EASTWEST | So Banging Its Busted So Dope Its Disgusting
Posted by Greg Weinstein | Filed under Fashion, Features, Footwear
We recently had a chance to sit down with the owner and founder of EASTWESTWORLDWIDE Jesse Moss. Read the interview below to see his trials and tribulations, where it all started from, where he’s at and where he plans to be. Interview on the flipside.
Company: EASTWEST & EASTWESTWORLDWIDE.COM
Years in the industry: 11
# of stores: 2
Culture Shoq: Why don’t you tell us a little bit about your story
Jesse: I grew up in the burbs of Long Island and to be honest with you kinda fell into this. If you would have asked me 10 years ago where I “saw myself” I would have said one of 2 things…Either in the MLB (yeah right) or in the business side of the music industry. The entrepreneurial spirit was instilled in me from my moms and pops from a young age so the store owner thing has come natural to me. I dropped out of college to help run the biz and have been here ever since.
Culture Shoq: Why did you pick the name EASTWEST:
Jesse: The phrase east west encompasses everything as does EASTWEST the store, brand and promotion co. EAST WEST, BLACK/WHITE, Far East/Western Hemisphere, Up/Down, Hip Hop/Rock, you catch my drift. Oh yeah, you can’t forget everything else in between.
Culture Shoq: How did you get EASTWEST started
Jesse: By my mother and father actually. But in its early days it was more music related. We sold band tees that ranged from Nirvana to Minor Threat or The Beatles to The Wu Tang clan. We also have roots within the rave scene and turntable movement of the early 90′s. We sold drum and base, battle records, house etc. And we can’t forget about the Heads of LI that kept us going as we expanded and morphed.
Culture Shoq: What were some of the struggles you faced along the way:
Jesse: Introducing new brands and styles can be difficult at first. And, working with the family has its pitfalls though I wouldn’t have it any other way
Culture Shoq: Over the course of the last few years, do you see a change in the sneaker industry
Jesse: Yes
Culture Shoq: What are your feelings towards it now
Jesse : Its a big orgy
Culture Shoq: People say that street wear is a dying breed, What are your thoughts on this
Jesse: The term is antiquated, kinda like “alternative” when used to describe music. What does that really mean? What does street wear mean? I don’t have the answer. I think on a retail tip, the cream will rise to the top. Compare Long Island street wear scene to anywhere in the world: I don’t travel anywhere near as much as I’d like to but I think Long Island is right at the heart. Granted, we are not NYC but we help to make NYC what it is if you ask me. We hop on the L.I.E or the L.I.R.R. and support Manhattan to the fullest. We hit up the bars, go to the concerts, or wait on lines for releases. Long Island is very very diverse and that’s what makes its such a great place to live and work.
Culture Shoq: Do you feel like there are trendsetters that walk through your doors, or is everything just following the trends they see happening around the world
Jesse: A combo of both as with any retail location. Rest assured though that customer who visit our stores that arn’t “up on it” are always welcome, I mean someone has to put you on to something right? Also, with the success of the blogs, forums etc, to world is much much smaller. I hope that people who frequent our stores look at us as a good starting point to get their steez on. I always say, it’s not what you wear, but rather, how you wear it.What are you feelings on that: My feelings are hurt
Culture Shoq: Do you think most streetwear companies are going the high-end route:
Jesse: I hope not
Culture Shoq: Do you see more premium cut-sew pieces coming through your store
Jesse: I hope so
Culture Shoq: What are some of the brands you carry:
Jesse: 10 Deep, Nike, Clae, Penfield, Adidas, MHI, Maharishi, Porter, Supra, Supra NS, Crooks, Fucking Awesome, Stussy, Stussy Deluxe, UNDFTD, Mishka, & Pennant Race to name a few.
Culture Shoq: What are some brands that you cant restock quick enough
Jesse: I wouldn’t say its brands as much as it is items from brands.
Culture Shoq: Any last words or shout outs
Jesse: I want to thank you for reaching out to us and getting us some shine. Also, I’m announcing this here 1st, Sunday June 14th we are having an in-store with The Clipse and later that same night we are throwing a concert on Long Island. EASTWEST is doing big things in the ’09 you can be sure of that!!!
Black or white: I’m White
Mets or Yankees: LETS GO METS…I hate the fucking jankees yo!
Favorite Sneaker: Chucks
Favorite Fashion Trend: Vintage
Worst Fashion Trend: Vintage
Favorite Colorway: Blue & Orange…LETS GO METS!!!
Favorite Wu-Tang member: Rza
Blackberry or iPhone: iPhone
Cross Colors or Karl Kani: Cross Colors
High, Mid or Low: Low
