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      <title>BLOG Overseas</title>
      <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/</link>
      <description></description>
      <language>en</language>
      <copyright>Copyright 2008</copyright>
      <lastBuildDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:02:45 +0900</lastBuildDate>
      <generator>http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/</generator>
      <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs> 

            <item>
         <title>Stuff tales/24th round “More than meets the eye”</title>
         <description><![CDATA[This is from a collection a while back.
The WIPE from the cargo series.
Just like the MAG I previously introduced
I find myself using it a lot lately in my travels.
Putting small stuff 
needed for the dry airplane environment
like candy and such.
Shaped like a wallet
and when you open the main compartment fastener
there is a separate space other than the main
made as a place
to put pocket tissues.
In other words
it is an item for small things
but also serves the purpose as a pocket tissue cover
perfect for organizing. 
Might be good as a tissue case/card holder for the car.


<img alt="R0016318.JPG" src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016318.JPG" width="395" height="296" />
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/stuff_tales24th_round_more_tha.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/stuff_tales24th_round_more_tha.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:02:45 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Stuff tales/23rd round “Righty tighty”</title>
         <description><![CDATA[It is kind of early but
a sneak peak
from our next season’s collection.
We created a buckle
collaborating with Magical Design
The designer, Mr. Uchiyama
is someone who really does fine, quality work and
has an atmosphere of
“wow this guy really enjoys creating.”
His methods and ways
the accuracy of the computer
is just right and I really like it.

You can feel the weight of the build that is of silver and brass
putting it through the belt loops of a pant and around your waist
just like it is called
a feeling of self awareness like when tightening an obi  
a good form of tension can be felt.

There are other variations
like one with a turquoise accent with a wing motif
another with an eagle motif made into conchos
it will take a while for it to get done
but please look forward to it.

FYI my belt in the picture
is put together with
the belt that was made as a collaboration
between Blackflag and Wolf’s Head.
The ultimate set up.


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016315.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016315.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016315-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/stuff_tales23rd_round_righty_t.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/stuff_tales23rd_round_righty_t.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:27:12 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>NYCITY</title>
         <description><![CDATA[“New York is a town that always amazes” is
what I feel everytime I come here.
For me
at a glance it seems slack
but if you really look it is very calculated
and there are many instances I end up amazed.
Rationally leaving the old town with efficiency kept in mind
with the citizens involved in the making of the city
is one thing I find highly interesting.
In the city things from the authorities 
scattered is something also amazing. 


<img alt="R0016219.JPG" src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016219.JPG" width="395" height="296" />]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/nycity.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/nycity.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:10:30 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>ADWAR.</title>
         <description><![CDATA[In New York there are ads all over the place 
really filling in even the smallest of spaces. 
It is interesting checking them out
and they are even talk of the town.
Instantaneous impact is a necessity for billboards.
The force to capture the vision for a few seconds
of those passing by is a requirement for ad design and idea. 
I saw a campaign for Vans.
The composition seemed like something I have seen before, 
but the casting was cool.


<img alt="R0016208.JPG" src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016208.JPG" width="395" height="296" />
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/adwar.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/adwar.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:41:09 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>From Mercer St.</title>
         <description><![CDATA[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.


<img alt="R0016213.JPG" src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016213.JPG" width="395" height="296" />


<img alt="R0016211.JPG" src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016211.JPG" width="395" height="296" />
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/from_mercer_st.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/from_mercer_st.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:45:26 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Just do it.</title>
         <description><![CDATA[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.


<img alt="R0016176.JPG" src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016176.JPG" width="395" height="296" />
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/just_do_it.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/just_do_it.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:25:03 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Workshop</title>
         <description><![CDATA[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 <a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/archives/2008/06/06/">here</a> 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 <a href="http://www.beautiful-losers.jp/ex.html">here</a>.

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!


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016169.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016169.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016169-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016171.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016171.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016171-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/workshop.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/workshop.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:20:54 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Rudeez&amp;Greaserz.</title>
         <description><![CDATA[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.  


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016168.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016168.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016168-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>


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. 


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016166.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016166.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016166-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>


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.]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/rudeezgreaserz.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/rudeezgreaserz.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:22:45 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Stuff tales/22nd round “Because it’s summer”</title>
         <description><![CDATA[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.


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015971.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015971.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015971-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/stuff_tales22nd_round_because.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/08/stuff_tales22nd_round_because.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:30:42 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Kick Back&amp;Relax.</title>
         <description><![CDATA[Photographers 
have their own distinct view.

Even with the same scene
what they feel vary.  
Because what they see differs among each other
what they shoot varies and shows it.

Yesterday I traveled for the next Autumn/Winter catalog shoot.
There is some time until it will be distributed
but don’t stress waiting 
and enjoy the summer.


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016108.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016108.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016108-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/kick_backrelax.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/kick_backrelax.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:18:47 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>By any means necessary.</title>
         <description><![CDATA[Did you know that every time when 
from VANS Syndicate a WTAPS model is released
at the same time following the design concept of the model
special items are being made?

Up to now it has mainly been T-shirts 
but for the 3 models to be released this season
Bash
Greaserz
Rudies
matching each model
a concept item other than a T-shirt
will be made.

For the release’s starting batter 
the Bash, the item matching the concept
will be a 3 brand collaboration item from
New Era, VANS Syndicate, and WTAPS.

Using New Era’s standard of standards, the 59FIFTY
with an embroidery that is a 
90’s inspired design towards the visor and tail.
Blackflag limited.


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R00160321.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R00160321.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0016032-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/by_any_means_necessary.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/by_any_means_necessary.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:09:21 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Stuff tales/21st round “Silkscreen”</title>
         <description><![CDATA[There are many ways to express through
silkscreen and it may seem old, but

it is easy to make
and how anybody can enjoy simply
is one of the greatest attractions.
Regardless of good execution, or not so good
there is meaning to making it yourself
and the instantaneous results are where it’s at.

The first time I used silkscreen
and printed something was when I was in high school.
Bought a bunch of plain t-shirts for cheap
and made stuff by night with the guys.

Now. I don’t mass produce, but
sometimes I feel like it and 
print on cut sews
or skateboards 
and it is one of my norms.

At WTAPS
there aren’t many items with graphics printed, but
it is a form of expression that is the roots of WTAPS
and will not disappear.


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015968.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015968.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015968-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/stuff_tales21st_round_silkscre.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/stuff_tales21st_round_silkscre.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:59:04 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Stuff tales/20th round “Adult common sense”</title>
         <description><![CDATA[It is said to be common sense for adults 
to separate wallet and card case use.

I agree.
When you stuff whatever into a wallet
it is kinda like a lunch pack sandwich
about to burst
all stuffed.

That is something you really want to avoid
so for me I put business cards in a card case
and a money clip to bundle cash and credit cards.

Porter’s money clip
is a leather wrapped steel clip
and for an accent
there are beads threaded onto a leather strap
for the design.

When put inside a pants pocket
it falls into place good.


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015922.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015922.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015922-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/stuff_tales20th_round_adult_co.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/stuff_tales20th_round_adult_co.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:13:52 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Wall Walk_2.</title>
         <description><![CDATA[Inspiration is said to mean 
“the thought that comes to mind instantaneously in the process of 
creating/thinking”.

In our daily routine 
what you receive from ordinary scenery is infinite.  
This is how I have been doing it.  
Changing the perspective of things 
is important
for inspiration. 

In my own creations 
I focus on texture and textile.  
For some reason out of many things, I feel drawn to walls
and in my photos I have for my data
I noticed there are a lot of walls.

The daily routine for a wall 
is watching the day go by 
without moving standing firm.

Outdoor or indoor 
with air conditioning
or without 

some with make up
some left bare 
dirty ones with stains 
polished shiny ones,

if it is a wall in a room 
it might be dirty with hand prints 
have holes left from thumb tacks
they know the person who lives there well.

If it is an outside wall
it might have signs put up on it
maybe some graffiti 
and it probably has seen many different people. 

Walls are full of melancholy.   


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015783.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015783.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015783-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015764.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015764.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015764-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0014239.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0014239.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0014239-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015551.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015551.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015551-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015734.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015734.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015734-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/wall_walk_2.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/wall_walk_2.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:37:00 +0900</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Wall Walk.</title>
         <description><![CDATA[My lifework
print collection.
Gathered from various places
wrapping material
swing tags
packages
tickets
plastic bags
stamps
postcards
various printed items
are collaged on the atelier wall
as an installation.
Characteristic of foreign printed objects
the effects from offset printing
is something different from when you try to imitate that on purpose.


<a href="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015737.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015737.html','popup','width=500,height=375,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.wtaps.com/blog/R0015737-thumb.JPG" width="395" height="296" alt="" /></a>
]]></description>
         <link>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/wall_walk.html</link>
         <guid>http://www.wtaps.com/blog_e/archives/2008/07/wall_walk.html</guid>
        
        
         <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:08:40 +0900</pubDate>
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