January 2, 2008

Streetwear dies in 2008 and WTF happened to 2007?

Happy New Year everyone!

‘08 is here. Seriously, WTF happened to ‘07? I mean I know there were record temperatures this year, but there had to have also been record speeds. I mean this was, without a doubt, the fastest year to date, right? At least that’s what it felt like to me.

And btw, I had a seriously rock ‘n roll NYE. My wife, my daughter and I all got the flu. We watched half of I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry and were in bed by 9. I mean really, it doesn’t get more hardcore than that.

Anyway… 2007 was a big year for the fashion world and especially for streetwear. Every kid I see now from about age 10 and up has got on a cool pair of skinny jeans and a pair of Vans or Dunks. All-over prints and graphic tees (that actually don’t look bad) are sold at Target and Walmart. There’s a skateshop at every mall (sometimes 3) and that exclusive Japan-only thing you couldn’t get before, it’s not so exclusive now.

If you walk down Melrose there are now at least 6 sneaker boutiques in about 8 blocks. I mean that’s crazy! Kicks Los Angeles, Capsole, 2 Sportie LAs, Kendo and the one across the street from Barracuda that I forgot the name of. Not to mention Brooklyn Projects and Workmens which also sell kicks, plus Supreme, Flight Club LA. Streetwear has gone bananas in 2007!

What else happened in ‘07? Well, The Hundreds exploded. There were 13,458 collabos (half of which Rogue Status were a part of). 9,672 new lines were launched. Of the top 5 shoes from the top 3 shoe makers, there were 6,189 new colorways. (These figures were researched rigidly and you can most definitely trust them.)

So what do we do? How can we still be cool if cool has become so mainstream? Because I’ll tell you something, the crowd on La Brea outside of Union and Undefeated these days is looking pretty unique-less if you know what I mean. (You like that word? I made it up myself.)

We stay the course, I guess. Pretty soon the lines that are dedicated will stick around and the ones that aren’t won’t. Companies that thrived on producing what was hot at the moment will either have to move on or move out. Ultra-hip clothes that go out of style in a matter of months will do just that. And companies that make stuff that is cool and contemporary, but still classic and timeless will keep making those clothes. I mean that’s the way it’s always worked, right?

So, I guess if you want to keep being cool just listen to the homie Napolean Dynamite: “Just follow your heart. That’s what I do.”

On the CHILDREN front, we’ve got new designs in the works and we’ll be showing at Agenda and possibly other shows this year. We’ll keep expanding and growing, because that’s what CHILDREN do.

And I’ll leave you with this: The new female mc Kid Sister featuring Kanye with Pro Nails. There hasn’t been a good female rapper for a long time and leave it up to my favorite pop star, Kanye West, to break one. I’m not sure if Kanye did the production on this track, but the beat is tight and it’s a fun song. Don’t hate.

Have a great ‘08 y’all!