I have a sneaking suspicion this year’s Magic show will again be lacking the maturity street wear desperately needs. I am too busy to attend even as an on-looker, working around the clock with a line on the printing press as we speak. A friend of mine is there, and although without an actual showing space, has an excellent tried and true strategy; laptop, minimal press credentials, (possibly appropriated, I myself was the former president of royal elastics one year) and scheduled meetings most likely near the open bar kiosk. I admire this for 2 reasons; frees up more cash for hookers and blow, and also rebellion of the “system” while still reaping the benefits from simply being within the square footage of the circus at hand. Take note.
In the world of colors, we take occasional solace in the black and white to re-connect with the base of art as in man’s first scrawling with rudimentary pigment. I do a lot of work involving black and white or very minimal color as an exploration and for some reason I have had a wide variety of commercial work seek this vibe when being asked to do the design work. It’s sublime and refreshing to see black, or minimal palettes executed well in street wear design in contrast to obnoxious fitted caps that have their own mouth flaps, and TMZ.com headlines become the main focus of a brand’s commentary, who needs consumers that think beyond the primary colors and childish novelty, who needs to open their eyes to the amazing spectrum of tasteful possibilities we have in the wonderful world of Pantones and halftones?
Although one of my most inspiring heroes, Mr. Duke or Thomson can pull off the Absurdist sheik that is his unique expression, this is in no way in the same crazed blotter acid pez-head candy-land vomit of a palette that is collectively the state of mind of the majority of street wear here and abroad.
(this awesome peice of proof taken from arab parrot’s blog)
Function, style, balance and true design have taken a back seat to celebrity ass-kissing and johnny come lamely “lifestyle” biting. As I drink Maker’s Mark with Coke Classic, smoking OG kush out of a chocolate blunt, I think about the dawn breaking on an amazing well balanced, well drawn, thought-out, drug influenced, classically insightful, rebellious and brilliant chapter of this disgusting & beautiful fiction some call street.
