A few years back Jean-Luc Goddard described STYLE as the outside of content and CONTENT the inside of style, and like the human body can never be seperated. i guess he is right, the content of the idea (the graphic) is what makes it cultural and the way it is presented (the teeshirt etc) is the style . The two are relient on eachother. There is a fundamental eastern approach to design which dates back to when monks were able to construct temples without the use of nails. It is a centrifugal approach, basically the core concept or feeling for the object comes first and its appearence is shaped by this, essentially working from the core outwards. In the west we tend to work the opposite, where the appearence of object is foremest important and the eventual functionality comes second if even at all. A philosophy backed up by the rumour of a poster in Sony head office that reads "Bring me the bloodied fingers of Jonathan Ives". I mean how many things have you got, bought, blagged, or emptied you paypal account for just cos you like the way it looked, okay dont answer that we havent got time. I personally dont collect anything, but I am aware that amassing shelfloads of similar but slightly different looking ornaments (toys, lookbooks, tennis shoes ) whatever - drives and finances a slice of the streetwear industry. What I find hard to fathom is the repetition in clothing and accessories. Okay lets take as an example a Vans slip on (a shoe by the way which could possibly sum up streetwear?). This shoe has probably been reproduced in the most variations and copied most by many companies and if someone gave you the oppertunity to have your own limited edition version - sure it would be easy enough to apply some graphic, maybe do an unusual fabric, relabel, stick a clearsole with a picture of your mother under it - whatever but what is the likelyhood that you could impose enough taste to an extent where it becomes a completely original product experience. Its got to the point now, particularly with New Eras where as the embroideries have become so gaudy that your actually buying a logo with a free hat underneath. ( Also, New Era sample come inruns of 18 so when a brand says super ltd edition only X amount available, think about it. ) The advantage of independant clothing brands is that they dont need to work seasonally. Ideally brands would only release products when they feel they are ready and have something new to give to the world. How about before buying a product if you said - would I have worn this a year ago? and would I wear it in a years time? if the answer to either is no then probably best to leave it alone. but then as an American once said - Its not where youre going its where your at! Back in 86, another American, Glenn O'brien said " negativitety is one of the cornerstones of rock n roll and the arts as a whole. " He was right. As a kid you want to be into anything your parents, and teachers are not just for the sake of it, like cutting class to watch horror films, putting up Iron Maiden posters in your bedroom, walking down the street with boombox and a spraycan up your sleeve or skateboarding through your neighborhood like a pack of mini hells angels. As a creative its the journey to adulthood that provides the CONTENT, the STYLE comes from the modes and aesthetics of personal rebellion which over time become more subtle and far reaching. Also in 86 The Martini Ranch had a song out called "How Can The Labouring Man Find Time For Self Culture". which I know is a great line to think about...... [ S1 ]