(CONCLUSION)
Overall, i did what i could in the short amount of time i had daily, and with my school & work schedule.
With slight delays, and roadblocks unfortunately.
I felt despite such issues, i did alright, but could have done better, had some quality things posted, and some things not go as planned, some beyond my control, power, or say, some at my own fault.
This project was fun, but not easy, i never expected it to be a cakewalk, or as Breezy Excursion would say.
From those i already know within the community of this local clothing & apparel scene, to meeting along the way other people along the way.
I see why people within this community are close knitted, and connected like friends and family.
where its far more then just gaining networking connections, opportunity, sales, and exposure, the people make the clothing scene in the South Bay, from the people at the brands, to the friends, family, followers, and customers. from the visual and performing artist, musicians, entrepreneurs, and people from all walks of life.
They are what keeps this movement alive and kicking.
I also found that it can be hard work getting into the local fashion business, you have to take risk, invest, and put your money in stake, and hope that under a certain amount of time that you can make the needed profit to keep afloat, and survive as a start up brand, otherwise your start up venture can die before it even takes off.
Its a gamble, but if done right, and exposure, word of mouth, connections, promoting, and an audience grows in the needed amount of time, and sales pick up at the goal needed, then it can turn out to be a worthwhile bet likely you took a chance on, as long as you continue to be on the right path that is.
You just have to do it right, and be on top.
Again, as Breezy would say.
Seeing as many in this community work among each other, rather then against often, unlike in the industrialized clothing industry among the more corporate fare, such questionable or dirty strategies or tactic that some in big business may use to make gains, will likely more so not translate into the same when it comes into local fashion, whether instantly, or it catches up to you overtime, to the point where you likely will alienate, or divide an audience, get called out, considering that it can be a vocal community at times when someone is doing wrong, lose sales, tarnish your rep, and most importantly if all goes to hell in a hand basket, the demise and death of your brand. I feel its a friendly scene overall, but if you are in the local fashion biz, and screwing over people, i feel that your going to do more damage to yourself, then good from it.
The amount of interview i did do were not many as i hoped, a few went unfinished, some did not get done all together, but from what i gathered from the ones i did, short or long, is that you have to have a passion in fashion, arts, and inspiration and energy, imagination, and skill to do what these people are doing, from graphic designers, illustrators, tattoo artist, fine artist, cartoonist, graffiti artist, painters, photographers, etc.
Its not something just anybody can decide to do, do well, and succeed, takes a lot of risk, skill, thinking, planning, innovation, marketing, networking, drive, passion, blood, sweat, and tears to make the brand, launch it, bring in quality products, works, events, support to make it last.
I have much respect for everyone, and i thank everyone who contributed, offered to help me with this project, or tried to even.
To friend, people i know, don't know, or just met in this community, i have enjoyed it so far, and look forward to what y'all bring to the table in the near future as well.
As a inspiring Graphic Designer, who still has a lot of work, and room to grow and improve, i have been inspired, intrigued, and motivated by the people locally in the South Bay within the local clothing and apparel culture and scene, as well as the performing and visual arts community, among others around the area.
I feel when it comes to fashion, the arts, and design, San Jose in the coming years and decade, as well as much of the South Bay will grow, while we may be a county known for Tech more, i feel the growth of the Arts overall, including the clothing scene looks bright and promising.
I am glad to live in South Bay i shall say.
~FLOW
(Shout outs)
Thanks to many people and groups. (no specific order)
Orly Locquiao, Michelle Wong Locquiao, and the rest of the people at Cukui Clothing.
Ryan and Flip, and the rest of the Cannery park villian crew at Breezy Excursion and Booger Kids.
The kind people at Aristocrats Boutique.
Mike, Lani, and the rest of the usual crew at TheUsuals.
The one and only Danny DanDiggity Le, thanks again for the help amigo.
Azuki Boutique and bikes.
Pro Skateboarding icon, Musician, and artist Steve Caballero.
Goldenchyld, Cutso, and Squareweezy of The Fingerbangerz Crew.
and everyone else involved, or even not involved who keep it going, and are doing there part in the South Bay Apparel, art, and culture movement.
Much props, respect, and love. Thanks again.
(END)
DAY 13
Interviews.
First Interview: Aristocrats San Jose
I talked to Geoff of Aristocrats Boutique about the store, and what their about.
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Florencio: Whats the short history behind Aristocrats San Jose, How did it start?
Geoff: It started when the owners wanted to create a shop unlike any other not only in San Jose Bay Area, but in the world. Just to create a shop that concentrated on smaller more unknown brands rather then the usual players. Also, to really become involved in the community and giving a hand in shaping today and tomorrows youth culture.
Florencio: How did the name the the store comee into mind, whats the background and inspiration behind the name Aristocrats?
Geoff: Aristocrats is just a name, it has nothing to do with money or power its more about working hard and being the best you can be in whatever it is you do in life. To me, the name takes on a whole different meaning to our customers when they see what were doing with the store. However they take it, is however they take it.
Florencio: From the independent and more unknown brands you have at the shop, what are some of the local, national, International ones Aristocrats sells, and what type of products (E.G. hats, shirts, etc.)
Geoff: We carry 5th Column, Deadline, Lafayette Japan, Black Scale, Rogue Status/DTA, etc. Some of the brands we carry only make t-shirts and some have a full range including buttondowns, jackets, accessories.
If one wanted a full breakdown of every brand we carry we'd be here for a long time. Its best just to look through our blog and see what were about.
Florencio: With events you hold, like the Yellow Is The New Black Art show in January with Graffiti Artist Girafa, you did some collaborative shirts the Girafa. How do you feel these events bring the local community together in interest? and in what way? and with the success of such an event, and the collaborative works, its seems you know what peaks the interest of your base.
Geoff: Well the Bay Area is an interesting market as we don't have as much access to artists as LA or NY so working with a local legend like Girafa was natural. I think with every event we try to bring something to light that we believe and support, even if someone doesn't know who Girafa is we want to try hard to educate people on who he is in hopes that they get into it too.
I don't know if that answers your question but were all about educating our friends, family, and customers. We want them to feel apart of the Aristocrats family. You don't have to buy a shirt to come to the shop or come to our events, just come hang out..
Florencio: h no, you answered it real well, so thank you.
That sense of family and support is something i notice.
Myself, like many others feel very welcomed, and well treated at Aristocrats store, the employees are real helpful and nice.
Thanks for taking your time out Geoff to take part is this interview, much appreciated.
DAY 12
(Usual Suspects: A Breezy & Booger Spring Release Event at The Usuals)
Link:
My coverage of the TheUsuals Boutique+Breezy Excursion/Booger Kid event. my last video coverage/ documentary clip for this project.
I even tried to interview there, but yea, it came out goofy. (Flip and Ryan of Breezy Excursions/Booger Kids can be a really humorous, and clown around at times as seen in this video..haha, but i tried, at least it was an "Amusing interview" to say the least, but likely not what was asked for when it come to my Q&A requirements.
Hope y'all enjoy it though!
DAY 11
Steve Caballero Solo Art Show-(03/11/11) from Florencio Perez on Vimeo.
Cukui x Steve Caballero Shirt
In this video, i covered the March 11th event at Cukui Clothing.
Steve Caballero, Pro-Skating Pioneers and legend, musician, and artist was there, holding a solo art show.
Now if your wondering what this has to do with clothes, i shall explain.
Sometimes someone of a totally known for something different moves into something else to pursue ether as a new venture, or something fun to do as a different outlet. (Example from the 1st post would be one of the orginal founders of Youtube i mentioned, and his move into Fashion) as for this Case, Steve Caballero is known for his legacy as a Skateboarder, but over time, he also was a musician as well. (He was a member of several punk bands including The Faction, Odd Man Out, Shovelhead, and Soda) and lately An artist, which is another way to express himself like in Skateboarding.
Now he can technically add fashion under his belt as well, since he collaborated with the people at Cukui, and made some limited run shirts featuring his design on it of a Hot Rod.
By Collaborating with a Clothing Brand like Cukui, Steve has contributed to making something to wear, that has a certain style and flair the screams of the 50's exaggerated and cartoony hot rod style art and scene that is reminiscent Kustom Kulture's Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's works likely in inspiration.
As this show, Art and Fashion go hand and hand, without the art, or the artist, our clothes would be bland, or even blank, without the fashion, their would be nothing for the art designs to be places on.
I feel that local fashion has really passionate and creative designs, due to the fact its an artist working on it, free to be create something as he imagines, and have creative control, where some major brands will fall flat in design, or seem soulless, pre-packaged, uninspired, or unoriginal in their designs on their clothes, likely due to the unnamed artist for the companies are being told what to make, have deadlines, and have to abide by the decision of the highers ups whether they approve or not of their final drafted ideas.
With local brands like Cukui, and many others doing collabs with other brands, stores, artist, or even in this case a Well-known Skateboarder who does art, i feel that the amount of creativity, soul, and artistic nature of the clothes they make have depth, and passion you can see in it, something i feel local brands as a whole have a strong visual and emotional detail in.
DAY 10
Upcoming Interviews:
Breezy Excursion-Saturday.
The Aristocrats-Sunday.
The Usuals-Tuesday.
TBD
Cukui-Started, but didn't finish (Camera died during interview)
Ellusive-Didn't contact them
Halloway-Didn't Contact them
Azuki-I still have to Email the Owner of the shop to set one up.
DAY 9
Link:
DAY 8
This video was from a few months ago, SJBound.com interviewed me, and a few other customers/fans about the local Brand Cukui, while my bud Dan Dandiggity Le does his magic as the spokesperson/PR guy for Cukui.
Thanks to SJBound, Cukui, and especially Dan Dandiggity Le for letting me know about this shoot, and partake in this. i enjoyed giving my testimonial.
DAY 7
Style, it all can differ between people, we all are different in what we like to wear, or what we wear, it what makes us all special from each other.
For example, my style can vary, i tend to experiment with different clothes, mix and match, and try things out.
My Brother for example is more picky, he will not go out sometimes, unless he finds exactly the clothes he wants, or plans to wear. His green/yellow/white Nikes have to be with his yellow Packers shirt, green pants, and such, and something that does not match, or is just something he refuses to wear with an outfit he had plan he will not wear.
So we all can be different about that, some can be more easy going, relaxed, open, impromptu., and/or lenient about their fashion taste, while some can be more critical of it, strict, organized, and have their outfits planned out and set, and are less likely to be as open to break outside what they are accustomed to wearing and liking.
There is nothing with falling under ether category, as i said, we all are different as people, and that's what makes each everyone of us different.
DAY 6
Its been a busy weekend, i am trying my best to get things done on all fronts, as well as this blog.
I am still working on the finalized cut of my first video i did on Friday, it has taken some time to edit, and work out the formatting, but i hope to have it done by Tuesday hopefully, and the interviews are still planned, its just been slightly delayed, people are busy, and so i am, so scheduling has been the issue, otherwise they have been given the green light, and agreed upon, its just a matter of setting up a time and day, in which I'll be sure to keep such info updated once things start up with the interview process, first likely being with Cukui, then later the Usuals, and maybe Azuki, since i just talked to an Employee at their store yesterday about it, and gotta hit up an E-mail regarding setting an interview up.
I also am hitting up a few more events this week, specifically being Skateboarding legend Steve Caballeros art show at Cukui Clothing March 11th, and the TheUsuals Boutique stores collaborative event with Breezy Excursions March 12th, so expect some more exciting video and photo filled post regarding the coverage of said events i shall attend to, and all that noise.
I hope to bring you some interesting content in the continuing week, enjoy!
DAY 5
At Friday's Cukui|Breezy Excursion Collab event, i bought a Limited made collaborative "proud" hat from the Brands Cukui+BreezyExcursion.
This black stonewashed denim fitted hat features a black leather brim with leather top button. Front design has Proud in white embroidery and back has the signature Cukui "C" logo and Breezy "B" logo also in white embroidery.
Under brim has black and gray triangles
On the tag, there is a personalized message that says.
"Breezy Excursion & Cukui are proud brands based out of San Jose, Califas. This collaborative piece is limited to 144 pieces. We love our city & The Talent That comes from it. Proud."
Price-$45
Only 144 of these hats were made, and seeing as i wanted it, i didn't want to risk later not being able to grab one, i hate when that happens, so seeing as Cukui and Breezy Excursio are among my most favorite brands locally, and nationally, i just had to grab it being the fan i am of their products, and to support them, since both the people at Cukui and Breezy Excursions are nice dudes who have i am glad to know.
The type of talents coming out of San Jose indeed makes me "Proud".
Local brands may be more known in their location, but in today's advanced world there are ways to expands business abroad, spread the word, and sell their products to customers from all over the worlds.
The way they can do that is now days by using the internet, in which they can sell their products on their site, through distributors, and online stores among such ways of doing so.
When it comes to homegrown fashion, the most popular store is Karmaloop.com
They sell some mainstream brand, but have a section on the site called The Kazbah Store.
This site has helped smaller brands gain more exposure, sells, and a audience from abroad.
For example, I remember hearing from one of the guys at Cukui one day saying at the shop that some buyer in Atlanta, Ga bought a dozen or so of their "Cukui Pho Life!" shirts, so its a very good thing now that these brands can branch out, and have people from outside the state wear their products.
Sites like Karmaloop of course have a tax on sales, so not all the profit goes to the brands, but regardless of that, its still arguably the best, most used, and most known site for smaller urban and street wear brands to use for selling their gear, and to expose themselves to wide audience that would not easily get by just promoting and advertising their stuff locally.
Check out the Kazbah store at Karmaloop.com, and feel free to check the many local brands from all over, including your own South Bay based fashion brands.
Elusive@Karmaloop
Breezy Excursion@Karmaloop
BOOGER KIDS@Karmaloop
Cukui@Karmaloop
Clout@Karmaloop
DAY 3
Upcoming events in March.
I tend to attend a lot of events held by these local brands and shops, they happen every month.
These events usually are for upcoming new releases in their clothing line, or for an art show they are holding.
Its a good opportunity to kick back, chat and mingle with people, or friends.
Usually live DJ's are spinning some tunes, keeping things alive and flowing, some events have free stuff to eat, some not free, but affordable usually.
These events tend to be fun, yet fairly low-key.
So whether your new to all this local fashion, or familial with it, i would recommend people drop by, and check some of these monthly events out, you are welcome to attend, and check them out.
Upcoming shows i plan to attend, and likely will cover are:
Breezy Excursion & Cukui present: Proud Locals
Date:
Friday / March 4th
Time:
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:
Cukui Flagship Store
229 Jackson Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Releasing:
PROUD / Collaboration Fitted Cap
LOCALS ONLY / Collaborative Tee
Music / Disc Jockeys:
BBOY DRIFT
GRUBBER
Collaborative pieces are made in limited amounts. Once the items sell out, it's gone.
San Jose Proud. San Jose Local.
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Cukui Presents: Steve Caballero Solo Art Show
For our next art show we are thrilled to have a living legend gracing our store and walls. World renown for his skating, his involvement with the notorious Bones Brigade, and for his signature Half-Cab shoe by Vans, Caballero has amassed a dedicated following for his craft. But little do people know this San Jose native is also an accomplished artist!
This show will be a blending of pop art, illustration, and portra...itures that will reinvent your perception of this exceptional human being. If you’re a fan of the Cab, skateboarding, and radical art you have to be here for this event! So bring out the family, invite your friends and join us in Japantown where the community is certainly taking on a new shape of its own.
And of course we will have some special drops to release on this day too. Boom! See you all soon fam!
- The Cukui Team
229 Jackson Street SJ, CA 95112
March 11, 2011 7pm-10pm
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Usual Suspects: A Breezy & Booger Spring Release Event at The Usuals
The Good folks at The Usuals, Breezy Excursion, & Booger Kids present: USUAL SUSPECTS. This even will be taking place at The Usuals (1020 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126) on Saturday March 12th from 4pm-8pm. There will be a Breezy/Booger/Usuals collaboration tee released that day (limited to 36 units). Also, Breezy Excursion & Booger Kids will be exclusively releasing their Spring 2011 deliveries at this event. Music will be brou...ght to you by Squareweezy & Cutso of The Bangerz. There will also be a special performance by Rey Resurreccion. Food will be provided by Mogo BBQ & Treatbot. Hope to see you guys at the event. Gonna be one not to miss out on.
EVENT: USUAL SUSPECTS
LOCATION: THE USUALS (1020 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126)
DATE: SATURDAY MARCH 12TH
TIME: 4PM-8PM
RELEASES: BREEZY EXCURSION & BOOGER KIDS SPRING 2011
EXCLUSIVES: USUAL SUSPECTS TEE (USUALS X BREEZY X BOOGER)
MUSIC: SQUAREWEEZY & CUTSO (THE BANGERZ)
PERFORMANCE BY: REY RESURRECCION
FOOD: MOGO & TREATBOT
APPRECIATE ALL THE SUPPORT. SEE YOU GUYS THERE.
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Overall i feel this shall be a great month when it comes to the events being held by some of these local clothing brands and shops, i shall likely cover all three of these events, since they fall under the project time frame, so keep posted, i shall look forward it, and covering them for you all.
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DAY TWO.
As for how i plan to cover and document this project of mine, i shall explain in this post what i plan to do, what methods i am likely to go with, and what way i shall get it done, and my approach at doing so.
I plan to ask the people who run these local clothing brands and store questions like How their brand came into being created? what their name and image means? and how did it came to be as well? what are their backgrounds and history that lead them to do fashion? and all that biographical, and informative stuff. Along as well with questions like what separates their brand or store from other local clothing brands and scenes in California? What is their Creative inspiration and drive behind their brands locally, and other local brands? Who makes up the scene? How do they work together and collab? what they do place importance and emphasis on? among such examples of what i shall question them on during interviews.
I plan to cover a different brands, stores, and the people associated with the them, i likely will be interviewing 5-7 brands at most, so far i have contacted two, which are just finalized, and I'll likely interview them both this weekend, if not one of them for sure.
I live close to some of their brands shops, and warehouses, which helps, some are not as close, but are not far ether thankfully, so it should be possible. For the people I cannot meet-up with, or can't interview due to time conflicting schedules, or setting things up not working out, I will instead cover their brand in a more journalistic way, focusing on their brand, their products, and using photos, and type up an article, rather then Videos, and a documentary style interview, with those i can't interview in person, i can at least interview them online via-Email, Instant messenger, skype, Facebook, among many helpful alternatives.
My HD Camcorder, and Camera shall come in handy for this assignment, i should have no issue editing the videos, and I plan to keep them short, each at 5 minute likely, i will have both video, and text of the interview, coverage, and questions I ask.
DAY ONE.
Welcome Everyone to Stylewares, a blog about the rising fashion and apparel scene that's imploding in the South Bay In California.
I am going to be covering for 14 days the growing and rising fashion culture in the South Bay.
Very much of it stems based in San Jose, where many local and independent clothing brands have operations, stores, and warehouses located there. besides the brands, many clothing boutiques store also exist, which sell these local brands, among other independent clothing brands from outside the South Bay, for other parts of California, out of state, and even brands from outside the country.
These Local brands, and these shops have a growing following, and deep network of support from them. this support helps these local clothing brands grow even more, where they can afford create new products, be able to hold even more big events, parties, and art shows, and most importantly keep in business. The support, care, and meaning that much of the local fashion brings is building a culture, and is creating a foundation for the South Bay's Identity and reputation when it comes to Fashion and Apparel, style, and individuality as an area, and a highlight as well of our already improved, and increasing reputation when it comes to the art scene in the South Bay, and the another notch added on the Creativity that the Sillicon Valley is known and famous for.
Sure, The Sillicon Valley obviously is famous for the creativity and innovation in technology, computing, and electronics, but we are proving that we also have a fresh level of creativity in things outside of technology. I live right at one of the main forefronts of where this homegrown fashion boom is exploding. Right in my current neighborhood i live at in San Jose's Japantown, over the past year, SJ Japantown has had a sudden shift, for a very long time it has been mostly the traditional fare. mostly Asian Restaurants and food places, Asian markets, Hair & nail salons, Japanese antique shops, among such, owned by mostly older Asian males and females. but their was five clothing related shops that opened up shop in 2010, that were geared towards a younger crowd that usually range from 18-30.
I started to notice suddenly that the shift between young and old In San Jose Japantown, and balance between the new, and the long standing traditional style businesses starting to slowy even out. so far as of 2011, we just had a grand opening of a Independent owned Shoe store where a healthcare provider business use to be.
In cases where some places fallout, and have to close shop, new opportunity for others can arise, and i notice that with the current pattern in my block of young creative entrepreneurs taking up the vacant storefronts that sit for sale, and bring life into them, and add a new sense of lifestyle added into the old historical San Jose Japantown.
The fashion and apparel Renaissance is riding strong, and building up more and more over time in the Neighborhood, in the same way it is as well at "The Alameda" Street area around San Jose/Santa Clara, and if it continues to grow so fast, and popular as it has in the years to come, i feel the potential and development of this rising fashion scene in the South Bay will bring some much promising things to come into the future of this area down the road.
