EDITORIAL
Editorial
THE OAKLAND ROOTS TURN A SOCCER GAME INTO A BLOCK PARTY
The Oakland Roots aren’t an ordinary soccer club. You could argue their main objective may not even be winning on the field — at least not now. The Roots play in what’s considered a third division within the professional ranks of United States soccer, yet that designation doesn’t stop their community from showing up to games.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
NIKE CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOSÉ CABAÇO'S NEVER-ENDING CURIOSITY
José’s photos don’t necessarily set off preset fireworks, but what they do do is squeeze every possible pixel out of a smartphone’s capabilities and that’s no accident, and José wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s this sort of process – extracting something to its maximum ability – that’s paved such an impressive career for Nike’s Global Concept Creative Director; José Cabaço, controlling only what you’re able to control and letting the rest manifest on it’s own.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
HUMBLE IS A HABIT :: ORLY LOCQUIAO & TATTOO CULTURE
A product of the prideful city of San Jose, Orly Locquiao is widely considered, one of, if not themost influential Polynesian tattoo artist in the Bay Area. One of the nicest and most humble people you’ll meet, the Filipino ink maestro is never one to take himself too seriously, but when it comes to tattoos, his game face changes as soon as the switch turns on.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
ANDRE IGUODALA TALKS HOOPS, FASHION, AND THE KEY TO TEAM EXCELLENCE
A bonafide star since his early days with the Philadelphia 76ers, Andre Iguodala’s athleticism and defensive tenacity have become hallmarks of his undeniable talent as a professional athlete, Olympic gold medalist and NBA champion. An overachiever that continually flies under the radar, Andre’s quiet blend of confidence and sophistication has seamlessly allowed his transition off the hardwood into life after basketball, an inevitable reality for every player that walks through the NBA’s proverbial spinning doors.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
BRANDBLACK IS NOT AFRAID OF NIKE
BrandBlack is a movement, 20 years-in-the-making, for veteran footwear designer David Raysse. The Paris-born, New York-raised sneaker maestro has spent the last two decades refining his craft through stints at FILA, adidas, and most recently as VP of performance design at Skechers, which saw its profile boosted significantly during this year’s Boston marathon. Having created two of FILA’s most iconic silhouettes of all-time, while still in college – the Grant Hill II and Stackhouse II – David’s infatuation with basketball has led him on a whirlwind journey that’s ultimately enabled him to break away on his own and start a brand that he can call his own.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
FEAR OF GOD’S JERRY LORENZO SPEAKS ON THE NEW AGE OF COOL, FAMILY & RELIGION
On the eve of his first pop-up store opening at J. Lorenzo – a chic West Hollywood establishment coincidentally sharing the same surname – self-taught Los Angeles designer Jerry Lorenzo is clearly humbled, yet undoubtedly delighted at the success shared by himself and his rising creation: Fear of God – a sophomore clothing label forged as an ode to Lorenzo’s spirituality and diverse past.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
THE LIFE-CHANGING STORY OF A DESIGNER & HIS NO. 2 PENCIL
D’Wayne Edwards’ story is the stuff of legends. A tale manifested through his love of drawing, made possible through the life of something often overlooked: a No. 2 pencil. The founder of one of the country’s only design academies specializing in footwear, Edwards has made learning and striving for better a habitual process throughout all of his life, yielding success levels unimaginable for a kid growing up in Inglewood, California in the ’80s.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
BRIXTON IS THAT LITTLE BRAND THAT COULD
Founded in 2004, Brixton is a timeless apparel brand fueled by a collective of counter cultures, but forever inspired by easy Southern California living. Conceived through the vision of co-founder David Stoddard, the independent imprint is nearing a decade of relevance with its consistent range of clothing that highlights just about everyone and excludes none. Designed around the interests of David, his business partners, and talented team of creatives, the brand – whose name was inspired by English punk band The Clash – has grown tenfolds since its humble beginnings as a headwear startup out of Stoddard’s garage.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
MODERN DAY RENAISSANCE WOMAN ANITA HERRERA'S INSPIRING HUSTLE
I’m no public relations expert, but having worked in editorial for as long as I have, I’m used to being approached by agencies everyday, mostly always multiple times in a 24 hour period. Throughout the years I’ve come to know these people, on a personal level, quite sparingly. But there’s always an exception to the rule, those individuals that have a genuine way with people that makes you respect their hustle and appreciate how much they put into actually building a relationship, and at times friendship, without being obnoxious.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE JOGGER PANT™
One year away from my 30s, I’m quickly becoming fearful that kids will soon not care to know about the 90s, a decade that I attribute to be the most influential during my 29 years on the planet. When I think of jogger pants, I wander back to those days in 1997 when Lugz were poppin’ and kids were cinching their pants with rubberbands so they wouldn’t step on their jeans, which was outclassed the next year by the rolled up leg look, courtesy of one James Todd Smith. Trends like these tend to come and go, always reincarnated in a slightly different way and weirdly enough, more refined upon their return. So, will the jogger pant be the next to fall in line? or will it become a staple in a stable of menswear that hasn’t changed all that much in… forever.
Words by Luis Ruano
LIFE AS THE SON OF BOB HURLEY
Hurley is a brand I root for. Not for the logo, or the colors, or anything in particular. Not for its awesome line of board shorts or wet suits, either. But for its story. For the people behind the name and for the message it carries in the world of surf, and really, in every sense of the words creativeand inspirational. Bob Hurley is a man I’ve only met twice, but both of those meetings were enlightening. Complimentary, engaging, and curious—all traits that have made his brand as successful as it has been over the last 15 years. Welcoming with an amiable presence, the head of the Hurley brand’s character has been a clear inspiration for his son, Ryan, now Creative Director of Product for their namesake family company.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
THE SHOE BOUTIQUE WAS INVENTED IN SAN FRANCISCO
Shoe Biz is a small, unassuming footwear shop situated in one of San Francisco’s most historic and culturally influential districts. Nicknamed “the Dino Store,” evident by the rather large dinosaur statue sitting outside the storefront, Shoe Biz might seem like just another small business to foot traffic, but underneath the store’s large selection lies a rich history that’s pioneered what’s commonly known as the modern day boutique.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano
BORN X RAISED TALK GREED & FIGHTING CANCER
One of the most rewarding aspects of my profession is finding inspiration from people who’ve overcome unimaginable obstacles to achieve their goals. I’d like to think this alone has allowed me to prosper in my own life, in more ways than one. It’s easy to assume and think you know someone’s story by what you see or hear on the internet, but more often than not you end up being wrong.
Words & Photography by Luis Ruano