Miami Streetwear » Fashion

MahVee Clothing

Aly — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:22:44 +0000

P.R.C. – Peoples Republic of Clothing Interview

Aly — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:46:45 +0000

MSW: Whats the history behind PRC?

PRC: PRC started in 2006. Being a student at the University of Washington, at the time I was often up studying late at night with my friend David Fung (a co-founder and current co-owner of the company). Over the course of a few months, we had many discussions about what we were doing in college and whether we felt our lives were following a fulfilling path. Both of us agreed that becoming caught up in the so-called “rat race” was not our most satisfying option. We wanted to be our own bosses.
One particular night we were talking about our interests – in particular, our love for fashion. In my mind, the opportunity was too perfect: two college students looking for a creative outlet, and here was a common foundation on which to build. The decision was quickly made; David was a business major, myself interested in pursuing sociology/communication, and my father was, conveniently, an artist by profession. Our three skills combined made a solid base for starting a clothing brand.

We began holding regular weekly meeting and the ideas were flowing fast. While the focus was on urban wear, we wanted the brand to be versatile – not only in design but also in appeal. Like its namesake (Peoples!), this was going to be a brand for everyone, regardless of their personal interests or background. It was definitely a very broad and ambitious beginning, but after three years of following this basic rule, we have consistently been able to offer products that have proven to attract all kinds of people.

Since its founding, PRC has continued to grow with the help of friends and family. Earlier this year, we were able to launch another branch to the company that is involved in custom apparel and accessories for groups and organizations – something that’s been able to keep us busy as well as help fund PRC’s projects. We’re heading into 2010 feeling good about the state of our brand as we continue to grow a stronger presence in the greater Seattle area.

MSW: Who is behind the creation of this label/brand?

PRC: I was the one who brought the initial founding group together, but the brand has consistently been developed by all those involved over the years. Currently we are a company of 9 – David Fung, my father Justin Lee, Andrew Chang, Andrew Fung, Kristian Sanford, Kiwon Suh, Sophie Luc, Daniel Cheng, and myself. All of us contribute our ideas, time and effort to keep PRC moving.

MSW: Whats the meaning behind PRC clothing?

PRC: Peoples Republic of Clothing came from the acronym PRC – originally known as the Peoples Republic of China. It sounded good, and as a bonus, the original founders (David, Justin and myself) are all Chinese-American, so we thought of it as a creative fit. With that being said, our intention of creating a brand that anyone can appreciate – the people – tied into the implications of the name. Our designs are wide-ranged and have sold to customers of literally all sizes, ages and ethnic backgrounds.

MSW: What are some of the inspiration behind the label/brand?

PRC: We draw inspiration from anywhere and everything. With the global network available via TV and internet, ideas are free-flowing and available to whomever cares to look. Among us, we’re into sports, hip hop and education. We take a genuine approach to our creative process – the brand is based on personal experience and interest. What that means is PRC will never pretend to be something it’s not. That’s why on our tag you see the phrase “Be Authentic”. I think that fits.

MSW: Who are you targeting your clothing towards?

PRC: The brand is intended for everyone’s enjoyment. We’ve had customers and fans from ages 14 all the way into their 50s. Perhaps that’s just the nature of our designs – different ones appeal to different people. We try not to polarize or discriminate, but I know in this fashion environment that is very tricky to do.

However, with that being said, if I had to articulate who the target consumer is I would describe them as “urban sophisticates” – the intelligent person who enjoys the experience of learning about life and the world. PRC respects those who put themselves out there with a positive attitude and that’s the kind of energy we put into our products. This brand is for all the students of the world.

MSW: What do you have to offer customers that you feel is different from the clutter in the industry?

PRC: The best thing about PRC is that our designs are created by our own personal experiences and viewpoints of life – the label is not simply based on trends or anything that we pretend to be as people. Ideas are thrown around the table, worked, re-worked and finally agreed upon by consensus. This is a rigorous process that can take much more time than “I personally like it – let’s make it”, but the end result is something that we all like. A bit watered down perhaps, but definitely more appealing to a wider audience. That is the power of our creative process and ultimately is what gives us a bigger customer base.

We spend an abnormal amount of time on the creative process as well as the design result. Each finished design must be aesthetically correct – every piece must be in the right place. As the head designer, Justin is in charge of perfecting each design. Often his ideas and suggestions drastically improve the quality of each piece. In this way, the end product is usually a 20 year old’s idea from a 50 year old’s perspective. That’s special, and that’s unique.

MSW: What do you have planned for the future of PRC?

PRC: We’re looking to continue growing the visibility of the brand. This means a combination of aggressively approaching local and regional retailers and consistently sponsoring and appearing at events. As we grow locally we’ll be able to expand to a regional presence and beyond. PRC has some serious potential, but we’re going to need to put in the effort to get there. I’m looking forward to it.

NO MORE SKULLS

Aly — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:38:20 +0000

I believe the creative aspect in the streetwear industry is withering away. Skulls are on everything fucking design I lay my eyes on when I go and try to cop something new off the rack. I’m not going to come out and say I haven’t bought a skull print or design tee. Raise your hand if you don’t have a shirt with a skull somewhere on it(like i thought). There are plenty of inspirations out there to bring customers something new and fresh. The giants in the game are force feeding us crap after crap, which I call “HYPE”, like we don’t know whats going. Streetwear is not about hype last time I checked. The fashion industry in whole is about moving forward but also not forgetting where the inspiration for it all came from. Being innovative and creative are vaules that I love about the streetwear culture. This skull thing is just like the throwback thing or the autotune shit going around in hip hop but the skull thing has lasted. Consider this my letter to the giants: go back to your roots and produce quailty designs we can admire. I’m out.

Married To The MOB x The Cool Cats – 5th Anniversary Party

Aly — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:24:06 +0000

The Most Official Bitches are throwing a 5th Anniversary bash to start the new Fall season. Married to the MOB got with The Cool Cats to host the Pre-Fashion Week Jumpoff party on Labor Dy weekend at the Submercer in NYC. Performances will range from the likes of Busy P, Medhi and La Jauretsi who will be beathing down the block. Info at the bottom. If you didn’t know how MTTB can get down, come around.

SubMercer
147 1/2 Mercer Street | Map
New York, NY 10012

Event Date: September 6th (Sunday), 10 pm – 4 am

ASR September 2009

Aly — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:56:21 +0000

ASR is coming up again to the San Diego Convention Center in September.This is a chance to preview some of the hot and upcoming brands and styles. This event is considered the mosst powerful buying events in action sports industry, ASR showcases the latest apparel, footwear, swimwear, accessories and hardgood products from over 700 surf, skate, swim, snow, moto, wake, lifestyle and streetwear brands and continues to identify cutting-edge trends that drive the diverse segments of the action sports industry. Action Sports Retailer provides opportunities to grow your buiness, get connected to key players, brainstorm business synergies and partnerships and leverage business opportunities while face-to-face. Basically, if you’re trying to get yourself into the business, this is most event. If you need more info, head over to ASR to get the lastest on the news, events and attendees.

Streetwear: Sean McKenzie x UpScene

Aly — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:27:48 +0000

On wednesday i got a call from Sean McKenzie to show me his second season of UpScene. Sean founded the clothing line and launched his brand to the massesin 2008 selling to boutiques in New York. “One of the first places i got to sell my pieces was in a art gallery which was funny” he explained. he believes that much of his brand, that they are art pieces. his designs are really proof of his work to bring a product that reflects the people that wears it.

UpScene is basically what you see. A brand represnting people trying to live above the scene. but Sean goes into great detail to explain the direction that his brand is trying to take by not falling in the box. “I’m building a brand thats not falling in line. Once you’re in the box its hard to climd back out”, he explains while looking over the Aventura area. this Harlem, New York native understands where streetwear came from and incorporates that education and his ideas into the designs you’ll catch below.

one thing he doesn’t want is to people to mistake his designs with the novelty of t-shirts we have been seeing lately. he offers a variety tees and hats with nuetral and bright colorways. Yet Sean sees his brand branching out to different areas of fashion and also streetwear culture. right now the line is available exclusively in New York but he loves the vibe in miami so much that he will branch out here and Cali soon. Visit http://www.upscene.bigcartel.com/ to cop your own piece of the UpScene movement. Sean was a cool New Yorker to me and thats unusaul ( Knicks Vs. Heat 1997-2000 Playoffs). at the end he just says ” i want UpScene to represent that group who are on top of their scene”. i can dig that.

Streetwear: Death to Frauds (D.T.F.)

Aly — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:16:33 +0000

Today my cousin came over and wanted to go online and buy himself
some “gucci jordans”? i can not allow that shit to happen. i mean, who wants to spend their hard earned money on fraudulant sneakers for the sake of being fashionable. this is one of the missteps that has occured in the culture of streetwear. since day one, sneakers are the
number one item to compliment and complete the style of anyone and everyone. so I asked my cousin “what the fuck are you thinking?”.

“only a clown would believe wrapping Gucci fabric around knockoff Js could ever be cool. And if you use real Air Jordan Number XIII (OG) Lows, which already come in a beautiful colorway of White/Black, True Red and Peral Grey, you should be publicly stoned as soon you step out the house”. all that was my basic rant to my cousin to make him understand the error of his ways. Maybe somebody doesn’t need to stone you though, i may walk pass you one day with reals ones on and make you make you fall to shame of an OG. but hey, thats my two cents.

GLITTER ≠ STREETWEAR

Aly — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:26:18 +0000

Is anybody else out there tired of glittered up t-shirts being called streetwear other than me? I’m not tryin to knock anyone’s style here but that shit is not street. I say this because I understand the history of streetwear but also realize where the genre is going these days. For those that don’t know, it all began in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the introduction punk and hip-hop. Both of these musical styles embraced a do-it-yourself ethic brought about by the mainstreams refusal to except them and both styles had strong roots within the skate and surf scenes.

Most of the influence of the culture came from the streets. Anything from graffiti, political and social issues would inspire the early pioneer of the genre to drop the dopest design on a t-shirt or jacket while throwing the finger to mainstream fashion for their lack of embrace of the style. These days we inspire mainstream. But I don’t remember a bag of bedazzles or glitter alongside aerosol cans, fat caps and markers that would inspire the fashion. Some brands have stayed true to the style since day one.

Streetwear has evolved, like anything else with a great following. The same color ways exist as well the political puns and crazy ass humor. I mean whoever thought of using photoshop to remove a cock and putting a sneaker in a chick’s mouth is a genius to me. But when you start labeling certain brands chic, that’s when I know someone took a wrong turn somewhere. Someone, somewhere, sold out and stole a bag of glitter from their kids then splashed that shit on a shirt and called it street. Again, I’m not knockin anyone’s style of dress, but would you call an airplane strapped with a rocket pack a spaceship? That’s my 2 cents.

PUMA: BLUE WATER DESIGN GROUP TO CREATE PUMA SWIMWEAR

CaliRules — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:06:38 +0000

Puma North America has named Blue Water Design Group, a division of Apparel Ventures Inc., the official licensee of its swimwear and beachwear for women in the US market.

Blue Water, which already acts as a swim licensee for several fashion brands, will be responsible for the design, merchandising, sales and marketing of the collection.

“Translating the PUMA brand personality into women’s swim and beachwear is vital to our growth in the US as there is a great opportunity for PUMA in this apparel sector,” explained Jay Piccola, President and General Manager for Puma North America.

“Given the company’s seasoned expertise and understanding of the marketplace and our brand positioning, Puma is thrilled to partner with Blue Water for the first collection in September.”

Blue Water will help Puma target wholesale partners, particularly key department stores and independent swim specialty stores.

The new swimwear and beachwear collection for women is expected to debut at the Miami Swim Show in July 2009, followed by a launch at Puma stores and select wholesale partners in September 2009.

Streetwear News: 5TH Annual Atlanta Urban Fashion Week begins in April

CaliRules — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:09:37 +0000

The 5th Annual Atlanta Urban Fashion Week is coming to Atlanta this April with a five day line-up of events ranging from fashion shows to seminars. Each ticket holder has the chance to win a Bentley GT.

Urban Fashion Week began nine years ago in L.A. More than 100 local designers and nationally recognized brands were contacted to pull together a week long series of events that showcased the best of urban fashion in LA. With the success of his first show, the creator was then contacted by New York designers and stylists to bring UFW to the Apple. UFW is now in over 20 different cities nationwide as well as in Paris.

Atlanta UFW will be showcasing many of Atlanta’s most talented designers and boutiques as well as a few nationally known urban couture brands, like Troop. All true urban-fashion buffs are familiar with the retro brand that has re-emerged on the fashion scene after an extended hiatus in the early 90s.

Now lovers of the brand that was once sported by 90s rap icons will have the chance to own their very own newly released Troop gear. Atlanta UFW is giving away one pair of Troop sneakers and apparel to the first five people in the door at the official Atlanta UFW kick-off party at Via Lounge on Tuesday, April 14. The first 200 people will be in a drawing to win a pair of new low top Troop sneakers.

Tickets are on sale now for $20 and $40 for VIP. For more details on the Atlanta UFW or to purchase tickets and learn how you can win a Bentley GT, courtesy of Billy “Bad Axx” Foster, visit, www.theurbanfashionweek.com or email info@theurbanfashionweek.com.

Learn More Here:
http://www.theurbanfashionweek.com/

Streetwear News from Quiksilver: The Threadline

CaliRules — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:42:16 +0000

Quiksilver Americas recently awarded Orange County’s CF Brand the license for its performance branded apparel and accessories. Launched three years ago as Quiksilver EQPT and later renamed Quiksilver Performance, the collection of technical performance apparel, designed to fulfill off-board training needs, will now be fleshed out and distributed exclusively by CF Brand in the US.

“Quiksilver Performance is still a huge opportunity to grow our business and to provide valuable solutions for our customers,” explains Bob McKnight, President and CEO of Quiksilver. “The idea remains powerful and demand is still strong. And right now, we feel that the experts at CF Brand are the ones who can help realize the vision while still staying true to the Quiksilver brand.”

Expect to see the fall collection of Quiksilver Performance in stores by June 2009.

Original Story:
http://www.sportswearnet.com

About MiamiStreetwear

CaliRules — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:00:59 +0000

Welcome to my backyard, sunny Miami, Fl. We here at MiamiStreeWear.com want to bring you some exclusive look in the fashion from Miami and also supply you with the most up to date news from the International street culture. So, if you like the toys, sneakers, accessories, art, and the lifestyle of a true Street Enthusiast you will find the info for your needs right from Miami-Dade County. wipe your feet.