I am in NY on a business trip right now.

When out of country, I think of completely different things
than when I am in Japan.

What might be something unconscious form me in Japan
but when overseas, I try to consciously
go with the flow walking among the people in the city
see views of a different scale
talk to people of different ethnicity
and eat food that is exclusive of that place.

Time like this is a vault for inspiration.
It is also a time to truly feel the fact
the world is more than the place where I happen to be.

Tetsu Nishiyama / Designer

The other day at the Beautiful Losers exhibition workshop
I did a silkscreen demo.
Many people attended
and 20 people
received from me a design from during the 40% days of yesteryear
to experience first hand how to print.
It was a terrible and long 2 hour lecture
but everyone was having fun and followed along nicely
so we were also able to have fun running the show.
After the lecture,
back at the atelier discussing with our staff
we came to the conclusion
“Let’s print some for ourselves while this good feeling lasts”
and we went ahead and did some of our own;
something we haven’t done in a while.
At this workshop
it was good chance for me to realize
where I came from and what my roots are.

To the people and staff who gave me this opportunity.
To those that have supported us.
To those that showed up.
Thank you very much.

Tetsu Nishiyama / Designer

Some of you might have gone to it already,
but right now in Harajuku at the Laforet Museum on the 7th floor
2 events are going on at the same time
the Nike Lightning Bolt and
Beautiful Losers;
exhibitions that I am slightly involved with.
Nike Lightning Bolt has a few BMX themed
pieces displayed, and in this blog entry here the original team uniforms I talked about before are on display also.

On the Beautiful Losers’ side of the venue,
in the workshop space provided, I am demonstrating silkscreen T-shirt printing, which was a catalyst for me to get into this world.
It is an interactive event
and I am not sure how many who participate can make a T-shirt,
but I hope to have a fun time doing this.

For info on times/dates, please take a look here.

Oh yeah, there was something of interest.
Just the other day it was announced that the Japanese BMX team will be in the Olympics.
Gambare! Nippon!

Tetsu Nishiyama / Designer

Introducing the second and third
VANS Syndicate and WTAPS collaboration models.

The second release known as RUDEEZ
has some very nice distinct details like a dress shoe
with pin holes that you see often on wing tips for character.
Rolling out with some variation,
the colorways are also two tone: camel brown and dark nights grey.
Contrary to the pretty looks, there is an ironic message
on the toe bumper with the words Ruder Than You.

The third release GREASERZ
wrapped in standard cotton oxford
wide stitching, the texture of the rubber,
narrow laces, thin soles, etc.
gives an oldies-but-goodies impression.
A sun inspired design on the characteristic toe cap
with the WTAPS slogan RISE ABOVE prevailing.

Just the other day mine showed up
so they should be ready by mid this month at Aoyama Blackflag.
Of course
there are also the concept items lined up for each model.
Look forward to it.

Tetsu Nishiyama / Designer

The Cuban shirt we call the Sherpa at WTAPS
is smocked and has pin tucks giving it a cool feel.
A roomier silhouette compared to the usual shirts
with a little more space gives a vacation vibe.
A tank top for an undershirt with the chest showing
a bit from the undone top button summer style.
But do it with class.

Tetsu Nishiyama / Designer