Welcome to Pier Five monthly round ups, a look back at some of the people, brands & things that caught our eye this month that we thought you should know about. Remixed by Tal for ntwrk x SneakerCon Natalya Amres (@natalyaamres), upcycle designer & founder of Remixed by Tal (@remixedbytal), has an eye for deconstructing and repurposing everyday objects into other useful objects with style. Think purses made from volleyballs, teddy bears sewn from blankets or clutches stitched from sneakers. Her creations are one of a kind and this past weekend she released her newest creation, Adidas Superstar Mini Bags, through drops app ntwrk for Sneakercon. The attention to detail on these is crazy and the creativity truly makes these one of a kind. Oasis Skateboard Factory x Bryan Espiritu Bryan Espiritu (@bryanespiritu), artist and founder of streetwear brand Legends League, recently launched a new skateboard deck in partnership with Oasis Skateboard Factory, a Toronto District School Board school design program that provides accredited classes on product creation, brand building and the business of the skateboard industry. The deck features Bryan’s iconic font type and is a perfect piece to add to your art collection or to take it out for a rip at the park. The deck is still available for purchase on Legends League’s website and all proceeds from the sales go directly back to help fund Oasis Skateboard Factory programs. Salehe x New Balance Following the success of his first reimagination of the New Balance 2002R, we were eagerly awaiting Salehe Bembury’s (@salehebembury) second New Balance footwear collaboration and it did not disappoint. Inspired by his appreciation for the outdoors, “Water Be The Guide” takes cues from Arizona’s Havasu Falls. The shoe stands out from the crowd with its vivid color palette of teal, rusty orange & neon greens paired with a material composition that really brings out contrasting textures of hairy suede, leather and mesh. Hopefully you were lucky enough to get a pair on the initial June 25th drop but if not, keep it locked to your local retailers for a global release over the following weeks. Soleburners Sneaker Trays and Yeezy Candles A sneakerhead and candle lover’s dream; hand poured soy candles inspired by popular sneaker silhouettes. Camille De Leon, founder of Soleburners (@soleburners), has made a splash with her recent restock of her sneaker inspired candles and matching sneaker sole trays. From Air Jordans 1s to Yeezy 500s, there is a candle for every sneaker lover and the newly released complimentary hydrostone “Sole Trays”, are the perfect pairing to help catch the wax of the candles. This drop was sold out in under 2 hours, but don’t worry as she will be restocking in July! Reigning Champ x Modernica Vancouver-based label Reigning Champ revealed its newest collaboration this month with legendary California-based furniture crafter Modernica. Drawing inspiration from the monochromatic elements of Reigning Champ’s signature Spalding basketball, Reigning Champ x Modernica: Series 001 reimagines two icons from the Modernica collection, the Case Study Arm Shell Rocker & Side Shell, with 100% full-grain aniline leather upholstery. The clean and simple design, paired with unmatched craftsmanship combines to make the perfect set. Both chairs can be purchased on Reigning Champ’s website and if the name indicates anything, be on the (hopeful) lookout for a series 002 in the future! Stay tuned to The Roundup series to discover the coolest new people, brands and releases each month and keep it locked to all of Pier Five for stories and interviews with our favourite designers, entrepreneurs, creators and more.

Welcome to Pier Five monthly round ups, a look back at some of the people, brands & things that caught our eye this month that we thought you should know about. Mentl Sesh x Staple We were pumped to see our friend Liz Beecroft join forces with Jeff Staple to come up with the “A Staple of Your Wellbeing” collection. The collection is intentional in helping provide actual tools & resources to improve our daily mental health practices and features a journal, pill box & stress reliever in addition to some apparel items. All profits will be donated to the Made of Millions Foundation, a non profit organization focused on changing how the world perceives mental health. The collection is currently still available here. Collegium “Customs & DIY” Collegium is an emerging sneaker brand based in California that has caused quite the storm with it’s clean retro-inspired silhouettes, well thought out colourways and premium Italian made construction. Their sneakers have recently been a staple for customizations, namely the “Vintage Sapphire Metallic Destroyers” created by well known customizer @Andu.c and the “Dip Dye” pack by @bahb.o worn by NBA star Russel Westbrook and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton respectively. Also tune in to Collegium’s Instagram for news on an upcoming collaboration with sneaker YouTube star Richie Le. Styll 59/50 Caps If you’re into New Era fitted caps then you need to check out Styll. Bringing together unique colour combinations, patches and embroidery detailing, Styll is taking your boring old team caps to the next level. Our favourite right now is the Blue Jays - Toronto bias of course - “Cherry Blossom” cap that was recently released. Make sure to follow @styll.ca and keep an eye out for your team as their drops come and go very quickly. Bricks & Wood x New Balance This past week, Bricks & Wood paid homage to its roots of South Central Los Angeles with a special edition collaboration with New Balance on the NB57/40. Bringing together premium materials and a beautiful colour palette of green, brick red and light yellow, the pair was inspired by The Liquor Bank, a staple in the Crenshaw District of SCLA. Down to the packaging (each pair comes with an awesome paisley box), this pair is one for the books! The release was also supported by an awesome apparel and accessories collection dawning the same palette and paisley motif. The Forest Hill Collection by Studio S Sylvia Hoang, owner of home goods and apparel brand Studio S recently graced the world with her latest release featuring new concrete sneaker planters and a tasteful sweatsuit set that will keep your home and back looking fresh this summer. We recently had the chance to speak with Sylvia on her latest drop (read the interview here) and while most of the collection is now sold out, make sure to follow Studio S on Instagram as a restock is coming soon! Stay tuned to The Roundup series to discover the coolest new people, brands and releases each month and keep it locked to all of Pier Five for stories and interviews with our favourite designers, entrepreneurs, creators and more.

If you’re obsessed with fashion, gear and the culture surrounding it, you’ve probably established that group chat of like-minded friends that is constantly discussing all the latest fashion news and topics. Lately a hot topic for us has been the idea of not needing more products, but better products. Every day there are new brands and new releases popping up. Some of them are great but most are indistinguishable from the other five hundred “Gildan brands” or cheap ‘made in China’ accessory labels. It’s easier than ever to start a brand right now but does that necessarily mean you should jump right into it? We think maybe not and Jay Yoo, founder of functional small carry bag brand Bolstr, thinks the same. For over 20 years, Jay has been honing his craft carefully to blend function and style into products that don’t just look good, but solve a problem — a feat that is not done overnight. In the early 2000’s, Jay was frequently travelling for work and noticed a gap in apparel and gear for men in this niche. Since then, he has been on a spree of developing products that improve the day-to-day activity of style-conscious men. Jay first launched a techwear jacket line that was carried in Japanese retailers like BEAMS & Nepenthes and proved to be a pioneer in the space. Now we see players like Errolson Hugh’s Acronym whom Jay reveres as one of the “best makers of techwear and functional garments”. Jay later went on to be one of the first to create the ‘slim wallet’ for men, saving pocket space with the “less is more” mantra. In 2014 Jay launched Bolstr, a small, highly functional men’s bag that could be used as an intermediary between a backpack and an overstuffed pocket. In 2015, Art of Manliness wrote “We’re in a cultural place where men carry a medium to large bag, or whatever fits in their pockets, but nothing in between.” and GQ released a story called "Dude: Bulging Pockets Make Your Pants Look Terrible", confirming the need for a brand like Bolstr. While the Bolstr bag looks great, Jay doesn’t consider Bolstr a fashion brand. “I’ve seen so many people stuff their pockets to the max because backpacks aren’t cool anymore and there’s still a stigma around men carrying small bags and I want to change that.” Jay says. “It’s not about being another fashion bag brand. Those already exist but they focus on looks and not function” he continues. Jay also received some valuable advice from his friend and founder of Xhibition, Cleveland’s premier streetwear boutique, Robert Rosenthal. “Robert told me to stay away from the fashion angle with Bolstr because there are a million fashion bag brands out there and that’s not what Bolstr was made for. This bag is made to solve a problem and that’s what is important to show people.” Jay says. Nowadays, if you’re going to start a brand for the sake of making “cool clothes”, you’re going to have a hard time gaining the market share that you’ll need to be successful. We’re not here to stop anyone from getting out the sewing machine but it’s important to think about what else your brand can do for your customers and how your products stand apart from all the others. Jay spent over two years developing the first Bolstr small carry bag with this thinking. From the pockets to the closures and strap placements, Jay never rushed development, ensuring that the Bolstr outperformed all other small carry bags from a performance standpoint while also looking good. “I didn’t fuss too much about the design when I was developing the bag.” Jay told us. “First, I need to make the perfect bag from a functional use standpoint and then I can start coming in with fancy colours and materials.” Jay referenced the Nike Air Force 1 as an inspiration for him. Once you create the perfect silhouette, then you can start to mess around with different colourways and collaborations but not the other way around. Having a solution-oriented mindset will also help if you’re thinking about fundraising, something that many new designers require to get started. Jay saw early success through crowdsourcing platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo which describes as difficult but a great exercise to go through as you develop your brand. “Crowdsourcing is brutally honest. If your product isn’t unique or doesn’t solve a problem, you’ll find out very quickly and have a very hard time raising money.” Jay says. If you’re really good, there are even major companies that can help boost your campaigns and make you millions of dollars but they are very specific when it comes to choosing who they work with so your positioning statement and solution better be airtight. At Pier Five, we aim to inspire. If you want to create then, by all means, you should create but we also want you to succeed if your goal is to build a business. Think very hard about what gap your products can fill for others and if that gap is already filled, iterate until there is no better substitute and you’ll be set for life. Lastly, be passionate about what you’re trying to solve. For Jay, he hopes to put an end to what he refers to as the “overstuffed George Costanza pocket”. “You can’t easily access your things when you have them all shoved into your front pockets. I want to make it cool to carry those things in a nice bag because it’s so much more comfortable and will truly make your daily activities so much easier.” Jay is absolutely right! To learn more about Bolstr and back the newest campaign, head to their website and keep it locked to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the best in fashion, art, business, sports, food & more.

With the growing importance of digital in fashion commerce and customers spending so much more time online, a strategic digital identity isn't just a nice to have; it’s a necessity. We spoke with Addam Rodriguez, Digital Art Director of New York based outerwear studio The Arrivals, about his process and system for developing consistent visual concepts and a strong artistic language for the brand. @addamrod Hey Addam, awesome to be connected! For those who might not be familiar, tell us a little about yourself. Hey! I’m Addam and I am the Digital Art Director for the outerwear brand The Arrivals. Growing up in LA, I was always surrounded by photography. My uncle was a photographer and was always around taking pictures and had some super expensive cameras which I got really into. When I got a bit older I went to school for audio engineering but I always found myself out taking photos and realized I liked that way more. Out of school, I got a graphic design job at a brand in the arts district in LA but started doing photography for them as well and also worked in the warehouse. It was great to be a part of all aspects of that business because it allowed me to understand the go-to-market and storytelling aspects of the brand which made for better photography and visuals. My next job after that was for this ready to wear brand called Frankie. I worked with the lead designer and travelled with the brand between NY & LA, basically just taking photos of the whole process of the brand. After a few trips, I knew I wanted to come out and live in NY and get better at my photography out here. I met with The Arrivals and they offered me a graphic design role. I was nervous about taking another graphic designer position but I loved the brand and the overall culture. Once I got into the role though, I told them I could shoot too and over time it turned into more of a photography role and now the digital art direction role that I have today. That’s a wild journey but seems like it all worked out. What is your process for coming up with your visual concepts for The Arrivals? We’re a small team so everyone is involved in everything. Early on, I’m in conversations with the designers and production teams so I can get a really solid understanding of the product. Being in the warehouse at my first job definitely taught me to learn the product cycle well so that I could bring in all of those details into the final visual concepts. Internally we all talk about concepts and once we land on an idea, it’s up to me to figure out how we communicate that to our audience and I work alongside the creative director to bring it all to life. I spend a lot of time looking at data from past campaigns to see what’s working, what kind of things have our audience been responsive to in the past, stuff like that. Once we have product samples I’m then able to start working out the visual flow and moodboarding and we’ll A-B test a ton. I have to create content for everything like email, ads, social and web so there’s a lot of planning since we don’t (and you never should) use the same content for everything. To make things easier, I have built out a pretty robust system for how I shoot to develop consistency and a visual language that our customers will recognize and remember us for. Once I’m happy with the flow, I draft out the final shot list and then work out the planning for production. This whole process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple months but it’s always super fun to put together. That system you mentioned definitely shines through. The Arrivals content is some of the most coordinated in the game from campaign to campaign. Why is aligning product and content styling so important for you and the brand? That’s great to hear [laughs]. I have a huge appreciation for what goes into making the garments so I want to ensure the work I do represents all that effort put in by the design teams. Our products are very elevated and with good styling it can become even more elevated. I’ve started experimenting with other mediums besides photo like 6k video which everybody said we didn’t need but it allows for the smoothest transitions and flows that I feel mimic actions in our daily life and make the content so approachable and appealing. The pandemic has really expedited the growth of digital, especially consumer’s adoption/habits of shopping online. What should new brands keep in mind when developing a visual identity for their brand? This is a great question. I’ve tried so many things throughout the years and I think most importantly, it’s important to figure out what you really love and to build on that. Don’t try to be like everything else you see just because it’s popular. Even if what you are working on doesn’t work out right away, don’t give up. Keep experimenting and refining and build a system over time that works for you. A visual identity is like a house. You can design the interior as many times as you want as long as you hold on to the foundation of the building. That’s great advice for brands! What are some tips you’d give to individuals looking to bring their skills to a brand as an art director? Learn as many tools as possible. You don’t need to be the best at any of them but a knowledge of the different tools will allow you to put together initial ideas and then you can bring in the experts to help you bring it to life. Even if you can get the concept to 10% baked, that will help everyone understand the vision and then you bring in the pro editors, retouchers, colour specialists, etc. Another thing I’d say is go big on networking. You also don’t always need to connect with the biggest names. There are so many people doing amazing work behind the scenes that can give you great advice or introductions. This was huge for me when coming to New York. Lastly, it’s important to be patient. Things take time. I’ve been here for about 4 years and it’s all just starting to click for me which is exciting. Now I just need to keep pushing! Totally agree! So now that things are clicking, what do you have your sights set on next? I want to make the shopping experience for our customers even better using interactive video and stronger graphics. I’ve built the house and now it’s time to renovate the interior with new visuals to create a better moment for the customer. I’m all about that moment! Who doesn’t love a good moment?! Lastly, we’re finally starting to see some normalcy again and it’s looking to be a wild summer! What are you most looking forward to doing again in NYC as things open back up? Honestly, just meeting people. It’s hard to stay creative when everything is locked down. I knew so many people who moved out of the city at the start of the pandemic and they’re coming back now. I can’t wait to meet up with them and see what they’re working on. I think we’re seeing a new wave of creatives who are about to take this industry by storm and I’m excited to witness it in person! Check out Addam and The Arrivals on Instagram and keep it locked to Pier Five for more interviews and stories with the coolest designers, artists, activists, entrepreneurs and more.

A couple months ago I had a sneakerhead epiphany. I have too many shoes. This happened around the time I secured one of my grails, the Nike Air Max 90 ‘Bacon’ and then only wore them twice in the preceding month. I waited a full year (since the rumored 2020 release) for this shoe, got them out of luck, and then only wore them twice! Why was this? Well, only one reason. I have too many shoes. Since I've always been a bit of a collector, having a lot of things never bothered me much. The issue with sneakers is how much less each pair gets worn as I continue to buy more pairs. I grew up loving the cycle of beating a new pair of sneakers down and then replacing them only once my toes stuck through the front. Nowadays, I can’t remember the last time I’ve actually worn a pair into the ground and yet the new pairs keep on coming in. I can tie my sneaker consumption habit to a few causes. The first is that I’m a big nerd for design. The technology keeps on getting better and the fact that I do get to wear something, albeit minimally per pair, that I consider almost like art, is awesome. Secondly, I love the hunt which is a huge part of sneaker collecting. Lastly there’s a bunch of other reasons that I’m not as proud of like “hype made me do it” and the occasional “flip”. Yes, I admit that I occasionally resell sneakers, but all of these factors are what has fuelled the obsession that I, along with many others, have for sneakers. So, what does this have to do with running as mentioned in the title? Well, around the same time I was questioning all my decisions regarding footwear, I was also getting more into running. I learned that if I transferred all of my obsessive characteristics to running, I was instantly more fulfilled. The design and tech aspects were obviously there, it was a new hunt for a product I had no idea about and I could regain that satisfaction of really wearing my shoes like they were meant to be worn. It also got me outside way more and made me feel healthier and happier. Running was my ultimate saving grace as a “struggling” sneakerhead and I am riding that wave like no other. The thing with running though, is that while it’s a simple activity at its core, it can be intimidating. It took some time to learn and get into the right groove to really start loving it. So, in hopes of helping other sneakerheads (or anyone for that matter, but this story be most relevant to sneakerheads) who may be interested in exploring this culture that I’ve recently become obsessed with, I reached out to other more experienced runners to share their knowledge on the sport, community and gear. The Guests: Mario LoConte Mario is a co-founder of vintage convention ThriftCon and streetwear label Station. He is a big time runner and is a part of a running team with 48forchange, a non-profit that raises funds for underprivileged and marginalized communities through run challenges. His team is currently sponsored by ON Running. Jes Woods Jes is a running legend! Day-to-day, Jes is a Nike Running coach in New York and also serves as a trainer and coach for Brooklyn Track Club and Chaski Endurance as well as manages a Mile High Run Club location. Jes recently came second in a solo-run, three-hundred mile race from Los Angeles to Las Vegas which she completed in under six days. Daniel Navetta Dan, also known through his social media as The Air Vegan, is an NYC based director and content creator. He is the founder of video production company BRYGHT YOUNG THINGS and fashion sustainability platform news FutureVVorld. Dan is an avid runner and vegan sneaker collector and brings a fresh perspective to the sport and culture. Q1: Why do you like running & how does it make you feel? Mario: Firstly, running is a great way to explore your own city and see it in a different light. I also think that it's fairly easy to progress, but in your progress, the ceiling just keeps moving up and up, so it's a great way to stay motivated. The thing that I might appreciate most about running however is the fact that it isn't enjoyable sometimes. It's hard, it hurts and it makes you want to quit, but you find ways to push through, and I think that ultimately translates to other areas of your life. Jes: How much time do we have? [laughs]. Running makes me feel accomplished. There’s goal setting and working hard to achieve that goal but at the same time, running doesn't always have to be that serious. It’s also a social thing that I get to enjoy with my friends. If you're doing it right, running can be and should be enjoyable. Daniel: I like running because it gives me a break from the outside world. There is a state of "flow" that has become easier to achieve during my runs, and that's the feeling I find myself seeking. When everything is clicking, there is a euphoria and bliss that I don't access in other areas of my life. I also love the community aspect of it. Q2: Are you a collector of running shoes? Mario: I see my running shoes as work boots. I get a new pair and I instantly start setting mileage goals for them - 350-500 - and wonder how fast I can get there. I want them to be completely spent by the end of those miles and I want them to look like it too. Daniel: I wouldn't say that I collect running shoes, because all of my running sneakers get used. I think there's definitely more "collectible" running sneakers than ever before, but I seek them out to put miles on them. Jes: I genuinely don't consider myself cool enough to collect lifestyle sneakers, so my collection is very much running sneakers focused with a dash of lifestyle. Oh, and maybe the Bad Bunny Crocs too! Q3: Many are shifting spending from hype to more technical footwear. Have you seen your behaviour shift like this at all over the last year? If yes, why do you think this is? Daniel: Yes. I think everyone has suddenly discovered a greater appreciation for the outdoors and a small shift away from “hype for the sake of hype”. I'm grateful that I learned this lesson years ago, because I've spent my free time and expendable income on travel and experience as opposed to coveting a bunch of sneakers that sit in storage. Jes: Yes! Thank goodness technical gear is now considered fashion because it's the only thing I'm wearing 99% of the time. Hopefully this shift sticks around for some time. Mario: I would say so. I am starting to think more about the actual composition and construction of all of my clothing and see others doing so as well. I’m making an effort to be more mindful with my purchases and surround myself with more functional, timeless products to cut down on my own waste and consumption. What are you wearing on the road? Mario Shoes: ON Running Cloudflow Apparel: ON Running Lightweight Shorts, Performance T, Performance Long T Jes Shoes: Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Apparel: Jordan Track Cargo Pants, Nike Trail Gear Daniel Shoes: ZoomX Vaporfly Next% Apparel: District Vision Air-Wear Longsleeve, Satisfy Running Gear, Nike NSRL Transform Jacket What are you listening to on the road? Mario: If it's a short distance run I’ll throw on some rap or a random metal playlist (which I never listen to) because it's nice to just have some wild music playing in the background that I can push to. For longer runs, I’ll do something more mellow:, rap, pop, 90s/00s stuff. I'll even throw on a podcast every once in a while to try and learn something while I run. Jes: Here we go! The Greatest Showman soundtrack. On repeat. Over and over again. Sometimes for upwards of 9 hours (on a 50 mile run). Daniel: Wild story - For the first marathon I ran, there was a rule against headphones, so I had to run in silence...that was quite an experience. Nowadays, I listen to everything from the DJ Premiere/RZA Verzus playlist, to "War on Drugs", to the NY Times "The Daily" podcast, to books like, "Power of Now" and "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself". I'm always trying to dial in the right mood, for the right day, to achieve the perfect run. Final Thoughts from Pier Five The purpose of this story was not to tell you all to stop buying shoes. I can’t honestly say that I am going to stop and I am not the right person to tell you to. If you do want to learn how you can think about your consumption more responsibly, Daniel’s FutureVVorld is an amazing platform for this. Ultimately, this story was meant to inspire you to try something new. For me, it was running but there are a million activities that exist that we can bring our compulsive sneakerhead characteristics to that can make you happier. Finally, if you made it this far and you’re still no more excited to try something new, then all I can say is the next time you overpay for some kicks on StockX, at least wear the damn shoes more than twice a month! For more on Mario, Jes & Dan, check out their IG and keep it locked to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the best in fashion, art, business, sports, food & more. Mario: @imnotmars Jes: @jeslynnyc Dan: @theairvegan

Guest: Jon Elias of Lost & Found 1. Choemon Cups "Hand painted Skateboarder and Boombox on Japanese tea cups. Need I say more?" 2. Ratio Eight Pour Over Coffee Machine "I've been pretty obsessed with this coffee machine for the past year or os. Hand blown glass, no plastic and every single one is hand made in Portland." 3. James Jarvis Teapot "I grabbed this last year and literally leave it out as a display piece. Haven't made tea in it yet...It's just so amazing to look at [laughs]." 4. Javier Calleja "No Art Here" + Haroshi "I've been pretty obsessed with Javier Calleja and Haroshi's work of late. Javier Calleja just released a set of Toys about two months ago through the Nanzuka art gallery called No Art Here and Haroshi will be dropping two marble pieces in June that are incredible." 5. AALTO Copper Vase "This was all my mom. I saw it at her house and wanted to add it to our collection at home. Part of a limited series done by Aalto." Check out all of our guest picks for June here and stay tuned to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the coolest people around.

Guest: Amanda & JP of Post Design Collective 1. Atlas of Furniture Design. 2019, Vitra Design Museum "One of the most comprehensive design books featuring notable standout pieces throughout the 20th century. Beautiful book with a plethora of information!" 2. 325 Magazine, Yearly. Ryerson Department of Architectural Science (DAS) "An amazing yearly publication that showcases the work of students from 1st year through to Master's program from Ryerson's Architectural Department. Coming from this program ourselves, we always are interested to see what is being produced and how far the program has come." 3. What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions, Randall Munroe "Really just a fun, light-hearted read that takes simple problems way too seriously, sometimes how we approach problems as well." 4. The Age of Collage Contemporary Collage in Modern Art Vol 2, 2016. Gestalten "An amazing collection of abstract and surrealist works, showcasing collage as an art in its most idealistic and interesting form. Goes largely alongside Amanda's Thesis work, and is on the list to purchase (but is sold out everywhere)." 5. Dieter Rams: the Complete Works, 2020? Klaus Klemp "A Collection of works from one of the most influential designers (and one of our favourites, as noted in our previous interview). Also on the list for purchase and a read. One day!" Check out all of our guest picks for June here and stay tuned to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the coolest people around.

Guest: Artist & sneaker collector Cereal Artist 1. Nike Sb Dunk Low "Street Hawker" "The 6 different Chinese cities and their signature street food inspiration behind this pair are the perfect representation to celebrate Chinese New Year!" 2. Bad Bunny x Adidas Forum low "Pink Easter Egg" "These are another beautiful holiday themed collab. The extra design details and the different shades of pink just pops!" 3. Puma Suede Mayu UP "Blue-marshmallow" "This blown-up exaggerated proportions take with a bubble-like platform sole are just so cool and gives that old school 90s chunky sneakers vibe I love!" 4. Jordan 1 mid Melody Ehsani "Fearless" "You can't go wrong with this amazing collab by a woman, for women. The mismatched colours and the watch details work so beautifully! 5. Bape x Adidas Superstar "ABC Camo Green" "Lastly, this is another great and somewhat underrated collab. You can't go wrong with the classic superstar silhouette and signature Bape ABC green camo. These took me back to my childhood in Asia!" Check out all of our guest picks for June here and stay tuned to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the coolest people around.

Guest: Photographer Kishan Mistry "The playlist is motivated by the nice warm weather entering Toronto; something to throw on while going on a road trip / kicking it in the backyard. Good vibes all around!" His & Hers Internet Money ft. Don Toliver, Lil Uzi Vert & Gunna (Single - 2021) Waves of Blue Majid Jordan (Single - 2021) Down to Miami Emotional Oranges ft. Becky G (Single - 2021) The Weekend Mac Miller ft. Miguel (Single - 2015) The Thrill Wiz Khalifa (Single - 2011) Check out all of our guest picks for June here and stay tuned to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the coolest people around.

Over the last 12 months, creativity has been on the rise and DIY projects became the new norm. For this special interview, we caught up with Toronto based artist and one of Complex Canada’s Top 30 Female Designers Sylvia Hoang, owner of Studio S, a creative brand founded on the ethos of “doing it yourself”. Coming off of a strong launch with her streetwear inspired concrete home goods collection and most recently a tasteful apparel release perfect for the spring & summer months, Sylvia has been on a roll and has a positive attitude that is taking her to great heights. @studio.sylvia Hey Sylvia! For those who may not be familiar, tell us a bit about yourself. Hey! So excited to be speaking with you. So, I’m Sylvia and I’m a fashion student at Ryerson University in Toronto, a freelance graphic designer and the founder of Studio S, my home goods and now fashion brand. My entire life I’ve been surrounded by art and started studying art in my early teens. I’ve had incredible opportunities to explore clothing & product design, event planning, retail & merchandising and so much more which has allowed me to work in so many different mediums and led me to where I am today with Studio S. Right now I’m really excited about sculpture and working with concrete which is what kicked off Studio S and I just launched an apparel collection called “The Forest Hill Collection”. I also love biking in the city and my favourite ice cream flavour is Vietnamese coffee ice cream! Oh so good! Most people that start brands might begin with something more common like t-shirts or hats. Why was it important for you to do something unique like concrete home goods right out of the gate? While I studied fashion, I took a lot of art history and architecture courses which spawned a huge interest in industrial design. After working with print and digital for so long, I wanted to work with a new medium and making functional and aesthetic 3D objects was really exciting to me. I hadn't ever worked with concrete but I had some conversations with Toronto creative Natalya Amres who is amazing and she really pushed me to give it a shot. With this brand I really just want to experiment with all mediums and this one was a ton of fun to learn about and work on. Speaking of creatives, who are you inspired by and how, if at all, did that influence your first collection? First and foremost, my grandfather has always been a huge inspiration to me. He’s a self taught artist who grew up in China and taught himself how to paint, draw and play five different instruments. From a young age, I’ve always looked up to him. I mentioned her before but Natalya Amres is always a big one being from Toronto. She’s been an awesome contact to have as I start my journey. Daniel Arsham and Matt Williams of Alyx are also huge inspirations for me; Daniel Arsham for his large scale sculpture works and MW for his sleek, dark aesthetic. Lastly, the entire creative community in Toronto that I’ve watched and met parts of is so inspiring. Seeing everyone do their own thing and make their own lane is exactly what I want to be a part of. We’re sure people are interested, so can you walk us through the process of creating your concrete collection? Absolutely! Firstly, I knew I wanted it to be sneakers and streetwear inspired which is how I landed on the nike swoosh, Murakami flowers and more recently the Nike and Jordan sneakers. To make it all happen: Drawing. I drew the concepts a bunch of times first to get an idea of what I’d want to make. Clay modelling. I used modelling clay to make the 3D shapes so I can get a good feel for the pieces. It usually takes a lot of clay iterations until I’m happy with the design. 3D Printing. I was luckily able to find a great local 3D printer who I work with to make the prototypes. Usually there are a couple iterations but I try to prep with clay and work on digital renderings to reduce the number of 3D printed models which can be expensive to make. Making the molds. Once the 3D prints are done I bring them to my friend who can help me make molds of the pieces. Lastly, once I have the molds I fill the molds with concrete and let the pieces sit to dry. This usually takes anywhere from a couple hours for the small pieces to a couple days for the big ones. It was fun experimenting with the different types of concrete mixes to find the perfect one from a texture and colour standpoint. This is super interesting and we love to see the process. On to the apparel launch, tell us about the inspiration for your recent Forest Hill Collection. This was actually my first time getting into apparel and it was a lot of fun and learning. This collection was dedicated to personal growth and for me it served as another reminder that it’s ok to keep trying new things. I started planning the collection in January and it took some time to find the right suppliers and understand the supply chain for apparel first hand. Luckily my roommate runs an embroidery business so that helped with the decoration part but it wasn't easy at first to source all the apparel I wanted. Design wise, I wanted to make something fun and a little different than classic colours like black, white and grey, even though that’s my normal aesthetic. I love forest green and wanted to make something lively for spring and summer and thought the green/gold aesthetic was great for that! Love that! Any tips or things you learned along the way that others might find useful when starting their own brand? The first thing I learned is that communication skills are key. The Studio S projects were the first time I really started working with other people like printers, other artists, suppliers, etc and I had to learn how to speak their language to get things done. I also think patience is important, understanding that new things take time and practice. Things won’t always be perfect on the first try or maybe suppliers won’t always have what you need but being patient and testing a lot will get you where you want to be. Trust the process and have fun with it. This is great advice! Lastly, while you’re just coming off of a big launch, any idea what’s next for Studio S? When we get closer to the fall I really want to start experimenting with outerwear like maybe a varsity jacket. I think that would be a challenging project but I love those vintage varsity jackets and the BBC Ice Cream varsities so I think making one of those would be really cool. I also have been ideating a personal project that will involve the community and concrete at a large scale. This one is in the ideation phase right now so I can’t share too much but if I can rally some people, it will be very cool and bring concrete and plants to a new level! To keep up with Sylvia & Studio S, check out her Instagram and latest drops available on her website and keep it locked to Pier Five for more interviews and stories with the coolest designers, artists, activists, entrepreneurs and more.

by Pier Five Staff Writer Are you a fan of watches, art, sneakers and/or vinyl toys? If you’ve answered yes to any or all of the above then you very well might be into sculpture artist Dan Tanenbaum, aka Watch Parts Motorcycles. Over the last ten years, Dan has been honing his craft meshing watch parts and pop culture to create some of the wildest sculptures out there. With no two pieces being the same, Dan has created hundreds of watch part encrusted works for collectors, gallery curators, friends and family and celebrities such as rapper Chief Keef and DJ Steve Aoki. Dan has also amassed an impressive following of nearly one hundred thousand people on social media. With an attention to detail that is unmatched and a unique style, each of Dan’s sculptures come with a story. His work is revered by many and coveted by collectors, sneakerheads, artists and the like around the world. Dan started his career as an art director in his twenties and moved on to become a serial tech entrepreneur in his thirties which he still does full time. Early after the transition to tech, Dan started feeling his creative side taking a back seat and sought out to change that, leading to what is now a major endeavour in the art space. “I’ve always had art in my bones and once I stopped working as an art director, I felt myself missing that ability to create and design in that way.” Dan explains. “Then one day I took a trip out to one of my watch dealers in London [Ontario] and came across this box of hundreds of old watch pieces which the dealer said was his box of garbage… so I was like “I’ll take it!” While some of Dan’s most famous sculptures today are his watch encrusted Kaws and KidRobot Dunny figures, it didn’t originally start there. He initially used the pieces he sourced to make cufflinks and then graduated to, you guessed it, mini motorcycle sculptures which is where the name Watch Parts Motorcycles came from. “Once I started gaining traction from the motorcycles, I thought that was it. I was getting really immersed in the motorcycle groups and it was so cool seeing what these pieces meant to some of those people” Dan explained. “Besides using the art as an escape, I think the reveal and seeing the buyer connect with the piece was what I really loved about this and made me keep going”. From day one, Dan has focused on making sculptures that hold a lot of meaning and sentimental value. His favourite sculptures to make are the ones that are customized specially for the collector and this is why every piece that Dan makes, other than his recurring Time Bomb series, is made to order and a unique one-of-one. “I love consulting with a collector to make something relevant to their life.” Dan says. “Oftentimes, I’ll get messages for a Dunny or a Jordan sneaker but I’ll ask them about what else they collect and see if we can think of something that will be more personal to them.” Most recently, Dan encrusted a ski boot for a father to remind them of their time on the slopes and before that, a three foot tall Star Wars stormtrooper to add to an LA collector’s 8-piece stormtrooper collection from artists around the world. In addition, Dan likes to take personalization to another level by often including special watch parts into the piece. Whether it’s a dial from a client’s childhood watch or a strap that belonged to their grandparent, Dan will always go the furthest to make each piece as tailored to the customer as possible. What does a new tailored suit or a handmade bag have in common with Dan’s art pieces? For all of them, there’s always an amazing feeling that comes with getting something that you know took countless hours to make specially for you. From the initial consultation to the documented journey with Dan as he creates a piece for you and only you, the work of Watch Parts Motorcycles is almost more experience than art. “While I might go into the studio and work for four hours at a time without any breaks, I do try to keep the buyer in the loop. I think it’s cool to document the process and I think it adds a lot of value to the final product.” Dan explains about his works. Most of the time, it’s even hard for Dan to part ways with his work after it’s completed. “The hardest part for me is letting it go. Once they’re gone they’re gone.” Dan explains, thinking about some of his recent creations. “I’ve always marvelled at the idea of making multiples so that I could keep one but I don’t think I ever would.” he continues. So, if you own one of Dan’s pieces, consider yourself lucky because he likely had a tough time handing it over. If you don’t, the first thing to do is check out his socials and follow along as Dan encrusts the world in millions of watch parts, one piece at a time. Who knows, maybe one day he’ll turn that Mickey Mouse watch from your childhood trip to Disney World into the coolest thing you’ll ever place on your shelf. For more on Watch Parts Motorcycles, check out Dan’s Instagram below and keep it locked to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the best in fashion, art, business, food & more. Watch Parts Motorcycles Instagram

By Pier Five Staff Writer Over the last fourteen months, I think I’ve changed my personal style about a dozen times. From vintage to modern to patterns to minimalism, my closet is looking like a costume design wardrobe for about a dozen different characters and for a while my living room was the love child of an MCM connoisseur and Andy Warhol’s evil twin. Now, do I have some jawns? Of course! Was I getting compliments on my art collection through the two by two inch screen showcasing my home on zoom calls? On occasion. But am I also tossing and turning at night, desperately seeking aesthetic order in my life between the clothes on my back, the decor in my home and the posts on my IG feed? Most definitely. With new brands and trends popping up every single day, honing in can be a tricky thing but whenever I need help, I turn to one of IG’s kings of class, the aesthetic authority, the curation connoisseur, Matthew Spade, aka Mat Buckets Mat is a 35 year old digital content creator and freelancer out of North West England with some of the cleanest and most figured out style in the game. Heavily influenced by traditional sportswear and practical clothing that serves a purpose, Mat has been whipping up some of the best style content on the feed both when it comes to clothing, home decor and art & design. With early experiences working fashion retail, PR, editorial and e-commerce alongside a university degree in fashion promotion and creative marketing, Mat has his “finger in every pie” and has become one of the go-to authorities for creative work in the U.K. His resume includes freelancing for brands such as Salomon, The Hip Store, Uniqlo and Aesop Skincare, his blog Buckets & Spades and a personal instagram feed which serves as the ultimate guide for all things style, interiors and food. Mat is also the owner and designer for Best of Packaging, a moodboard for the best CPG packaging on Instagram. I really admire Mat for his ability to maintain a consistent style across everything he does while also being able to mix in different themes, colours, textures and feels without feeling too off brand. The clothing he wears, the furniture in his home, the photos he takes and even the salads he eats (which look absolutely amazing!) all feel curated to a T and are naturally Mat. While he’s often seen in some vintage light Levi's 501s, a basic Buzz Rickson sweatshirt and some Birks, he’s also developed an aesthetic that works perfectly with head to toe techwear or a rainbow of colour without looking overdone or out of the ordinary. We spoke to Mat about how he has built such a tasteful aesthetic and a lot of it boils down to discipline and self awareness. This is something I definitely struggle with from time to time, at least when it comes to clothing. Mat has disciplined himself to be extra selective when it comes to new purchases and has a checklist he goes through before adding to his closet or his home. “Do we need it? Is it replacing something that's tired or broken? Does it compliment where it's intended to go? How long have I/we taken an interest in it? Does it have longevity?” - Mat Spade I laughed when he told us this because it seems so obvious to do but when I’m sitting with adrenaline shooting through my veins at 9:59am waiting for that 10am sneaker drop for some new kicks I absolutely don’t need, I feel like those questions somehow fly right over my head. Mat also attributes a lot of his learnings to travel, but not just the “I went to the LV store in Paris because I’m into fashion” kind of travel, but the “I spent an hour speaking to the owner of a little coffee shop and learning about the neighbourhood” kind of travel. Paying attention to all the little details and getting into the roots of a culture or an aesthetic is key for developing a true style that can be uniquely your own. Additionally, take note. Whether it’s a photo or writing something down, building out a personal reference library will go a long way. “Cafes, restaurants, hotels, retail, bars; they differ so much from town to town, country to country, and if you show a real interest, they open you up to the people who made these places happen.” - Mat Spade We can all take a page out of Mat’s book in some way or another. Do you need to dress like him or design your living room to match his? Definitely not, do your own thing. However, I do think that Mat shows us what can come from truly immersing yourself in all walks of life, whether that is craft or culture and it is something worth paying attention to. Through years of thoughtfulness and patience, Mat has created a formula for his personal aesthetic that is a force to be reckoned with and something I aspire to emulate. While I may never be influencing tens of thousands around the world on what sweatshirt to buy or what coffee machine to use, I know for a fact I’ll be sleeping a little better at night knowing that my latest purchases can be worn together and that the “art chair” that I bought for my living room will actually work with the rest of my furniture. Or maybe I should just stop buying “art chairs”...no way, they’re awesome! Either way, if you’re looking for some style inspo or even just a super clean IG account to follow, Mat’s your guy and he’s not going anywhere. For more on Mat, check out the links below and keep it locked to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the best in fashion, art, business, food and more. Mat Buckets Instagram Buckets and Spades Blog Best of Packaging Buckets Print Shop