3 Minutes With DJ Cassidy

Posted by Greg Weinstein | Filed under Music

Culture Shoq had a little heart to heart with world renound DJ Cassidy & were able to get an exclusive look at his new boat shoe collaboration with Rockport. This limited edition boat shoe is probably the hottest boat shoe of the summer. We were able to aquire shots of the shoe on some recognizable feet.

Run-DMC and Michael Jackson have inspired everything I listen to, play, and wear since age two. Simply put, they define cool. They symbolize everything that is Hip Hop and everything that is Soul and that is who I am. – DJ Cassidy.

Check them out on the flipside.

CS: Who approached who? Did they come up to you? How did that come about?

DJC: In 2008, I appeared in Rockport’s advertising campaign wearing two styles of boat shoe. That summer, Rockport sponsored my birthday party at Cipriani. We also released a mixtape together called “La Musique De Bateau” which can be downloaded on DJCASSIDY.COM. Then in Spring 2009, Rockport called again, this time asking if I’d like to design my own boat shoe. I was honored and, of course, eagerly accepted.

CS: What other brands would you want to work with?

DJC: Being that I am a devoted Shelltoe wearer, I would love to work with Adidas. Touching a classic like the shelltoe would be an incredible challenge. I also have some great ideas for Uniqlo. Of course a DJ Cassidy x Jay Kos fedora collection wouldn’t hurt either or a DJ Cassidy x Paul Stuart bowtie line.

CS: Was there anything that you wanted to do that Rockport did not approve off? if so what?

DJC: Rockport was nothing short of inspiring, helpful, and easy-going throughout the entire design, production, and promotion process. They let me be me. It was actually astounding to see how accurately and quickly my vision became a reality. Butter-soft pink perforated leather doesn’t exactly grow on trees. At least not in America.

CS: Has the boatshoe been a staple of your style throughout the years?

DJC: Yes, the boat shoe has most certainly been a staple in my wardrobe for years. I always say there are four pieces of footwear every man should have – an Adidas Shelltoe, a suede buck, a velvet slipper, and a boat shoe.

CS: Rockport mentioned you took inspiration from both Run – DMC & Michael Jackson on the boat shoe, what kind of impact did both artists have on you?

DJC: Run-DMC and Michael Jackson have inspired everything I listen to, play, and wear since age two. Simply put, they define cool. They symbolize everything that is Hip Hop and everything that is Soul and that is who I am.

CS: Any new projects coming up in the future we should know about?

DJC: I just remixed Jackson 5’s “The Love You Save” for Universal Motown’s Michael Jackson Remix Suite. The experience was truly magical. Listening to the original session of “The Love You Save” was like digging through a long lost treasure chest, each track a sparkling jewel in a king’s crown. Look for it on itunes in September.

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