Bangkok Market

Bangkokrecorder recently had the chance to interview Masa, the main man behind lifestyle brand “Very Masa”. Based in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay, Masa creates street culture inspired, high quality lifestyle products.

Bangkokrecorder: Where are you originally from and what made you choose Hong Kong as your home base?

Masa: Well I am born and raised in Yokohama, Japan and later I moved to Perth, Australia with my family. So I have had a good mix of eastern and western lifestyles. Just last year, I had moved to Hong Kong to pursue and further Very Masa amongst other projects.

I had visited Hong Kong many times for business and holidays, however few years ago, I was introduced to the massive fabric districts of Hong Kong called Sham Shui Po by friends of mine here and I was totally blown away by the sheer amount of raw fabrics and metal/plastic materials on offer. Basically this is a place where many of the world’s designers come to source the raw fabrics and materials. Just this district alone convinced me that I had to be here at the heart of the action and next to China, where factories can make just about anything available in today’s market.

I saved some cash and popped on the plane and here I am. Also as mentioned above, Hong Kong is a city where many designers visit many times and it is a fantastic place to network and meet like minded people.

BR: Who does “Very Masa” consist of or are you a one-man-show?

MA: Currently Very Masa is run by just myself. However, Very Masa is a lifestyle represented by many of the participants of the street cultures and even though I am alone in running this business, I can feel that our fan base can relate to our cultures. The fans and supporters are primarily an extension of the Very Masa family and without the fans and supporters, we would not exist.

BR: Tell us about your path toward fashion design?

MA: Well honestly I do not consider myself as a fashion designer at all. I did not study fashion formally but graduated as a graphic designer. I have no real interest in what the mass media calls fashion and my interests are the streets and people who live in the street cultures. My influences come from cultures such as Hip Hop, skateboarding, snowboarding, graffiti, street art, modified cars & motorcycles and most recently fixed gear bicycles.

As any young designer pondering life, I had a dream of creating something that I loved, which could be shared with people around the world. The choice to make apparel and accessories were basically because I had great respect for designers in the street culture and aspired to be like them. If I can leave a mark, even a tiny one, in the culture that will be really dope.

BR: How did Very Masa come to life?

MA: Very Masa started as a concept or outlet for me to express myself few years ago and I started to do simple stickers and stencils on the streets. It was more for fun than serious business venture, however after some consideration and visiting Hong Kong, I had decided to push it seriously from last year when I moved to Hong Kong. It is still in it’s infancy and I have a lot planned for Very Masa.

The name Very Masa is fairly self explanatory for people who know me. This brand is ‘very me’, meaning the products are very much what I would wear normally and that is how the name came about. It is not a serious name at all but it stuck and now it has a good ring to it.

BR: Can you describe Very Masa’s design philosophy for us in a few short sentences?

MA: The design philosophy for Very Masa is very simple. Very Masa is a reflection of myself and my lifestyle. The designs are made for people who can appreciate good aesthetics, good quality and good functionality.

BR: What influences you in your designs? Where do you get your inspirations from?

MA: As mentioned previously, my inspirations and influences come primarily from the street cultures and the participants of the cultures. However I am always open minded and like to explore new ideas and discoveries, and in essence my whole life experiences have contributed to my design outcomes. It can be from a simple conversation with friends or watching a movie. Listening to music on radio or checking art exhibitions. I think if I see, hear, taste, feel and smell something during my life, it probably has some influence on my designs.

BR: Have you ever been to Bangkok before?

MA: Yes, I have been to Bangkok once, earlier this year. It was my first time and I had a super great time there. I love Bangkok! Would love to go back soon once the situation stablises with the demonstrators and so forth.

BR: What inspires you about Thailand’s capital?

MA: I believe that my stay was too short to have a full understanding of the city and its cultures, however what inspired me the most in Bangkok was the food! Well the food was impressive to be exact. Thai people in general are creative people. I could feel that creativity in the city itself because creativity is in people’s hearts and not something you can buy with money. I felt that the city was alive and had a lot of creative energy.

Even by looking at graphic design, product design, interior design or architecture. Bangkok is filled with great design and I look forward to seeing more things come out of Bangkok and Thailand.

Another thing that always inspires me in Asian countries are the temples and historic spots. I am not religious but I always love to visit the local temples and statues as for some reason it brings me to peace. The reclining Buddha was very incredible! The inscriptions on the bottom of the foot was amazing.

BR: Can we buy Very Masa products in Bangkok and where?

MA: Currently Very Masa is available only at Zig Zag in Bangkok (http://www.zig-zag-shop.com/). I am sure some of the readers are familiar with this store as it has great variety of products and situated in a nice location. As Bangkok is a small city, this will be the only place Very Masa will be available. So if you are interested, please go and check it out.

BR: Many people in Thailand are visiting Hong Kong quite frequently. Where are you situated in HK?

MA: It is funny you mention that because many Hong Kong people and even Australian people love to visit Thailand for a holiday. Anyways I am situated in the heart of the action in Causeway Bay on the Hong Kong island. This is where all the dope shops, bars, restaurants are situated.

BR: Your top three must haves for a comfortable day?

MA: Comfortable pair of kicks, good food and T shirt/shorts weather.

BR: Your favorite designer?

MA: I do not really have a favourite designer as it is too hard to just choose one, however Antonio Gaudi is a huge huge influence on me. He was an artist, architect, designer and a visuanary.

BR: Your favorite website?

MA: Oh wow, another tough one! Right now my favourite website would be Gmail… Since it connects me to the world all day everyday. I know… That was a lame answer. Sorry!

BR: The last music album you really enjoyed?

MA: All of a sudden this interview is getting real tough… hahahaha Well the last album I really enjoyed would be Ready to Die by Notorious B.I.G. There will be no greater album by a greater Hip Hop artist.

BR: Your top holiday destination?

MA: Actually my top holiday destination is Japan. It is my motherland and I like to go there for a holiday. Well I love to travel in general and would like to explore Europe, especially Barcelona in Spain. I would love to check the old historic buildings and ruins in South America, Egypt, China and Russia too.

As for the places I have been that I love, Seoul, LA, Melbourne and of course Bangkok are all dope.

BR: What can we expect next and in the future coming from Very Masa?

MA: Very Masa will grow slowly and I plan to build the brand the old school way. So you may not hear much about it but I will be making moves all the time. Obviously more products will come out in the form of caps, hats, T shirts and would like to expand into accessories like bags or jewelry.

There should be more fun projects like stickers, stencils and posters to decorate the streets too. Also there is a plan to improve our online presence with upgraded website and online store soon.

What I do not want is Very Masa to be considered some form of hype or trend. I want to build a credible brand with a fan base of core supporters. Very Masa represents a lifestyle for those who understands and appreciates the street cultures that means the most to us.

BR: Anything else you want to tell our readers?

MA: Firstly thanks to Denis and Bangkok Recorder for this opportunity and interview. Greatly appreciate this. Thank you.

Secondly I would like to thank my supporters including my family, friends, fans, retailers and customers. Without them Very Masa will not exist or survive. Shouts and props especially to Bangkok friends, you know who you are, thanks for your hospitality and support always!

Lastly, if you have a dream then it makes sense to follow it because you only live once and there is no one in the world who can tell you what lifestyle you should or should not lead. Believe in yourself and follow your heart. Live to the fullest.

BR: Thank you Masa for taking the time and hope to hear and see more of you in the future.

Currently you can find more information on Very Masa’s Blog http://www.verymasa.blogspot.com and the main website at http://www.verymasa.com

As pictures can say more than 1000 words, it’s also worth checking out Very Masa’s flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/people/verymasa

The caps shown above are from the past collection that has sold out. Masa has told us though that next month (January 2009) will see the next collection being finished so if we got you interested, keep checking with Zig Zag shop on Siam Square to find out when they arrive.

BRRR! The Christmas Chillout Session Friday 26th, of December 2008

Richard Dorfmeister or the world famous Kruder & Dorfmeister Global warming is wreaking havoc on weather patterns and we are expecting an icestorm to hit Bangkok for our ???Brrr??? chillout party. Dress up warm as Q Bar gets snowed in and iced out with the mighty Richard Dorfmeister of Kruder and Dorfmeister fame! Best known for his groundbreaking downtempo tunes with partner in crime, Peter Kruder, Richard Dorfmesiter has since gone on to carve an ever deepening niche in the world of jazzy breaks and dubbed out bliss. Side projects such as Tosca and Madrid De Los Austrias have further cemented Dormfeister???s musical genius. Not one for strictly martini???s and lounge chairs though, Dormfeister???s dancefloor persona is a whole different animal. With one foot still rooted in jazz and dub and the other in stiff 4-4 beats and breaks, Richard has proven himself to be one of the world???s premier party rockers. Don???t miss this icy Christmas at Q Bar!

800 Baht includes 2 drinks (a 400 Baht value)

Q Bar’s 9th Anniversary!!! Wednesday 17th, of December 2008

Number 9…Number 9…Number 9… This coming December 17th, 2008, Q Bar Bangkok celebrates 9 amazing years on top of Bangkok???s vibrant nightlife scene. What more is there to say? After 9 thrilling years, we???ve seen the world???s best DJ???s play some killer sets, we???ve thrown some of the most unforgetable parties Bangkok has ever seen, and we???ve set more standards in local nightlife than any other bar or club in town.

How many venues in Bangkok can claim to have stood tall through Bangkok???s turbulent (to put it lightly) and ever changing nightlife landscape? From ridiculously early closing hours, to random police raids and drug tests, to political coups, to that crazy no dancing law, we have remained an institution of good music and good drinks for countless patrons from around the world.

Ahhh???but there is more to say. This past year alone, we here at Q Bar once again reinvented ourselves and set a new standard with our brand new upstairs lounge and smoking balcony. Once again bucking the trends, the brand new lounge features a multicultural palette and a decidedly maximalist d??cor. Musically, we brought in one of the world???s most respected house DJ???s, as a resident no less, in DJ Kimball Collins. With over 20 years in the business and a resume which includes super clubs such as Ministry of Sound, Renaissance, Womb, and just about every top American club, Kimball has taken Friday nights at Q to new heights. And of course, there are Q Bar???s unforgettable parties. This year saw Q Bar bring Ministry of Sound back to Bangkok for 3 absolutely amazing Hed Kandi parties. On top of that, debut performances from House Diva Barbara Tucker, Deep House legend Doc Martin, and Snoop Dogg???s personal DJ, DJ Jam all rocked the Q Bar dancefloor.

For this year???s very special 9th anniversary, we???re pulling out all the stops to give Bangkok a night to remember. Bangkok???s biggest martini glass filled with a special surprise, exotic dancers, a japanese drum troop, free jello shots, and a really big cake. For all the special people with an invite, you are welcome to our open bar portion of the evening from 8.00pm ??? 10.00pm. Music will be provided by Q Bar???s very own superstar DJ???s: Tul (Apartment Khunpa), Frederick Funk, Joeki, Kimball Collins, Octo, Tech-12, and Darren Mac.

And for all the naysayers out there, we???re not done yet. As every year passes, we???ve seen the hottest new clubs open???and close. So what more is there left to say??? You???ll just have to wait and see what we have in store for year number 10!

By Invite only from 8-10:00 500 Baht entrance after 10:00 includes 2 free drinks (a 400 Baht value)

(English)

This Time is the SPECIAL PARTY for the memorial X’mas & 2 year Anniversary Party!

The back DJ for JOEY BOY, DJ SPYDAONKEE will join us to provide a more powerful & great sound!! Also very famous turntablist in Thailand DJ MA (2004 Vestax Extravaganza Champion) gonna play the real reaggae music with wicked scratch, also well known reggae selector DJ Jun gonna spin the classic dancehall / foundation / reggae tune & DJ Go play the brand new dancehall / lovers reggae tune.

Free Reggae MIX CD to the first 100 people who comes to the event too !!!

(Japanese)

?????????????????????????????????????????? Reggae In Thailand Vol. 15 ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

DJ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????JOEY BOY???Producer, Official DJ?????????1997DMC Thailand Champ????????????Spydamonkee???Vestax Extravaganza Thailand2004 Champion???DJ MA???G’d Up Customs??????DJ GO?????????????????????????????????DJ JUN??????????????????Studio One?????????Foundation Tune?????????80???90??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????2??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

MC???Deejay)??????Em-Jay,Trix One (From USA) ???Dee Jay????????????Floor Dancer?????????Bounty Akilla (JPN)????????????????????????

MIX CD?????????100????????????????????????????????????Reggae????????????????????????????????????????????????MIX?????????????????? ?????????23????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

(Selectors) DJ Spydamonkee (TH) / 1997DMC Thailand Champ / Gangcore Club/ DJ Ma (JP) / 2004 Vestax Extravaganza Champ / Gangcore Club / DJ Go (JP) / G’d up customs DJ Jun (JP)

(Dee Jays) Em-Jay (UK) Trix-One (US)

(Floor Dancer) Bounty Akilla (JP)

Club: GLOW (Sukhmvit Soi 23) Date: 20/Dec/2008 (Saturday) Open: 21:00-3:00. Entrance: 200THB with 1Drink and 1Mix CD.

UB Radio & Smirnoff presents: Nu Skool Fresh for your ears 09???

UB Radio pulls out the ???BIG GUNS??? to fire off the start to 2009???s party season! Blowing away the New Year cobwebs and showing the Bangkok party scene that this year UB???s gonna step things up to a whole different level! Expect a full throttle adrenalin shot of fresh Hip-Hop, Baltimore breaks, Nu-Rave and Drum & Bass ??? BOOOOM!!!

DJ???s blowing the roof off 808 on the night:

DJ KNATZ (Thailand) http://www.ubradio.net/djs/dj-knatz-21

DJ DUKE (Chicago) http://www.ubradio.net/djs/dj-duke-39

TECH 12 (UK) http://www.ubradio.net/djs/dj-tech-12-40

DJ AMNESTY (UK) http://www.ubradio.net/djs/amnesty-2

Date of event: Saturday 3rd January 2009 Venue: 808 Bangkok RCA Time: 21:00 ??? 02.00. Entrance: 200THB + 1 drink

With a vote count of 233 – 197, Abhisit Vejjajiva becomes Thailand’s 27th Prime Minister.

BACK TO THE SUMMER OF LOVE III

It???s been 20 YEARS since the birth of the HOUSE music movement, so we thought what better way to celebrate that fact and have a good old RAVE up…..

After 2-very successful SPECTRUM parties at GLOW, we move to a new location, the newly refurbished SYNERGY club in Sukhumvit Soi 2 for the last in the series of SUMMER OF LOVE parties this year, a Christmas Special to celebrate the birth of the HOUSE music movement.

Original SPECTRUM DJ and Legend Colin HUDD returns to BANGKOK exclusively for this night and he will be bringing the old-skool party atmosphere with him, spinning an eclectic mix of ACIIIEEED and BALEARIC ANTHEMS that kick started the dance music movement globally, feel good tunes that free your mind and get your body moving that are guaranteed to get you right on one!

So if your an OLD SKOOL lover that just yearns for those UPLIFTING beats or part of the the NU-COOL massive that’s just curious to SEE what the fook it was ALL about back in the day…get yourself down and get RIGHT on it ACIIIEEED!!!

COLIN HUDD
[SPECTRUM/ LAND OF OZ/ HEAVEN/LEGENDS]
SPECTRUM
BACK TO THE SUMMER OF LOVE III
at SYNERGY [formerly SIN Bar]
1st FLOOR
SOI 2 [OPPOSITE RAJAH HOTEL]
NANA BTS
10 pm till LATE!
ENTRY:
GUYS 300 Baht inc 1- DRINK
GIRLS 200 Baht inc 1-DRINK
MUSIC POLICY: QUALITY HOUSE TUNAGE
aurarestaurant.ning.com.
Must be 20+ years of age. Government issued official ID maybe required.

Stylish Italian/French & five ***** Restaurant ‘Bacchus’ is proud to present together with the UNIVERSAL PLAYER its first ART – LOUNGE featuring multitalented artist BOAZ ZIPPOR from Israel. Bacchus Restaurant with the best Italian/french cuisine and a selection over 400 kinds of fine wines + 200 kinds of spirits & liqueurs will help fulfill your life experience in fine dining, Art & Music, all in one venue – same evening.

Tuesday 16 Th December, 2008.

Time: 19.30 to 01.00 Am.

Dress code: Causal chic.

No cover Charge.

RSVP: +66 (0) 2650-8986 20/6-7 Ruam Rudee Phloenchit Bangkok, Thailand koji@bacchus.tv http://www.bacchus.tv

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE OPENING OF THE ART EXHIBITION ON 11 DEC 2008 AT 19.00 (7PM) …………………………………………….

XKIN6 by:

P7 (?????????????????????????????????????????? GRAFFITI ARTIST) Lolay ( ??????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ARTIST) Musetew (????????????????????? ??????????????????????????? PHOTOGRAPHER) Giam EEE (?????????????????? ????????????????????????????????? VDO ARTIST) Thanomkhwan (???????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????? DESIGNER) OH+ Hathairat (??????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????? ARTIST)

more: Info@jgallerybangkok.com

Come and help to raise funds for the FFAC foundation (Friends For All Children) and enjoy a great night, fashion show, belly dancer, lucky draw and a lot more….

We party together and at the same time give these less fortunate children an opportunity for a better future by donating THB 200 for each ticket sales, which all the proceeds will go directly to supporting them with educational sponsorships, food and material aid, buying bicycles for the students, or even adopt a child.

Time: 9pm – 2am, 13. December Ticket Price: THB 200 Place: Nomad Pub/ Sukhumvit Soi 12 http://www.ffac-foundation.org

Swiss Star DJ CURTIS GARTNER was born in Geneva.

He has taken his DJ skills and hottest tracks around the Globe to several cities such as GENEVA, LAUSANNE, PARIS, LYON, IBIZA, BERLIN, MILANO, ALGIERS, MOROCCO, DAKAR etc???.

And he has also his own radio show on The Net Trashdotdash, Bouncy radio and many more.

With more than 10 years of a DJ career behind him, Curtis moved to several musical genres until finally devoting his style to Electronic music And especially ELEKTRO, MINIMAL, TECH HOUSE and PROGRESSIVE. During this period he shared the turntables with many hot star DJ’S from Europe and Africa.

Curtis is a fast rising reference of the worlds nightlife and after Europe and Africa He comes to Asia for his pleasure and especially yours.

Peace and see you all @ GLOW

A TIME FOR GIVING TOY DRIVE

ACCEPTING TOYS & DONATIONS NOW! STARTING DEC. 8 ??? DEC. 22

Tis the season to be jolly so give the gift of giving and help bring a smile to abused & abandoned girls at Ban Dek Orphanage.

DONATE TOYS, CLOTHES, BODY & HAND LOTION???..ANY BASIC NECESSITIES

Any donations made from Dec.8 ??? Dec. 22 in our Twisted Christmas box will get you Free Entry + 2 Christmas Ice Bar shots.

So don???t be a Grinch!

About Ban Dek:

Ban Dek Saraburi is a dormitory style housing facility which cares for up to 180 children, all girls ages 5 ??? 20 yrs. old. These children are lost and homeless, some coming from imprisoned families while many have been abandoned or given up for by their parents because they could not be cared for.

Ban Dek focuses on providing shelter, food, clothing and counseling. The girls are taught social and educational skills for building self-esteem in hopes of becoming independent adults while securing themselves for a brighter future. Ban Dek not only helps children shine on the inside but implements Physical Education programs as well. Yearly health check-ups are given ensuring that these girls are benefiting physically and mentally from all aspects of life.

Opened in 1981, Ban Dek Orphanage is located in Saraburi Province approximately 1.5 hours north of Bangkok.

Donations of the basic necessities are needed from shampoo, soap, hand & body lotion to clothing, shoes and food.

In addition to Toys, any of these items can be donated in a Christmas box at Twisted Republic any night from Dec. 8 ??? Dec. 9 starting at 9:30 pm.

Items can also be donated in the daytime Mon. ??? Fri. at our Twisted Office by first calling 02-651-0800. Ask for Gary or anyone of our Marketing team can assist you.

For Cash donations please contact K??? Poh at Ban Dek: 0-3626-6708, 0-3626-8708

Email: bansaraburi_girls@dsdw.go.th
Website:www.bandek.com

Glow???s thrilled to invite you to our ???Exclusive NYE party 2009??? Theme : Venice Carnival (Free masks for booking customers)

A night of pure entertainment provided by DJ Gaz(Canada), DJ Oum DJ Metamorphous(UK) & DJ Halem Q Music: House, Electro, Techno, Progressive and more..

Fabulous performance on stage Special visualize & Video Variety of delicious cocktails

Lucky draw : 3 btls of sparkling wine Half an hour free bar for VIP guests (VIP invitation only)

Entrance : 300 b. inc. 1 drink Book in advance : 2 drink & a mask Door open : 9 pm – 6 am

We guarantee the finest party in town, the amazing atmosphere and the only place to be as we enter 2009!

Glow presents

” RED CHRISTMAS PARTY ”

2 Hot Girl DJs

DJ Magic Muffin (TH) DJ Hurricane Sarah (AUS)

Girls : Free entry Girls in RED : get free 2 drinks

Guys : 200 baht inc. 1 strong drink

Door open : 9pm-3am

Glow Sukhumvit soi 23 http://www.glowbkk.com Booking : 02 261 4446

Jingle bells, jingle bells! OK, I know we???re all a bit blue about Chrimbo, what with the credit crunch pinching in oh-so-painful ways, but I do think it???s important to spread a bit of cheer.

The wallets are light and the news is not very pretty on Thailand, but there???s a lot of fun about to hit GLOW BANGKOK and our RED CHRISTMAS PARTY on Thursday 25 DECEMBER.

And girls, you are in for a treat, Show up in Red and you get 2 free drinks. How easy is that? And make sure you order them from our hunk bartenders.

So what about the Guys you might ask? Well Santa is bringing 2 of the hottest DJs to the GLOW desks, and the famous GLOW dancers Will show you how sexy red can be.

So get your friends on the phone and tell them all about the hottest Christmas in Town. Only at GLOW.

The one and only FACEBOOK PARTY in Town!

Saturday 27.12.08 @ GLOW

For Facebook lovers, let’s get to know each other at this event.

Come and meet your Facebook friends, See the girl you always had a crush on, Meet that hot guy and much much more.

YOU PROVIDE : Your party mood and invite all your FACEBOOK friends so you can all party together.

WE PROVIDE :

??? not 1 but the 2 Hottest DJs on the Planet.

Mr Charming aka DJ JAY MONTONN JIRA And the Ninja aka DJ OUM

??? The Hot GLOW Dancers and the hottest bartenders.

??? The best cocktails in Town made only with Premium liquors

??? And all our staff is ready to rock this party and make it the best party of 2008

Entrance: ONLY 200 BAHT INC. 1 DRINK! Door open : 9pm – 3 am

Prince Fatty has come to Thailand to bring peace, dubs and reggae riddums

The Tube, Coco Walk – BTS Ratchetewi

Wednesday 10th December

Free Entry