While I was out in Oakland, I heard that Mighty Healthy NYC was setting up a pop-up store adjacent to Reed Space…so while I had the chance, I went to check it out…Little did I know, Ray, the co-founder, was there, and I got to talk to him about what the brand was up to, and plans for growth. Ray and Pat were great guys and they let me take some pictures:

Also, another guy I admire is Jeff Staple of Staple Design. He owns Reed Space, and I thought I would stop by as well.

Jeff Staple is famous/infamous for his “NYC pigeon” designs…This was a collab with New Balance, and then there was also one done with Converse…

Recently, Reed Space held an event to celebrate the release of the bible of streetwear/culture “All Gone”…they still had the stuff in the window…

I was really stoked to meet Ray, and visit both Mighty Healthy’s pop-up store and Reed Space…these two are great brands/stores/icons to learn from…Look forward to NYC – Part 2 – Doughnut Plant, Spotted Pig, Cafe Habana…and more..it’ll be out in the next couple days…if you’re lucky.

It’s been a little while since I last posted…I am in the midst of a significant change in my life, and have moved back to Boston. It’s my second stint in this city, and walking around Allston and Newbury St. brought back a lot of memories. Let’s just say, I’m glad to be back, and I can’t wait for more opportunities to showcase T.E.S. Some of the brands, stores, and people here are leaders in the industry, so it’s a great time to absorb all their knowledge. First, I really want to thank the staff at Johnny Cupcakes, Karmaloop, and Bodega, for letting me snap a few pictures.

I didn’t plan to go shopping today, but it happens…and I wanted to check out Johnny Cupcakes…Not sure if I mentioned this before, but the story about J.C. was really inspirational and definitely an influence on my just playing around and creating The Endangered Species Clothing Co. If you ever want to learn about branding…read up on Johnny Cupcakes and check out the store on Newbury St.

Well it was still early…and I was confused since Karmaloop used to be closer to Arlington stop on the T…so I had to Google Maps the new location…luckily it was just up the road…Fabiano was a really nice guy and let me take some pictures. Karmaloop houses a lot of different brands at their shop…Crooks and Castles, LRG, Brixton..etc…the list goes on…there’s plenty more at their website so definitely check that out! Their new spot has a really great feel and atmosphere…and I really liked the walls…initially I thought was regular wallpaper..but up close…it had a velvety feel…CRAZY!

I remember walking out of all these shops amazed (almost) at the premium prices all these clothing lines charge. I completely agree with it…some really deserve them…the value for each shirt is way more than the $5-$15 dollars it cost them to make. It doesn’t take a genius to know that you can’t really make it in the business unless 1) You have a strong brand name with authenticity and credibility 2) Your manufacturing costs are low…You definitely want to produce a shirt in the single digits…that’s hard to do! 3) You charge premium prices…so you can do the things that Johnny Cupcakes and Karmaloop can do…like make these extravagant store fronts! Anyway, I also thought the raffle at Karmaloop was a good deal too…check it out…You can win a Crooks and Castles bike, by paying $5 for a raffle ticket! The money raised will go to helping those in Haiti…Streetwear with care…I then took a stroll to Bodega…where I spoke with a really nice girl Caitlin. She was really knowledgeable and helped me pick out a hat. Bodega is a cool place because it’s not really advertised around like other shops. You’d know what I mean if you went there!

All in all, it was a great day learning what all the brands are doing…Thanks again to the folks from Johnny Cupcakes, Karmaloop, and Bodega for allowing me to take these pictures…maybe someday if we’re lucky enough, The Endangered Species Clothing Co. will make a small cameo there!

Keep reading!
-K

nine just came out over here and they did a little show near Taipei 101:

it was pretty awesome

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/03/03/taiwan.quake/index.html?hpt=T2

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_taiwan_earthquake;_ylt=An.hQrqfBl3MdEW.RPKAbDh0fNdF

woke up at noon, heard the news, then I looked out my window (I’m on the 9th floor), and I saw that a lot of stuff on my neighbors patios had moved around. :0

one of the best things about being in asia a lot is that i get a sense of real chinese history, not what they taught in 9th grade social studies.

for example, a movie about confucius:

recently came out over here, it was promoted big with displays in all the shopping areas and they got the biggest badass in the world to play him, you know, this guy:

you know confucius, the revolutionary chinese philosopher whose teachings and beliefs formed the basis of thought for modern Chinese civilization. and now chow yun fat is letting the world know!

confucius on the drums biatch

look but dont touch im confucius’s girl hee hee

filial piety? more like menace to society with these arrows!

confucius had a lot of cool quotes, here are two actual ones.

before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
-confucius

when anger rises, think of the consequences. unless you’re me cause i dont give a fck!!!
-confucius

im reminded of this comic by Kate Beaton:
http://harkavagrant.com/index.php?id=65
anyway, can’t wait to see this!

PS actually watched the movie, hmm i guess it isnt like the ads for it would have you believe, but hes still really badass.