math that you didn’t need any help? You’re only half Asian, that doesn’t make sense.

    TC: No abacus.

    JY: I see you like stalagmites. What’s up with that?

    TC: I enjoy the sharpness of the shape.

    JY: Has anyone been impaled on your stalagmites?

    TC: What?

    JY: I’d impale someone with that.

    TC: …

    —

    JY: You’re 32?

    TC: Yes.

    JY: And your show’s color palette focuses on the brash attitude 80s and 90s skate culture?

    TC: Yes.

    JY: Hmm…

    TC: What?

    JY: Oh nothing. Just looks like a silent mid-life crisis cry for help that’s all …

    —

    JY: Your painting, 31 White Lines on Black is made up of 31 white lines on a black background. Why isn’t it called 61 Lines of Black and White, or 3o Black Lines on White, and are you sure there are 31 lines?

    TC: It’s a black background with 31 white lines on it. And yes, it has 31 lines.

    JY: Are you sure, sure?

    TC: Yes.

    JY: Go count it for me…

    —

    JY: Are your parents upset that you’re an artist and not an acupuncturist?

    TC: … (gets up and leaves)

    JY: Great seeing you again Tofer!

    —

    Read More

  • Converse x Missoni Auckland Racer + Pro Leather

    January 23rd 12, 13:13

    Sneaker collaborations rarely see the light of fashion runway day unless you happen to be Kanye West and the brand in question is Louis Vuitton. But even then, only one of the styles West created for the iconic brand debuted. For Converse and their continued collaboration with famed Italian fashion house Missoni, it was two.

    The special edition Auckland Racer, second in the Converse x Missoni fashion saga, and the Pro Leather was featured in the Missoni Men’s AW 2012 runway during their presentation in Milan, elevating their partnership in the fashion game.

    How appropriate to launch the Auckland Racer down the Missoni RUNway this year… Originally designed for running in the 1970s, the Auckland Racer carries a lineage that many would not know or even associate with a company like Converse. It was tied to the early pioneers of the jogging movement, and became Converse’s first real standard running shoe. 64 years ago at the 1948 London Olympics, Ottavio “Tai” Missoni, an international athlete and track suit maker – his “Venjulia” tracksuits were adopted by the Italian track team that year – met Rosita Jelmini at Wembley, where he qualified for the finals of the 400m hurdle race. They married in April 1953, and five years later showed their first Missoni collection. The rest is fashion history.

    Darker and more muted than the spring Converse x Missoni Auckland Racer, the AW version features a color palette of tonal greys, black, burgundy, and touch of burnish copper lame for that added pop. A kaleidoscopic mix of colors with variations of textures achieved through black Missoni space-dyed wool not only subtly highlights Missoni’s use of different textures often found in their collections, but also their trademark zigzags, geometrical shapes, and stripes.

    *(The Converse x Missoni Auckland Racer will be available October 2012)

    The Converse Pro Leather, the shoe that changed basketball is now changing the runway. Featuring Missoni Intarsia wool knit panels on the heel strip and the tongue, the shoe in a dark burgundy Horween Chromexcel leather — trust me, it’s not black — with its star chevron logo, is the shoe to look forward to this fall as it goes with everything.

    Read More

  • Pirelli Calendar 2012 (NSFW)

    December 7th 11, 6:48

    New York City last night saw the launch of the epic Pirelli Calendar photographed by Mario Sorrenti, who shot a bevy of beautiful nude models on the island of Corsica. Writer or photographer? I think I might have to rethink my career choice.

    Read More

  • Twelve Bar x Teed Dinosaur Collaboration

    November 8th 11, 19:09

    I love dinosaurs (Brachiosaurids and Stegosaurians are my favorite!), and feeding into my dino frenzy is the new Twelve Bar x Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED) collaboration t-shirt.

    To coincide with the U.K. dance music star TEED’s U.S. tour, Twelve Bar has teamed with them to release a one-off collaboration t-shirt. Combining TEED’s dinosaur motif in a repeat pattern encased within Twelve Bar’s trademark heart logo, you too will find yourself “hearting” these giant lizards.

    The limited t-shirt is available in white and black and offers several color variations of the graphic design. Now available for purchase exclusively through the Twelve Bar website at Make sure you pick up yours before they go extinct…

    For more information about Twelve Bar please visit https://www.twelvebar.com
    For more information about TEED please visit http://www.totallyenormousextinctdinosaurs.com
    Read More

  • Exclusive First Look: Ramdane Store

    October 30th 11, 22:25

    From France to Japan, Ramdane Touhami’s creative retail presence has been acknowledged by the international crowd for several years. Now with his sights set on America, Touhami opens his first store, Ramdane Store in New York City.

    Since it’s snowing in New York and there’s  a chance you might opt to stay in, here are a few first look picture of the new store to whet your appetite till you make it out to see the real thing.

    Ramdane Store
    64 Kenmare St.
    New York City
    USA

    Read More

  • Shaniqwa Jarvis: This Charming Man

    October 4th 11, 18:16

    The muse, typically cast as a female, is seen in a new light in the debut solo exhibition from acclaimed fashion portrait photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis.

    “This Charming Man,” at Gallery North Gate in the Silas & Maria Daikanyama & Studio Bee on October 22nd, is a selection of intimate portraits inspired by the men who have interested and affected the artist over the course of three years (2007-2010), where she resided in three different metropolitan cities (Los Angeles, New York, and London). The collection serves as both an honest and intimate portrait of these creative and passionate men, exploring their living and working environments.

    If you find yourself in Tokyo in less than three weeks time, make the effort to go see Ms. Jarvis’s show. You won’t be disappointed.

    Read More

  • Marshall Artist | Interview with Neil Maloney

    September 29th 11, 11:30

    .MARSHALL ARTIST.

    Good Morning Vietnam!  It’s been a while…
    During my most recent trip to the land of Pho (food rules my logic for travel), I was introduced to Paul Norriss. An ex-pat living in Saigon, he runs the contemporary retail/food/design space, L’Usine on Dong Khoi Street -think a mellow version of Colette but in Vietnam- in the heart of the city with his wife Jap, his sister and brother in law, Tib and Thai, Gina Pham formerly of Opening Ceremony, and Paul’s design partner, Darren Chew. A stand out in Saigon’s developing scene, if you’re young and hip or modern and mature, you’ll have heard of L’Usine.
    I meet Paul here to chat about his real job outside of L’Usine. On a day to day basis Paul runs his own ISO certified manufacturing plant with 400+ employees –the quality control in this place is absolutely stupendous–where he oversees the production of his clothing line, Marshall Artist as well as others such as Penfield and a certain iconic Italian brand that starts with a P and ends with an A.
    Created in 2000, Marshall Artist, a beloved UK based menswear brand, focuses on well tailored modern garments. Over a decade later MA still creates solid collections season after season of well-crafted and detail-oriented pieces that please not only to their long time fans, but new ones as well.
    To get some insight to the behind the scenes of MA, Paul put me in touch with his Creative Director Neil Maloney…  (text by Joy Yoon)
    ————————————–
    SLAMXHYPE: What makes Marshall Artist unique compared to other brands?

    Neil Maloney: I’d have to say the thing that sets us apart at a structural level is the size of our core team and where we’re based – 2 partners are based in Vietnam where they own the factory that not only makes Marshall Artist but a whole host of top brands including Penfield and Prada. I’m based in the UK where there is just me and my assistant at our studio. I go over to the factory in Vietnam at least 4 times a year where we have a fantastic team dedicated solely to Marshall Artist. It’s a designers dream to have a 400+ factory at his finger tips!

    At a creative level I’d say the thing that sets us apart from other brands is the attention to deal and general quality of product versus the price brackets we sit in. I spend a lot of time (far too much!) researching construction methods and finishes and how we can reinvent them or make them relevant for a contemporary market and at the right price point. The end result is a well thought out garment that is functional and stylish.

    SLAMXHYPE: What’s your background as Creative Director?

    Neil Maloney: I started out in London in about ‘97 as a junior Art Director for a great agency at the time called Attik. We worked on fantastic projects for the likes of MTV, Nike, Sony, EMI, Adidas, Levi’s etc etc. Everything from music clips to print campaigns and everything in-between. I look back now and realise how lucky I was to walk out of art college and straight into what was probably the coolest studio in London at the time. I got into designing menswear in about 2001 and gradually moved from Art Direction into fashion and since 2004 I’ve pretty much just focused on designing menswear.

    SLAMXHYPE: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

    Neil Maloney: The people around me and their environments. I grew up in Liverpool in the 80’s so the whole casual thing has always been a part of me. I love that genre of menswear. Not so much the full-on sportswear look but more the outdoor kind of brands that were cool back then, and still are now really. I think you can see that in my work for sure. I love traditional workwear as well – garments that will last longer than life time. There’s always something new to learn from old pieces you find on your travels. I’m an absolute jacket fanatic – I drive my wife crazy with the sheer volume of outerwear I hoard away at home!

    SLAMXHYPE: What things do you touch upon in regards to design that is “English”?

    Neil Maloney: The collections definitely have a British feel without a doubt as it’s who I am and what I’m about. I don’t know whether there’s any more to it other than it’s where I grew up. Would the aesthetics of the brand change if I left the UK? – I don’t know. I do love the idea of classic British tailoring though. The tradition and history I suppose. There’s a certain confidence and authority when you speak to an old tailor or machinist that’s been around forever. Making garments in the UK is really popular right now (avoiding the H word! here) but what we have in Vietnam is just too special to even think about shifting things over here!

    SLAMXHYPE: What does Marshall Artist emphasize in its product?

    Neil Maloney: Modern tailoring for modern people.

    SLAMXHYPE: Favorite pieces from upcoming line or favorite piece that is repeated every season?

    Neil Maloney: The Nautical Jacket in burnt orange waxed canvas seems to be the piece for Autumn 2011 that everyone’s going mad for. (See image below)

    SLAMXHYPE: Why the expansion into accessories? Will it have the same QC as the clothing?

    Neil Maloney: Definitely. The footwear looks amazing. It felt like a natural progression. We kept getting asked for bags and shoes all time from retailers and our sales guys so we thought why not give it a crack. It’s taken 6 months of really hard work to get the sampling looking how I wanted them but it was worth it, as you’ll soon see! We use a lot of the same material like the leathers and waxed canvases across the garments and accessories so it works well for us.

    SLAMXHYPE: The ideal Marshall Artist customer is who?

    Neil Maloney: All men great and small! The collections tend to be pretty broad so we appeal to a broader base of shops and punters.

    SLAMXHYPE: Are there any ‘Easter Eggs’ in Marshall Artist clothing?

    Neil Maloney: Too many to mention! I’m a nightmare when it comes to minute details. I thought there was only so many pockets you could fit onto a jacket but I prove myself wrong every season! My trim sets per garment are ridiculous – Our merchandisers at the factory run and hide under their desks when I rock up!

    SLAMXHYPE: What is most noteworthy about your brand?

    Neil Maloney: Honesty and hard work across the board – From the factory floor to the showroom. I’d say we’re the most unpretentious bunch around.

    SLAMXHYPE: What is the ultimate direction the brand is headed towards?

    Neil Maloney: Have you got all night? – I could put my global strategy hat on but you won’t thank me for it!! ……..Nice clothes for nice people……….

    Read More

  • Stupid Questions with Omar Salazar

    September 28th 11, 7:16


    Who’s gives up his seat to old ladies? Nike Skateboarder Omar Salazar does. Why? Watch the video to find out. Art Wednesday’s Max Bergius spends the day with Nike SB skateboarder Omar Salazar and learns a few fun facts.

    Note to self: Avoid the milk at the Hyatt Regency breakfast buffet.

    Read More

  • Gears of War 3

    September 27th 11, 12:29

    Hey video games!  It’s been a while. Wait, that’s a lie. I love playing video games. I just wanted to pretend for a second that I only filled my time doing useful and worthwhile things like reading books, mentoring disenchanted youth, saving kittens stuck in trees, and trying to solve world hunger with my model U.N. which meets at my house twice a month.

    Unfortunately, I usually find myself wasting more time than actually putting it to good use, but I don’t consider playing video games a waste. In fact, I see them as a good thing; a form of mental exercise. It’s like LeapFrog for adults but with better graphics and instead of using one finger to point at the green frog, you’re using both hands, and when I mean both hands, I mean it.

    If you thought learning how to get out of first gear on a manual transmission was hard (I cried), try playing Gears of War 3 for the first time. A total newbie to the Gears of War series, what better way to start off then with the final game to the trilogy. At the SA Studios, I got a crash course in alien slaughtering. And though I think I shot more furniture than I did baddies, thank goodness the folks there gave me an opportunity to hone my newly acquired gaming skills with my new Limited Edition XBOX 360 Gears of War 3. With new characters (a lady, eh hem), great graphics including works by OG Slick, and enough targets to shoot at to keep you busy for a while, Gears of War 3 is shaping up to be my favorite game this fall.

    I can finally put my insomnia to good use! I won’t let you guys down. Next time, I’ll know how to aim and shoot like a pro.


    Read More

  • adidas Originals x Qubic Store x All Blacks “All Heroes” Campus 80’s

    September 26th 11, 14:00

    Are there any left? Can you even find them? I hope you know someone high up at adidas, or better yet, Frank Liew at Qubic Store in New Zealand, because if you don’t, then you can kiss your chances of getting a pair of these All Blacks All Heroes Campus 80’s, good bye.

    It’s Rugby Time! Rugby World Cup that is (or at least has been for a few weeks now… )

    Inspired by the official 2011 All Black jersey, which features a white collar in tribute to the 1987 jersey (the last time NZ won the cup and honed their “invincible” reputation), the Campus 80’s were created the match the jersey and capture the iconic essence of the All Blacks.

    Only 100 pairs of this shoe have been made under special license from the NZRU (New Zealand Rugby Union) and all 100 pairs will be sold exclusively at Qubic Store, 160 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland.

    This is the first time ever that the All Blacks logo & Silver Fern, one of the most protected sporting symbols in the world,  is featured on an adidas Originals shoe and the first time adidas Originals has collaborated with All Balcks on a shoe.

    15 pairs of the shoe will come in a special, NZ made collector’s laser etched metal locker box with a custom foam insert, player’s signature plaque, a pair of NZ made merino wool socks, and a double pack of “All Heroes” trading cards.

    350 edition trading cards with All Heroes characters have also been made with 35 of the 350 being special, limited edition gold-foil collector’s cards. A pack of cards will be given out for every adidas purchase during the Rugby World Cup, September through October, and the cards will also be on sale at Qubic whilst stocks last.

    Remaining 85 pairs of the shoe will come in regular adidas Originals boxes, but with special printed tissue featuring artwork by Elliot F. Stewart, the NZ made merino socks, and a double pack of “All Heroes” trading cards.

    Go and get them while they last…

    Here’s a look at artist Elliot F. Stewart’s artwork featuring the All Heroes in all their comic/superhero glory. The players are Sonny Bill Williams, Dan Carter, Jonah Lomu, and Liam Messam.

    Read More

  • Hanni El Khatib “Come Alive” Single

    September 26th 11, 13:15

    If death looked any cuter, I’d want to die tomorrow…

    The newest music video for artist Hanni El Khatib’s latest single, ‘Come Alive’,  directed by Simon Cahn (the man behind the Scott Campbell LV videoes) & Ricky Saiz, makes you wish you were rolling around town with the Grim Reaper fucking things up in black and white.

    Making her acting debut as the Reaper is  Badass #1,  Nova aka SuperNova, daughter of Adidas Creative Director Paul Mittleman and artist Reggie Casagrande.

    Nothing like going around slapping drinks off tables, shoving adults, and just wreaking absolute havoc at the tender age of 10 to prepare yourself  for the real world.

    YouTube Preview Image Read More

  • Pirelli’s P.Spoke: Tailor Made Reversible Shoes

    September 23rd 11, 12:32

    Pirelli launches P. Spoke, the first made-to-measure reversible sneaker with rubber soles in Milan at Pirelli Corso Venezia, their flagship store which opened this week.

    At the P. Spoke area in the new Pirelli space, fans of Pirelli sneakers can now come and customize their very own pair. Materials are on hand in special wooden drawer units to select laces, leathers in various colors and insoles like the 6 different F1 tread compounds used in Grand Prix racing.

    The sneakers are cut and constructed like a made-to-measure suit and uses revers technique, where the shoe is sewn inside-out and then turned out and reshaped. This gives the shoe the ability to be turned inside out like a sock. Perfect after a day at the beach.

    Read More

  • The Future. Where is it?

    August 24th 11, 11:11

    Dear Future.

    I can’t believe it, you’re finally here. How’ve you been? How’s it going?

    Future, I hate to get into right away since you just got here, and we’ve just met  but where’s all the stuff you promised? Female President? A condo on Mars? A cure for cancer? A husband with 2.5 kids? Flying cars? What happened?  I love you Future, you know I do, but I have to admit that I’m a little disappointed with your lack of follow through. I thought you were different.

    I’m not going to go into too much detail Future but there are a few things that I need to get off my chest. Here’s my list of “where is it?” stuff in no particular order that I’d like to discuss.

    1) Teleportation. What’s going on with this? Star Trek has been going on about this for years. That smug Captain Kirk and his annoying sidekick Spock. They don’t deserve to teleport.

    I’d like to see how they’d last on a 30 hour international economy flight with 2 layovers, and 2 private screening pat downs. I’m pretty sure Kirk would be up for the latter since he’s a total man whore, but other than that, I doubt he’d last ten seconds sat next to a screaming child with an earache during a Trans Atlantic flight unless he asked Spock to employ the Vulcan nerve pinch which would most likely cause the flight to be re-routed, further delayed, and Spock arrested by the Air Marshall on the ground for molestation charges.

    2) Dehydrated Mini Food. You know what I’m talking about Future. You’ve seen the Jetsons and Back to the Future II. I want cute little mini food that I can rehydrate in just a few seconds and enjoy piping hot after a long day at work. I need this Future. 15 minutes to heat up a “It’s not delivery, It’s DiGiorno’s” pizza takes too long. I’d rather have a four-course meal at the push of a button.

    I wonder what would happen if I ate two mini dehydrated pizzas and drank a gallon of water? I don’t know so that’s why I need them to be created yesterday so I can find out today. Get on it.

    Now this is where I get deep Future. This is where I’m like… “This should have happened by now, but it hasn’t so I’m mad.” This is where we need to get the whip cracking. If this doesn’t happen soon, someone’s gonna get punched.

    3) Nike Air Mag/McFly 2015. Forget the Hyperdunks and Kobe. (Yeesh.) Just give me the Nike Air Mag and that wonderful self-lacing mechanism I use to dream about after first seeing Back to the Future II. Forget slip-ons or velcro… I want self-lacing. Or as Jay-Z or Lupe Fiasco would say.. “All Black Self-Lacing Shoes Everything…” that is, if Jay-Z  and Lupe were enamoured with the McFly as much as I am. The Back to the Future trilogy is my favorite movie franchise. Sure StarWars is fun ( minus that prequel bullshit) and Indiana Jones is good (before Spielberg and Ford got delusional and made that last one), but Back to the Future has always been a family favorite. And though the first one is a classic, it’s Part II that I watch over and over again. I guess its because you’re in it Future, and you make a big impression. You do that Future. You’re endearing. Look at how lovingly Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is looking at the shoe’s laces. Look at how delicately he’s holding it. I can almost feel the love. It’s deep. I’m getting emotional.

    The Nike Air Mag/McFly’s are a lazy person’s dream come true. With its auto self-lacing mechanism, that soft grey coloring and speckled soles, how can you not love that shoe? The only Nike’s I have that can even compare to the Air Mag (but not really) are a pair of old ACG with a large elastic band on the inside which means my foot stays put without lacing. Genius. I should have bought a 100 pairs but I only bought 1. Idiot.

    I’d like to think that for some strange reason Back to the Future and I are fated together and that I am destined to have these shoes one day. Why? Let’s see… I have seen, touched, and sat in the original Delorean.

    And my old friend Crispin Glover plays George McFly. Listen Future… you can’t fight it. Just give in. I wear a size 8.5.

    To go with the shoes, you need the fight outfit, and on to #4 on my list, clothes.

    4)Clothes that metamorphosize. Hate to refer back to Back to the Future II again Future, but here we are. What happened to clothes that electronically shrink to fit your size and jackets that blow you dry after you get wet? “Hello? McFly!!”  And what about the spinning wardrobe that dresses you from The Jetsons?

    In 2000, Designer Hussein Chalayan made a skirt that doubles as a table for his ‘Afterwords’ collection that merges fashion and home decor. Cloth chair covers could be removed and worn as dresses.  Reminded me of William Klein’s Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo. That’s kind of in the right direction.

    YouTube Preview Image

    YouTube Preview Image

    For A/W 2007,  Chalayan designed a collection of  futuristic changing clothes. Body suits that changed into dresses. Dresses that floated up on their own accord. Dresses and hats that changed shapes and sizes. It was magical Future. Now I’m just waiting for the blow-drying jacket.

    5) The hoverboard. WTF. Don’t even get me started on this…

    Thanks for listening. I appreciate you taking the time. So if you could shake a leg and get working on some of these things by 2015, I’d appreciate it.

    See you on the flip side.

    Later.

    Joy

    *Side note: The one future prediction I’m not really looking forward to, but could be cute is director Miranda July’s “bee prophecy” in the August 2011 issue of Interview.  July predicts that all the bees that have been disappearing will return in the form of one big bee;  the size of a blimp. I’m sure at first we’ll all be “Oohing and Ahhing” that is…. until it turns its big fat stinger on us.

    Read More

  • Nike U.S. Open of Surfing 2011: Digital Style

    August 24th 11, 5:29

    Our first night in Huntington Beach sets the tone for the rest of the week. Picturesque with a hint of  the unknown.

    When it comes to a week-long surfing competition, this lady’s hat says it all. Amen.

    Surfing sometimes reminds me of karate but in water. This rider could easily be yelling. “Hi-ya! Take that wave!”

    Kevin Braddock from The Manzine doing “The Elvis”.

    Susie Bubble’s pose says “Surfs Up.” But she’s really thinking “More coffee…”

    The calm before the storm. Too early to be this perky.

    Max Bergius (Art Wednesday): “Listen Julian, you’re a pro athlete, I just have to touch you.” Julian Wilson thinking to himself… “Security…?”

    The new Nike Legacy shorts featuring artwork from Julian’s mum. Love them.

    Julian Wilson teaching us how to Dougie…

    Max and Kevin, catching some rays.

    Eric Koston’s shoes remind me of a few things. Grape jelly, grape kool-aid, blueberries, and Grimace from the Ronald McDonald Gang.

    Eric, Kevin, Hunter, and Omar.

    “I’m Scottish and I’m crazy.”

    Kenny Anderson doing the sunshine squint. This is where being half Asian has its benefits.

    Eric Koston showing some leg.

    Converse’s Coastal Carnage

    Susie and Phil so excited at being at the Nike U.S. Open of Surfing they can hardly contain themselves.

    Prime beach front property.

    LSD meets Mondrian meets Beach Blanket Bingo.

    Kevin Braddock’s stand in.

    Under the boardwalk.

    Kelly Slater by Max Bergius

    Danny Kass: Plank Master by Max Bergius

    Susie Bubble squared.

    “Hello! I’m Danny Kass.”

    Snow, snow, snow.

    This bird was auditioning for Birds II: The Return of Hitchcock’s Ghost.

    Looking for a wave.

    The new dust bowl.

    Surfer Carissa Moore giving us a little attitude.

    Kristen Reiter by Max Bergius. iPhone by someone dangerous…

    Nike designer Kristen Reiter breaking down bikini technology and basics for us.

    Sometimes you find action out of the water.

    Max using his willpower not to touch Paul Rodriguez.

    Kevin Imamura really wants you to Go Swim!

    The 255 store in Newport Beach.

    PRod5 and his new collection for Nike SB.

    Read More

  • Nike U.S. Open of Surfing 2011

    August 23rd 11, 13:00

    Nike U.S. Open of Surfing 2011Welcome to the “Stadium of Surf.”

    To describe the U.S. Open of Surfing properly, I’d have to misquote LL Cool J’s, 1991 hit single, Mama Said Knock You Out…  “They call it a comeback, but it’s been here for years…”

    Surfing–Much like the surf which the sport rides upon, its popularity ebbs and flows with the times. The U.S. Open of Surfing knows this more than any other Southern California surfing event. It was caught in a rip tide for years. Since 1959, the U.S. open of Surfing, formerly the West Coast Surfing Championship, has been a beacon for surf culture in So.Cal. Not only is the event itself an important marker for the sport, its been held for over half a century, but the location itself is just as notable. Home to the Surfers’ Hall of Fame as well as the Surfing Walk of Fame, Huntington Beach is one of the early West Coast surfing haunts. Iconic event in an Iconic venue. But even with all that heritage and history, the U.S. Open of Surfing was still on the verge of a collapse.

    In comes Nike and its subsidiaries Converse and Hurley in 2009, and in less than three years, the event has seen a complete 180. The event went from being described as  ”dire” and “retired” to “hot like fire”.  It’s burning hot. I recommend slathering on the SPF 100++ little Asian lady style.

    The Nike U.S. Open of Surfing is now arguably one of the best sporting events in Southern California. With FREE BMX, Skate, Surf, Music and Fashion, and with an attendance of over 500,000 half naked individuals of the toned and untoned persuasion, this week-long surf competition held annually during the summer, it also boasts North America’s only combined six-star World Qualifying Series (WQS), is a summer winner.  Did I mention it was FREE?

    World class athletes at the top of their games going head to head for your viewing pleasure, how do you say no?

    As a member of the media, attending these events often remind me of summer camp. Spending a few nights away from home and going on little tours and adventures and learning new things. Everyone piling on a bus to get from point A to point B adds to the whole camp feel. And let’s not forget about the “classes” aka presentations where we learned about all the cool new Nike innovations in surf, skate, and snow. Throw in hanging out with cool kids from around the world: Susie Bubble, Kevin Braddock (The Manzine), Max Bergius (Art Wednesday), Yale Breslin, Phil Oh (StreetPeeper), etc. and our camp counselors, mine was the lovely Jacie Prieto, it’s a recipe for fun.

    I attended my first U.S. Open of Surfing last year and had a great time. Round Two was even better…  with a minor exception.

    Susie Bubble Trouble

    You can take the girl out of London, but you can’t take London out of the girl. Here’s fashion writer/blogger and my new eating partner in crime, Susie Bubble, or Bubble Trouble. She brought a lot of sunshine to the U.S. Open of Surfing with her colorful outfits and lovely smile. Just don’t ask if she’s a Harajuku girl or Susie Bubble will give you a karate chop to the head. Lesson learned. Ouch!

    Max Bergius (Art Wednesday) + Simon Wainwright (Nike UK)

    Max Bergius, Founder and Editor of London publication Art Wednesday and Simon Wainwright from Nike UK, are ready to go. Max gives us the thumbs up as we gear up for our rounds of product presentations.

    Max Bergius (Art Wednesday) + Simon Wainwright (Nike UK)

    Simon moves in for his close up and Max sits back and relaxes during our trip to the Nike+Hurley+Converse space 255 where we’ll meet skateboarder Paul (PRod) Rodriguez and learn about the new PRod 5 shoe. Max looks refreshed, relaxed, and ready to touch some professional athletes. Lots of them.  I must find out how he keeps his skin so radiant.

    #

    Surfer Carissa Moore

    Last year’s U.S. Open of Surfing Women’s Champion, Carissa Moore. With her amazing attitude and sunny disposition she should change her name to Sunshine. Be sure to pick up a Nike 6.0 bikini that Carissa had a hand in helping with. Nike designer Kristin Reiter took loads of Carissa’s feedback to make the bikini even more surf ready. By the way… Have you seen Carissa and the girls of the Nike 6.0 Surf Team do their thing in Leave a Message? Click on the link and take a look.

    Surfer Laura Enever

    Laura Enever is a fashionista surfer girl. The melon hued cover-up and big sunglasses speak for themselves. Be sure to check Laura out on the Nike Women’s “Make Yourself” Campaign.

    Skateboarder Paul Rodriguez

    Paul Rodriguez aka PRod: New dad and a gentleman skateboarder offered some insight into his ideal skating locations. When he’s looking for a good staircase he looks for a smooth runway. When it comes to handrails and ledges, PRod likes perfect 90 degree angled corners. “They also need to be 1-1/2 feet high and 10 feet long.”  He enjoys smooth concrete and loves good marble.

    Paul likes to skate the DWP building in Downtown L.A. because “the marble benches are the perfect angle and height.” Unfortunately, security has been beefed up, but it all depends. “Sometimes we can skate there for hours, sometimes we get chased off in 2 minutes. You never know with that place but its great.”

    “The ARCO now the Wells Fargo Building in Downtown L.A. has great railing.”

    If he could skate anywhere in the world… “I saw some amazing black marble ledges in China somewhere. I want to skate that. I love marble. And the Macba in Barcelona is a great place. The stone is so smooth, the ledges are great. You can skate all day. Just skate and enjoy.”

    Thanks Paul. By the way, your hair looks amazing.

    Be sure to pick up the new PRod 5. It’s an amazingly comfortable shoe. And if I was a real skateboarder instead of one of those wimpy non-trick flipping skaters, (I bruise easy), I’d wear them all the time. In fact… for those of you who don’t know… Skateboarding shoes are ideal for everyday wear due to the cushioning. Skaters deal with so much shock and impact from the tricks they do, they need to combat that with shock absorption and cushioning which is key. And let’s not forget board feel… Every shoe that bears Paul’s name is something that he works on personally with the Nike SB design team. “I’m there, I’m in it. I work hard on each shoe as it represents me.”  Already in the works.. the PRod 6 and 7… To be continued.

    Phil Oh (StreetPeeper)+Yale Breslin+Colleen Nika

    Bloggers conversing on the streets of Newport. Phil Oh (Mr. Street Peeper), Yale Breslin and Colleen Nika. I’d like to think these three are taking about Action Sports or about the 255 space we just visited and our new purchases. (I picked up a new pair of Stefan Janoski SB shoes and some socks.) But they’re probably avoiding eye contact with Phil, who looks likes he might be allergic to the sun. Yale: “Colleen don’t look.. don’t look.” Colleen: “Oh no! I totally looked!” Phil: “Where’s the bus? I need to keep this Asian blossom skin white as rice.”

    Converse Skateboarder Kenny Anderson

    I love Kenny. I met Kenny Anderson last year during the U.S. Open of Surfing and we’ve managed to keep in touch with sporadic hit and run hellos throughout the year. Not only a great skater but just an all around rad dude. But as I take Kenny’s photo I get he sense he’s still nervous I’ll steal his board as he clutches it defensively to his chest even after a year later. I guess its true… They forgive but they don’t forget.

    Skateboarder David Loy

    David Loy isn’t the biggest fan of signing autographs though he’s more than happy to. But given the option to skate or sign, he’d rather be in the bowl, ripping up some Coastal Carnage and making friends with the bowl shark which I’ve dubbed “Toothless.”

    “I’d rather be skating more than anything else…”

    Skateboarder Tom Remillard went on to Win the Coastal Carnage event where Tony Hawk came  out of retirement to go head to head against Christian Hosoi and Lance Mountain. I wonder what Tom will spend his $15,000 on? Hopefully an IRA. I’d recommend staying away from the stock market and possibly investing in some gold.

    Surf God Kelly Slater

    My Baywatch dreams have finally come true. I’ve met, photographed, and touched Kelly Slater… ever so gently. This man is a surf god. But apparently his magical surf powers don’t rub off on you. (See bottom of this post.) Kelly went on to win this year’s Men’s Nike U.S. Open of Surfing. After a decade, this man still kills it.

    Kevin Braddock (The Manzine), Simon, Max and Susie

    This is the only photo I have of the reclusive and exclusive Kevin Braddock aka The Manzine aka Jean Claude Van Damme’s stunt double aka Jack of All Trades. If you see this man and he talks to you… consider yourself lucky. If you see this man and he saves your life, you’d best consider him a friend for life. Kevin + Joy = Friends Forever.

    Beauty Queens

    We discovered that the Miss Orange County pageant was being held on the grounds of our hotel and had to go and take a peek. Lots of bronzer, glitter, boobs and hooker heels. But among the beauty beasts I found these girls sitting on a bench hanging out.  (*Note: On a whim I entered the pageant and was crowned Miss Orange County and have been enjoying my reign. I’ve visited the elderly at an old folks home and have taken part in the opening of a local In-n-Out Burgers. I helped make the fries and yes, I wore a hair net.)

    Camp Counselors aka Tim Yu (Nike) + Jacie Prieto (Nike)

    They’re what you’d wish your parents were like… or at least I do. On a media trip, you’re only as good as your press manager and Jacie is a gem. Last year, Tim took care of me during my stay and this year, Jacie was back in action after giving birth to her gorgeous baby girl.

    Whatever you need, Tim and Jacie are there. They make sure you don’t get lost. They make sure you stay hydrated. And if you need that special one-on-one athlete time, they’re there to make it happen.

    Russ Bengtson from Complex Magazine aka The Bengtson

    Russ Bengtson was out with Converse and to watch some skateboarding action in the bowl for some Coastal Carnage. You can see a glimpse of his shoes in this polaroid… they’re Nike. Russ has to wear white AF1’s every day for a month. Apparently he and Nick Schonberger (Selectism) have some sort of weird pact. I hope it doesn’t end with aliens and drinking grape kool-aid, but knowing Russ…

    Beach Madness

    This was the day before the surf final. On Sunday its absolute mayhem. You can easily spot the shore and plenty of sand but come Sunday, you’ll be fighting with the ocean and hundreds of thousands of other attendees to even get a few grains of sand uncomfortably wedged into your swimsuit bottom. It’s that packed. Not recommended for people suffering from claustrophobia. Seriously.

    Tween Beach Life--- Totally

    I caught these little Tweens on a beach outing on Friday. “Shouldn’t you be in school?”  Little girls: ” Yuck. NO WAY. It’s summer vacation!”

    Being an overachieving Asian, I spent my summers taking extra classes. Clearly I missed out. Totally. Bummer.

    Skateboarder Eric Koston

    I ran into Eric Koston outside of the Converse Coastal Carnage area. We were both denied access. His snub was obviously more significant than mine but we made the most of it. I.e., we were texting and calling on our iPhones trying to get in. In the meantime, I took Eric’s photo.

    Eric Koston likes Hello Kitty. Or at least he pretended he did when he signed my polaroid. Just a few months ago Nike launched the Eric Koston shoe in Los Angeles. I had to excuse myself last minute from the press event due to a business trip out of town. Apparently there was an Eric Koston bobble head on display somewhere during that event. Dang. I love a good bobble head. And the Eric Koston shoe looks amazing.

    Lars, Simon, Turid = The Berlin Crew

    Lars, Simon, and Turid aka the Berlin Crew. They like their sun hot, they like the beaches beachy, and they like their beers cold.

    Surfer Julian Wilson

    Here’s Julian Wilson striking his best, “Hmm. Maybe I’ll go surfing today” pose. In our mens’ surf presentation we learned about boardshorts and the new Nike Legacy surf boardshorts are amazing. Made from poly recycled material, 11 plastic bottles make up one pair of shorts and with 4-way stretch and practically stitch free and the bonus coating on the fabric that makes water beads right off of it all I want to know is where’s my pair?? Plus, Julian’s mom’s artwork featured on the shorts makes them extra special, especially to a guy who believes that “Family is everything.”

    Olympic Snowboarder Danny Kass

    When Olympic Snowboarder Danny Kass isn’t busy showing off his perfect chompers, he’s busy avoiding sharks by opting to stay out of the water and sticks to carving his way down the sides of some big mountains. Fresh powder is his best and only friend.

    We learned about the Zoom Force 1 for snow and the amazing amount of Nike technology that goes into making the perfect snow boot as well as the sneaker influence and Nike heritage that went into Danny Kass’s signature shoe. It all comes down to board feel, which is a key for success. “If you can’t feel the board, you’re deadmeat.”

    If you’re interested in learning how to snowboard like Mr. Kass here, here’s a few pointers from the man himself. To start is a 2-3 day process where you’ll need to stock up on the proper gear. “Try all your gear on the day before and walk around to work out the stiffness or at least get use to it.” There’s a small learning scale and the ultimate goal is to ride down the side of a mountain. Danny recommends getting a snow boot that’s softer and go up in sizing by 1/2 a size. “Make sure it feels right.” He’s also a big fan of “velcro anything.” Velcro straps make things tighter, which I like.”  Danny also likes different detailing touches when it comes to his own snow boots. “Two tongues, keeps your pants up, colorways, strapping systems, lacing systems, everything. I’m into it.”

    Keep your eyes out for a special quickstrike release coming out soon featuring artwork by Danny Kass who worked with the graphics and design team. “I’m not really good at art or the best at it but I have a feel for it and the fact that Nike let me do this says a lot.”

    Snowboarder Annie Boulanger

    Annie Boulanger. A snow bunny with an eye for fashion. Annie helps the Nike Team when it comes to the design of the Womens Snowboarding Collection.  She’s smart, opinionated, and if her last name was a tad different I’d be calling her “The Baker.” Boulanger is so close to Boulangerie, French for Bakery. I could just imagine her making up tricks with awesome bakery themed names like “The Baker’s Dozen”, “Hot Cross Buns”, “Pain au Chocolat”, or the “Apple Turnover.” And when she’s on it… she’ll layer on the “Royal Icing”  and totally bake her competition.  (Baking puns are awesome.)

    A trip to the emergency room

    The weekend was capped off with a trip to the emergency room. I was struck in the back of the head with my surfboard during a lesson with my instructor. A wave hit us, and according to an eyewitness account on shore, we looked like an explosion of arms and legs. I saw stars and my legs turned to spaghetti.

    I sat in the emergency room for almost seven hours being treated, and while I went in and out of consciousness what I thought about were the athletes that I met and saw over the course of the weekend.

    Athletes. The people that reside in this category are seriously in a league of their own. I might be in pain and vomiting and moaning and groaning, but they put themselves in these kind of situations all the time. This is what Action Sports is all about. Granted, I’m not an athlete. And though the idea that if you have a body, you are an athlete is something that is completely lost on me, I do believe that what these people do, the skill they possess and their unwavering dedication to their craft is something that is beyond admirable.

    Skateboarders, surfers, BMX bikers….  these are athletes in real sports that conquer amazing feats and put themselves on the line every time they step out on their boards and bikes. I’m just that more in awe of them.

    ———

    When I called my family about my visit about my trip to the emergency room after my surfing accident there was little sympathy. In fact, this exchange that I had with my sisters (Bo and Grace) has me slightly convinced that I may have been adopted.

    Me: “Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know that I had to go to the emergency room after being hit in the head with a surfboard. I suffered a minor concussion but I’m okay. Letting you know so you don’t worry.”

    Bo to Grace: “What makes Joy think she can surf?”

    Grace to me and Bo: “Joy, just because you own ‘Blue Crush’ on VHS and saw it three times doesn’t mean you know how to surf.”

    Joy to Grace and Bo: “Listen. For your information I own ‘Blue Crush’ on DVD and I’ve seen in at least ten times… you bitches.”

    *thanks foreverything.

    Read More
12345678910Last
slamxhype.com on Facebook

Follow SLAMXHYPE


  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • RSS

  • Daily E-mail

Recent Posts


Popular This Month