Three stripes you're in
SINGAPORE — I’m here to witness the launch of Adidas Originals by Originals (ObyO), a collaboration between the sportswear brand and three of the world’s most creative tastemakers in fashion, design, and streetwear.
Jeremy Scott, Alyasha Owerka-Moore, and Kazuki Kuraishi have each created a capsule collection to be sold in selected stores worldwide.
In Singapore the ObyO pieces are available at Ambush/Surrender. In Manila, they are sold exclusively at Theodore’s on Bonifacio High Street.
On Feb. 27, Friday, Adidas threw concurrent house parties in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore to celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary.
In Manila, the party was at Embassy, while in Singapore it was held at the TimberLux warehouse on Havelock Road, featuring local band Electrico and DJs playing sets inside a giant Adidas shoebox.
Spotted at the fashion show were Cebuano model Joe Vince Cañizares alongside America’s Next Top Model winner Nicole Linkletter.
Guests and media went nuts when special guest and notorious “porn star”-turned-tastemaker Edison Chen appeared at the VIP lounge.
On Saturday, a media event showcasing the collections was held at the Ambush/Surrender store on 119 Devonshire Road.
I thought Jeremy Scott’s collection was most striking, being the only one that used colors and offered pieces for both men and women.
Scott’s inspiration came from friends who up to now constantly request outfits from the American designer, like Paris Hilton, Kanye West, Lindsay Lohan, Björk, Cameron Diaz, Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue, Madonna and Cory Kennedy. These celebs helped inspire pieces like leopard tees, jackets and shoes, ruffled tracksuits in baby blue and black, Adidas hi-top sneakers with wings, one-piece track/jumpsuits, and a hooded fleece jacket with coattails.
American tastemaker Alyasha Owerka-Moore was supposed to appear at the store, but missed his flight coming from Chicago. His collection is retro and Americana-inspired with vintage washed tees, ‘50s-style shoe-style sneakers, baseball and leather jackets, and football jerseys. Think Rebel Without A Cause-meets-streetwear.
Speaking through an interpreter, I got to interview Japanese designer Kazuki Kuraishi at the store, which was filled with a small Japanese contingent including a translator and the techno unit of twin brothers, Ryukyudisko, who flew in from the house party in Thailand.
The 33-year-old designer has quite an impressive résumé, having come from the major Japanese brand Bathing Ape. His creation of the Super Ape Star was what led Adidas to give Kazuki an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Besides Adidas, Kazuki has done work for notable fashion brands such as Levi’s Fenom, Neighborhood, Number (N)ine, Resonate SL, Idiom, and Whiz.
He is known for minimalist, basic separates with attention given to details and comfort, and designs that transcend time, as well as CD covers and T-shirts for musician friends.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR: What are you wearing today?
KAZUKI KURAISHI: I prefer clothes I design. Today I’m wearing a top and pants by Levi’s Fenom and shoes by Vismin x Adidas.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
About 50.
When did you get interested in fashion?
I’ve liked clothes and fashion since I was a kid, about 5 to 7 years old.
Describe your design process.
I create flat designs on a Mac using Illustrator.
What color and fabrics do you prefer?
I like black. I have no particular fabric, but I like comfortable materials.
What limitations did you have when you did this collection for Adidas?
I had no limitations, except to retain the soles on the shoes. I could do whatever I wanted.
Explain your choice of model for your collection.
English musician Ian Brown has been a friend of mine for 10 years.
Are there any designers whose work you like to watch?
Not really designers. I am more inspired by snowboarding and outdoor brands.
When do you have time to snowboard?
I’m very busy, but when I have time to snowboard I go to Hokkaido. I wear the samples to find out how comfortable they are so I can improve my design technique.
Where have you traveled recently?
Hong Kong quite often, about three or four times a year, LA, Shanghai, and London for CD mastering.
What time do you sleep and wake up?
I wake up at 9 a.m. and sleep at 3 a.m.
Your essentials for work?
Mac, music, coffee.
Do you have a favorite font?
Helvetica.
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The Adidas Originals by Originals collections are now available at Theodore’s, Quadrant 4, Bonifacio High Street. The store is located in between Ascend and Kabisera.
Open Monday to Thursday, from 2-10 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 2-11 p.m., and Sunday from 12-9 p.m. For more information call 856-357 or 856-1635.
