Andrew Lee
invisible:man
How old is your son, Ocean? What's the biggest thing he's taught you as he's grown up?
He is 6 going on 16, he has taught me never to underestimate a child's will, and mental capacity... I'm blown away daily.
Do you think being a parent has perhaps softened your world view a little? Or does being responsible for a child make you more determined than ever to push for what you believe is right?
Well, now it's my responsibility to show him BOTH sides of the coin, rather than just MY side, MY thought... you know? He needs to see and hear everything, then pick the things he likes... and feels... I'll admit its not easy sometimes, but i do my best to immerse him in everything.
You've always seemed to have an ambivalence towards technology. Unlike other brands that use the web to always be in your face you still seem to enjoy wrapping i:m in a little bit of mystery. How would you sum up your current relationship to the web? Do you feel that the online world is encroaching more and more into the way you live and create your art, or do you consciously try to limit its relevance to what you do?
Well, i believe I embrace it somewhat, I think its great how news spreads instantly, It makes lazy people disappear- if you cant keep up with how things change daily, you're fucked.
I think the net has changed how everyone lives.. everyday... It's great.. I'm not against progress by any means.. I just don't think i need to spread myself so thin as to be in everyone's face with tired old crap... like most people do.
i:m has built a strong Japanese following. How would you describe the Japanese streetwear consumer? What is it about the Japanese that makes them place such a premium value on fashion, art and design?
I don't think they are top of the pops... it's a cycle... Japan's into the States, then flips to USA into Japan... I think there's a little more research and business sense in Japan... unfortunately the last fuckbag i worked with wasn't keen to that... haha
