SIT DOWN WITH PLEASURES CO-FOUNDER, ALEX JAMES
To celebrate a collaboration steeped in the 90s grunge and DIY zine culture we got some time with PLEASURES co-founder Alex James to talk about his influences, his passions and deep connection to music.
What’s your history with Docs?
My first pair of Docs was the 3 eye in smooth black leather. I beat these up and they always looked good. I felt like they were moulded perfectly to my feet. This all happened around 5th grade.
What scenes were you involved with growing up? How have they influenced your work?
The NJ/NYC hardcore and punk rock scene raised me. I started going to show around age 12. I lived about 40 minutes outside of Manhattan. I had access to the world and I was a sponge. I used to people watch at shows. The way the dressed, the way they moved, and their style of interactions. These visual memories influenced me forever.
What was your thinking behind this latest collaboration?
We wanted to put out a concept that was genderless and forward thinking with an emphasis on casual comfort. The PLEASURES Jorge mule is the perfect example of a timeless classic
My first pair of Docs was the 3 eye in smooth black leather. I beat these up and they always looked good. I felt like they were moulded perfectly to my feet. This all happened around 5th grade.
What scenes were you involved with growing up? How have they influenced your work?
The NJ/NYC hardcore and punk rock scene raised me. I started going to show around age 12. I lived about 40 minutes outside of Manhattan. I had access to the world and I was a sponge. I used to people watch at shows. The way the dressed, the way they moved, and their style of interactions. These visual memories influenced me forever.
What was your thinking behind this latest collaboration?
We wanted to put out a concept that was genderless and forward thinking with an emphasis on casual comfort. The PLEASURES Jorge mule is the perfect example of a timeless classic
"I fucking love the 90’s and would love to go back but with modern technology."
"I fucking love the 90’s and would love to go back but with modern technology."
There’s a very 90s feel to the collaboration, what are you happy to leave behind from that decade?
Honestly, I fucking love the 90’s and would love to go back but with modern technology.
What would you like to see make a resurgence?
I would love to see music videos on tv again. It was such a moment in time. The music video is still an extremely important art form.
Describe this new collection in 3-5 songs
"Can’t Hardly Wait" - The Replacements
“Design” - Gustaf
“London” - The Smiths
Were you into customising your clothing when you were younger?
I was really into putting patches on random used clothing. From work shirts to backpacks, I wanted to make it my own.
Honestly, I fucking love the 90’s and would love to go back but with modern technology.
What would you like to see make a resurgence?
I would love to see music videos on tv again. It was such a moment in time. The music video is still an extremely important art form.
Describe this new collection in 3-5 songs
"Can’t Hardly Wait" - The Replacements
“Design” - Gustaf
“London” - The Smiths
Were you into customising your clothing when you were younger?
I was really into putting patches on random used clothing. From work shirts to backpacks, I wanted to make it my own.
Who are your music heroes?
Thom Yorke
Genesis P-Orridge
Trent Reznor
Favourite way to listen to music?
Live in person
In this hyper-connected age do you think subcultures can exist?
New subcultures are being created on the foundation new interests. We are entering a time period where people will be on social media less and value more human interaction. Life is so precious and short; people truly realize that now.
Is it better to burn out than fade away?
If I burn out that means I gave it my all.
Thom Yorke
Genesis P-Orridge
Trent Reznor
Favourite way to listen to music?
Live in person
In this hyper-connected age do you think subcultures can exist?
New subcultures are being created on the foundation new interests. We are entering a time period where people will be on social media less and value more human interaction. Life is so precious and short; people truly realize that now.
Is it better to burn out than fade away?
If I burn out that means I gave it my all.
