Tag: London
Last week saw us bring back our in-store events at our London store! For feels like forever, we had the great opportunity of being the UK’s only stockist of The Hartcopy Journal – Volume 1. To celebrate, we invited down creative lead, Sam Le Roy for an in-store launch and signing event.
Acting as a digital documentation of all things within street culture, especially sneakers, Hartcopy became a go to digital platform where you’d walk away having learned something new! Now for 2022, they enter into the world of print with their first publication… because print definitely isn’t dead!
A massive thank you to all of those who came down for the evening, managed to pick up a book, joined us for a drink and said hello! Not only did we have a display on show of some of the footwear within the book, but you all pulled out the stops with your on foot selections. Take a closer look below and we’ll hopefully see you all again soon.
And for those who missed it, we recently caught up with Sam prior to the launch to learn more about Hartcopys journey and how it all began, CLICK HERE to read more.
To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we took a trip down memory lane and delved into the history of Footpatrol with Friends and Family. Current team members, past team members of those people that have been passing through our doors since 2002.
With 20 years under our belt and a whole host of memorable faces, we opened the doors to just a handful of memorable people to catch up on old times and to of course, check out our 20th anniversary collection with Rimo.
Jimmy
I took care of retail (and many other bits) of Footpatrol for 10 years from its reopening in 2010 to 2020. It’s been a huge part of my life and I’m thankful for all the lovely people I’ve met and worked with along the way. Peace and Love to all TEAMFP past and present and best of luck for the next 20 years!
Emil
It’s great to see Footpatrol make it to 20 years whilst still being able to keep their integrity and move ahead with the times.
Kish
Footpatrol is more than just a sneaker store. The team at FP have always engaged with the sneaker community with reverence and integrity.
Dean
My name is Dean and I’ve been shopping with Footpatrol for a number of years now. I’ve always loved the family aspect of FP. They have always made the guys I’ve camped with and myself feel valued and respected. Congratulations on 20 Years. Team FP. ❤️
Benji
A hidden gem in Soho, FP was where many loyal friendships originated. We attended many camp outs throughout the years and most were very memorable, quite often we would meet there just to chill with the staff and the people even when not after a special release. A place we can still call home after all these years. Thank you FP.
J Rago
Footpatrol LDN, for many…… is our community center!!!! In a city which exhibits every culture known to man…FP is THE place where the sneaker enthusiasts amongst us collide. The experiences, memories and friends made over the years will last a lifetime.
So Thank you, & Many happy returns #teamFP
Franklin
Footpatrol has been at the forefront of trainers for the past 20 years and a true staple in the community, plus it’s really good to have a UK based store have elite collaborations with all the major trainer brands. The King wishes Footpatrol another 20 years of success.
We love it when a new brand is added to the Footpatrol brand list and for 2022, we welcome Hoka to our offering. A relatively new brand to the running scene having been founded in 2009, it hasn’t taken long for Hoka to burst on to the scene with a range that spans across running and lifestyle. Their aim? To go faster… How can they go faster whilst improving how a runner performs.
With this overriding goal in mind, Hoka have also found themselves burst on to the lifestyle scene thanks to their extreme comfort levels but also, the aesthetic. With fashion weeks becoming more and more filled with trail sneakers and a more utilitarian approach to design, Hoka along with the likes of Salomon have found themselves a regular feature.
To introduce the brand to Footpatrol, some of the team took the Hoka Clifton 8 on to the streets of London to check out their durability, running abilities and overall comfort to see what all the fuss is about!
Ultra lightweight and with supreme levels of cushioning, the Clifton 8 manages to deliver a more responsive feel with the same characteristics as previous models. With it’s new midsole compound in place, it not only provides that energy needed but also firm enough to feel secure.
Take a closer look below and make sure to check out HOKA online at Footpatrol!
Rimo is a Tokyo born designer, illustrator and art director that started his solo career as an artist that had decided to expand in other creative avenues of fashion, advertising, movies, magazines and architecture. Starting his creative journey as one part of the graphic duo “mocrock” has kicked off Rimo’s passion for art illustration. His contemporary illustrative style showcases a cultural narrative and his own idiosyncratic spin on the value of the community within sneaker politics. Using elaborate graphics, retro-style imagery and hues to provide authentic animated artwork.
Rimo has worked on countless collaborations with iconic trainer brand Reebok, with one of their most prevalent projects being the animative ‘Reebok Certified Network Vol.7 “Kasina in Korea” being the first ample introductions we had with Rimo.This has not been the first time that he has worked with Footpatrol too, boasting a previous collaboration with Footpatrol on a Reebok Workout collection that showcased our Team FP in creative animation concept that focuses on an in-depth insight into our business and the work we do behind the scenes- as an integral focal point of our brand. Rimo has also worked on society-based initiative campaigns, namely the ‘Back to School’ collaboration with North Face.
To commemorate 20 years of Footpatrol we have teamed up with Tokyo born graphic designer/illustrator Rimo on an anniversary- inspired capsule collection. Diversifying our range of streetwear apparel for an exclusive and cultural offering this year. A little give back and admiration to our niche sneaker community. It will be the first collection launching this year that highlights this important landmark.
The elaborate capsule range of apparel will include a 20-year Gas Mask hood and tee that utilises our distinctive Gas Mask logo as part of the numbered design. Featuring the hoodie in a black upper hue with red printed ‘20’ Gas Mask inspired graphic in the centre of the chest. The T-shirt will indulge in the same Gas Mask design but will also come in White. Our bespoke apparel collection will also feature a 20th Anniversary white Tee with bold graphics in pops of blue and red and a dual selection of PRS Store front tees that emulate the outside imagery and identity of both of our London and Paris stores.
What’s more, to celebrate our close ties with the Paris store, we will be introducing a ‘Unity’ black tee that emulates our bond using trademark UK and Paris flag representation in iconic colour hues of red, white and blue. Showcased within a pictorial graphic formed of two gas masked silhouettes holding hands to celebrate the authentic partnership.
The remaining sizes of the Footpatrol x Rimo 20th Anniversary Collection is now available to shop in-store and online here!
Footpatrol: We have had the pleasure of working with you before in a previous collaboration, but for the people who don’t know who you are or are unfamiliar with your work, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?
Rimo: Hi, my name is Rimo. I am a graphic designer and illustrator based in Tokyo. I also host gallery exhibitions of my own work on an irregular basis. I’ve been involved in sneaker projects for the last few years. I have created the main visuals for sneaker advertisements that have expanded globally, and have been actively producing illustrations, designs, and directions for videos using animation. Occasionally, I focused on the behind-the-scenes work of collaborations between sneaker companies and sneaker shops around the world, using animation.
FP: At what age did you realise that you had a passion for art and illustration?
Rimo: The first thing I was interested in was illustration. My moms’ hobby was making clothes with DIY, and I had a lot of books about sewing at home. Fashion books at the time used a lot of “fashion illustrations” in which model figures were posed and expressed in bold and fine lines, and I was very much influenced by those illustrations. I was first interested in art when I was 14 years old and was influenced by the graffiti art pieces I saw in magazines. At the same time, the relationship between graffiti and music (HIP-HOP) was connected, I was gradually fascinated by various subcultures. I also bought the Fujiwara Hiroshi “Natural Born Dub” EP at a record shop in Harajuku then. The cover of the jacket features a picture of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and the music video uses Mark Gonzalez’s skating scene. Since then, I’ve been very absorbed in music. I often went to “Rough Trade Records” in Harajuku, Tokyo. I was exposed to the affinity between music jackets and art and design, and I became more and more fond of art and design.
FP: Tell me a little bit about your previous graphic duo ‘moncrock’, how did that come about?
Rimo: When I was about 20 years old, I met Yohey Omori through a friend. He drew illustrations and paintings and we hit it off straight away. When I went to his house, he had music, manga, movies, videos and books that I didn’t know, and I was always inspired by him. We hung out every day and often went to club events. At the club, we met a lot of people, dropped by a lot of events and we even ended up making fliers for events. Gradually, various people started to ask us to design stuff. At that time, our friends had signed a contract to release their music from a major record company. Two of us decided to design for them, and the design duo “mocrock” was born. Meeting him in my career was a big turning point.
FP: If there is any, what artist/illustrators or graphic designers are you influenced by and how has it inspired your own art form?
Rimo: I have a lot of favorite artists, illustrators and designers. It’s such a large list that I can’t introduce everything. lol. Recently, GEOFF MCFETRIDGE, Bráulio Amado have been my favorite artists.
Personally, I’m very influenced by people who are not limited to one title and are doing a wide range of creative things regardless of their field. For example, like movie director Mike Mills, he has done jacket designs, graphic designs for posters, magazines, books and even video. I also want to work in a creative direction regardless of the field while developing my own skills such as illustration and design.
FP: How would you describe your design or creative process as a brand/ individual?
Rimo: My main job is client work and commercial work. I listen to the request of the client and work “to know”. I get various hints and build an image within me. I think it is important not to swallow all the client’s requests, but to leave a “margin” that I misunderstand, in a good way. After that, while sketching, I embody my image.
When the client gives an OK, I continue to make trial and error until I am satisfied.
Personally, I‘m doing a creative label called ‘Millnote Books‘. I publish the artwork that I have accumulated every day as zine, and produce t-shirts, cassette tapes or other products. This label is purely pursuing how to create my own artwork, and I enjoy running it. I haven’t made many works recently, but I would like to make various works in 2022.
FP: As you know it is our 20th anniversary here at Footpatrol, could you tell us a little bit about the vision you had for our opening anniversary range?
Rimo: For Footpatrol’s 20th Anniversary, I wanted to make a better product. As a design source, number 20, shops in London and Paris, and the family and community of Footpatrol. Personally, I think for this 20th anniversary by creating products like this it allows us to shake hands with our community and make that connection stronger than before.
FP: To finish off we would like to thank you so much for the interview… What advice would you give to our viewers that wanted to start out in illustration and build their own creative brand? Is there anything you would like to share with the Footpatrol friends and family?
Rimo: I don’t know if I’m in a position to give my advice to others. .. .. but remember your passion and gratitude to others, and always create with love. If you continue, you will surely be connected by the dots. Look at me. I live far away in Tokyo, have the opportunity to connect with Footpatrol based in London and Paris and get to work together on projects. Anything is possible.
Congratulations to Footpatrol on your 20th anniversary. Thank you for appointing me at such an important milestone. I was really happy when you first contacted me. It was a great honor for me to remember that I worked with you before. I am happy to be able to participate in this project with the Footpatrol team while the world is still in this pandemic.
Quick shout out – Thanks to my friend Naoki for connecting us for the first collaboration between us, and creative director Asheeba for the call this time, and everyone on the Footpatrol team. If we have another chance, let’s make something together Someday again.
Rasharn Powell is the man of the moment. An emerging R&B star pioneering his own adaptation of R&B, soul, alternative, Hip-Hop and jooks of rhythm.
Still in the early stages of his career, Rasharn Powell has been making his mark on the music scene through his soul inspired beats and conscious wordplay as an honest depiction of his life.
Celebrating this year’s success with the R&B EP ‘Dusk & Dawn’ garnering over 2 million streams, we reached out to Rasharn to talk about all things music, positivity and how style has inspired his musical journey.
Read the interview below!
Footpatrol: Rasharn before we get into everything! How are you?
Rasharn Powell: I’m a good man, I’m blessed. How are you?
FP: I’m good, thank you!
Tell us a bit about yourself and how your upbringing was. Did the place where you grew up shape who you are and how your music is voiced?
RP: I am Rasharn Powell, 26 years of age originally from Redbridge. Some might call it East London, others may say Essex, It’s just IG4 to me haha!
Single parent household, I was raised with my sister by my mum and a lot of strong females within my family, my aunties, cousins and my grandparents. I would definitely say where I am from helped shape me into who I am today. I have lived in a lot of places in my life and I think the knock on effect of being in those spaces and the people I have met have helped shape me. So in answer to your question, yes.
FP: Would you say that’s down to the diversity of the areas you’ve been to or more to do with the people you have immersed yourself around?
RP: I would say more so the people. For the most part, when I am in certain areas I try to take in everything around me, but it’s the people that you come into contact with that help push you in those directions. For me it’s mostly the people that I have connected with that have helped shape me into the man I am today.
FP: At what age (or how early) did you realize that you had “that voice” – was it a family member, a friend, a stranger or just self proclaimed?
RP: When I was in school I used to love playing rugby but I also used to love singing. In school if you didn’t know my name they would just call me singer boy or the kid that dances haha! In year 7 I was singing in school assemblies, it’s always been one of my main passions. I found sport though, specifically rugby – as a positive outlet especially for things like mental health. I remember being 16 ready to go to college thinking, am I going to pursue rugby or am going to dive in with singing and which made me feel the most alive when I did it. It turned out to be music. I couldn’t do both as no one would want to see a battered face sing to them. I decided from that point to really hone in on singing.
My mum really helped along the way – and prior for that matter – to put me in singing lessons or with different people that she knew who knew more about singing and the industry itself. She used to say that she knew I was talented but needed to hear it from an unbiased view to make sure that I was as talented as she thought. Those different people help me get to where I am now. I feel it was mainly my mum and myself that really gave me that push to go for it.
FP: Were you classically trained when it came to singing lessons?
RP: No. Mainly for me I didn’t want to eradicate the feeling that came across when I was singing. I wanted to make sure I knew how to control that. When it came to singing, it was more focused on breath control and being able to project your voice without doing any harm to it. I was trained by people who were classically trained but I didn’t want it to be as strict as that. For me if you attach something so strict to something so emotive like singing it then becomes almost feelingless. That’s not the case for everyone but it was so for me.
FP: Who were your musical influences growing up? Was it a mix of older generations to the current artists/groups at the time and has that changed over the years?
RP: Growing up I was raised in a very musical household. Not that anyone played themselves but, when I would go to my grandparents they used to love throwing parties. They had a sound system that would run through the whole crib, so when it came to birthdays or whatever we would just be out in the garden setting music alight! Artists like Gregory Isaacs, Feris Hammond, Marica Griffiths would just play throughout the house. In terms of reggae being Jamaican it was something I was already very rooted in. At home though it was more those pop/r&b centred artists that my mum and my dad play all the time. Being at home with her, she would be playing the Brandys, Usher, even people like Westlife and Blue! My Dad on the other hand would play artists like your John Legends. I would have my ear like an applaurer of music. Once I grew up and started going to college and uni I made friends that introduced me to genres like Afrobeat and artists like Fela Kuti, Arctic Monkey, Ben Howard, Banks, Coldplay – essentially artists that are more focused by melodies or song writing. The focus is all about storytelling. With that I loved r&b but just wanted to make sure I was saying something within my music and construct it so that it tells a story or in a way that was clever.
FP: When writing a song/s, do you have someone in mind or do you tell it from someone else’s perspective? Is it based on past experiences or do you like to create and tell a story?
RP: I would definitely say that everything that I have written is based on past experiences. Everything that is on ‘Dusk till Dawn’ are my own stories, anything from past relationships, my view on the world and people that I have been in touch with who have affected me in some way. There are times when making music that hasn’t made it out, where I want to talk from another perspective. Those are the things that I develop a story around someone’s experiences in some way. But for the most part it is a depiction of my own life.
FP: Are you the type of person to write your lyrics in a notebook?
RP: I don’t write my lyrics in books but I do journal. In terms of my thought process and what helps me have a cathartic moment everyday, that is something that allows my thoughts, worries, great ideas or things to reach towards come out. When I’m in the studio though I need something quick so that’s when I usually just use my notes on my phone or anything I can just get things down quickly on. Sometimes though when we are jamming I need to hear it back and write down the lyrics and piece them together so that they make more sense.
FP: Congratulations on 2 Million streams on not just one but two tracks off your mixtape ‘Dusk & Dawn’ (Smithereens and Warm In These Blue Jeans – the latter which was a single from 2019). Did you know that songs like these would take off or do you just create it and let the songs take their course?
RP: I wish I could have said yeah I know this one will take off. I don’t feel like you ever know, you get a bit of an incline but that may well be down to it being a special track for you. Sometimes the tracks that I get gassed about aren’t always received well instantly by people. That’s just how it is. I am just grateful regardless. The music that I put out I’m very intentional with what it is I am saying and releasing to the world. So whatever one it is that takes off, I am just grateful as it still represents a part of me. At that point it’s just allowing whatever takes off to take off.
FP: When choosing the right beats to lay your creativity on, is there a certain instrument or chord that catches your attention? Your versatility is evident on songs like Warm In These Blue Blue Jeans which is a groovy take with baselines and spotty synths to Smithereens and Joyride which are more of a slower pace but head-bobbing side of things.
RP: Not really to be honest. What I go for is that feeling that when you play a beat makes me want to write. If it doesn’t make me want to write straight away, then it’s not right. Music to me should be easy. Of course writing and enveloping the story and all these things can be tough, trying to get out what you are trying to say. But, in terms of melody and what I am searching I expect it to just come like that! *click*
FP: With some of the lyrics you have already pre written then what is it about the beat that helps you match it together with the lyrics?
RP: I always say, I am going to create because I have an urge and intention to create. Any time I go into the studio I have that same intention, so when I hear something that makes me feel inspired then I am going to attach whatever it is to sit on that. It doesn’t matter if I have used it on something else that was never released. It’s about getting the best out of what you are trying to say. That could be however many takes it needs to be as long as you’re happy with it. The song is before the beat for me, it’s the thing that comes first, I want to be able to sing it completely acapella and make sure everyone else can do so also. If that isn’t happening then to me it’s not a great song. It’s the excitement that comes with it, if Sam or Niel play me something or any of the producers that I have worked with play me something and it gets me excited then I just feel like I need to share something and it just happens.
FP: I hear that, if the moments right , the moments right.
RP: Exactly. For example when we played you some of the new stuff I wrote that – Niel what was it like 30mins?
Niels: More like 30 seconds!
RP: Other songs though I sometimes need to come back to. I could have written one part or the main aspect but need to return to complete it fully. Sometimes you need to take yourself away from the situation to come back with fresh ears and go again. Imagine all the ideas that just die.
FP: Just left them to do nothing.
RP: Yeah and they weren’t inspired enough to want to do anything with it. In comparison to the amount of songs that are constantly coming out which is like 60,000 songs coming onto spotify everyday. It’s endless.
FP: Do you have any artists that you would like to collaborate with?
RP: Andre 3000!
FP: Let’s take a little side step into your style and interest for trainers. Do you think your style was inspired by your musical journey or has it been something you have tried to immerse yourself of your own accord?
RP: Definitely my general interests, where I’ve been and what I have been affected by. I feel that people in general for the most part, if you are going to tap into that side of your brain. You are always going to be trying to search for inspiration in some way. That’s just what I am like. Anything that I decide to wear on a day to day basis is based on the reference points that I have collated in my mind. That’s why I chose these Asics besides the fact they are curated by Kiko. I knew it was the type of shoe I would want to wear based on my style already. That attention to detail is what plays in every single part of my life, whether that be my interior design interests, music I make or clothes that I wear. That is something that I think is very intentional, at the same time by chance too. You never really know what you’re going to end up falling into! My whole family dresses in a different way to how I dress. They always say that they never thought I would have dressed like this, but I wear it proudly knowing that this is who I am. You don’t feel like what you dress is weird until you’re in a situation where other people are wearing the same thing as you, that’s when you start to think that standing out is weird to some people. Just own it!
FP: Before we let you go! Rasharn we like to ask our guests if they have anything they would like to share with the Footpatrol community and readers. Whether that’s something to get people gassed about or just a general message of positivity it’s up to you?
RP: I would just say go after what it is you’re inspired by and what makes your heart, mind and body feel alive. If you’re young and have no responsibilities go after what it is you want to do and if you’re older and have responsibilities still go after what it is you want to do.
There is also a lot of new music coming soon to watch out for! Otherwise, I am Rasharn Powell and that’s it!
Coming into those winter months, it’s quite possibly the best time to shed light on a brand you should consider to have within your winter rotation. Where to begin when it comes to Columbia Sportswear… Based in the Pacific North-West, the brand began life back in the 1930’s and ever since they began, Columbia have continued to be at the forefront when it comes to innovating and exploring the world of the outdoors garments and footwear.
As mentioned, with the brand being based in the Pacific North-West, you can only imagine the amount of rich forests, snow covered mountains and rugged coastline that lays on their doorstep and it’s this terrain that has helped Columbia Sportswear become experts within the world of outdoors for 80 years!
Though Soho doesn’t quite have those luxuries, London does boast some of the most unique patches of scenery based within it. Whether thats Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath or Richmond, there is plenty of places to test Columbias latest offerings. For Fall 2021, we headed out to Richmond Park with the Columbia Flow Asphalt and Flow Borough Low to see how they’d fair up on the wet, muddy terrain.
Both silhouettes utilise a chunky, rugged outsole and both focus their attention on usability and function with the idea of tackling all conditions in mind. The uppers are both constructed from a mixture of mesh suedes that make the most of waterproof protection and non-marking traction rubber.
To shop this latest offering from Columbia, click here!
