say happy birthday to josewong! Welcome to the ABCD World!!
Jose is a designer, artist, actor, creative, who tends to approach all things in life, ranging from filmography to fashion, with a signature twist of humor and satire.
Most famous for his iconic beanie/mask, YosanSTA Sneakers and ABCD apparel line, Jose Wong has been challenging the streetwear scene with his unique approach towards fashion and the concept of originality. While some receive Jose’s works as “ripoffs”, with some cultural context in streetwear, we learn that Jose is in fact playing around with his audiences’ perspectives and paying tribute by recreating some of our favorite designs in fashion.
Today, we sit down with creative powerhouse Jose Wong and present to you a deep discussion of culture, fashion, and humor.
First of all, can you introduce yourself to the Sabukaru audience? Who you are and what you do?
I'm Josewong, I'm a creator, someone who creates products in an interesting way.
Tell us more about your brand ABCD, why did you name it ABCD?
ABCD is actually not a brand, but more like a project. Nowadays too many people make brands with overly complicated names. So I thought I might as well use simple english letters, which can be understood by people from every country. It can be broken down to many different meanings, such as “Always Be Cool Dude” or “A Billion Creative Desires” [laughs]. Everyone chooses their own favorite interpretations to the meaning supporting my creation, instead of me specifying a meaning for everyone. I think this is a more natural, new, and never-before-seen way of thinking, allowing consumers to have more freedom and room for individual thought, instead of imposing meaning.
It seems that you have multiple roles: clothing designer, creative director, and actor in your recent brand commercial, what do you think about your multihyphenate?
I just keep doing what I like and I don’t have too many worries, like a child. If I have the opportunity, I also want to be a teacher on campus. It is a process of continuous self-cultivation.
What is your original intention behind your project?
Nowadays everyone is under too much pressure and scrutiny. Why can’t people be more happy, they shouldn’t be so serious. Clothes don’t have to be released one by one continuously in a series and presented on time. I hope people can see things they never thought of, or dared to do, in my works! In fact, people criticize that ABCD is fake BAPE, and many people ask me to make BAPE’s classic yellow and green camo, but I don’t want to do it. What I want is to make the impossible- possible. For my next step I will break through the camouflage and make some other patterns. My latest vision is to emulate the iphone's touch screen function to create a jacket!
Where does most of your inspiration come from when it comes to designing?
It all comes from my life, my singular experiences that are unique to me, and I design products and sell them. But for me, design actually comes second. What I want to sell is my attitude towards life.
How do you define the difference between tribute or plagiarism?
Firstly, it matters who’s doing it. This is very important. Whether this person is respected by everyone in the industry, whether they represent the culture, and whether they have the right to speak, is key. Secondly, the selection of a production blueprint is also a factor. Virgil paid tribute by bringing once-forgotten items back on trend, introducing them to a new generation and giving them new meaning, whereas plagiarists may just copy current popular styles and follow trends, the intent and purposes of these two are very different. Lastly, I think about whether or not it has a story. Why do you want to do this design? Is it because this design is related to some of your childhood memories? If you can't tell a good story, and you sell a substitute which is one-tenth of the original value, it will naturally be viewed as plagiarism.
Besides designing and creating, what do you like to do?
I like to read various books and magazines. I also like chatting with people from different industries, such as uber drivers, porters, restaurant owners, etc. Through talking, I can feel very different lives and difficulties that I have never encountered. I really feel that everyone who works hard for their own lives is a hero.
Do you have a favorite Japanese subculture?
Manga/Comics. Since I was a child, I have loved reading different manga and watching anime. Even though I am very busy now, sometimes I still take time to read comics, which is a kind of spiritual practice. I have learned a lot of principles and absorbed a lot of positive energy from it.
As far as I know, you’re quite into Japanese streetwear culture, Nigo, Fujiwara Hiroshi, and all that, how did that influence you as a designer?
I think they gave me a sense of identity and confidence. Their great work has allowed Asian influence to have a place in the world, and set a good example for younger generations. God gave me the identity as an Asian, and it may be that I am meant to change something. It is a challenge, but I feel more like it’s an opportunity, a gift, and I'm proud of it. The most important thing for people is to understand and accept themselves, know their strengths, forgive their imperfections, and never give up.
As a young creative, what do you see yourself doing in the next 10 years?
Keep playing. Persistence is hard work, but the most important thing is to have fun through hardship. I would like to be a director, make a guest appearance as an actor, or try music, etc. Life is short, so everyone should enjoy themselves while they can. I don’t know if it will be successful or not, I may even become a victim of cultural development, but so what, fuck the result!! Be an idiot and believe in your dreams.
Out of curiosity, why do you insist on the concept of two-person shooting?
Because I feel that I have not fought alone to get to where I am today. I am very grateful to everyone who has helped me. I want to invite him, her, you, and them to come and do this interview with me. So that everyone can see some different styles, all representing the people who are important to me. Life is impermanent, everyone must cherish the people in front of them, and know how to be content and grateful.
What would you say to encourage the youth reading this article? It can be a piece of advice or anything.
Spend enough time to understand yourself first, know what your responsibilities are, and then put it into action to believe in yourself and stay optimistic. Creators should do what no one else has done. Don’t follow behind others, otherwise you will never be first. Lead trends. If you have an idea, just figure it out, and try to do it. That's it, don't be too worried and scared. Be yourself first, improve your abilities, and the rest is to wait patiently for an opportunity. Believe in yourself, encourage yourself throughout your life, and remind yourself: if you successfully squeezed into the bus today, it’s your luck and ability, because there are always people who don’t squeeze in, you have won again [laughs]. If you wake up 10 minutes earlier than yesterday, haha, you haven’t been defeated by inertia, you have won again.
