As of today, I would like to declare this as an information source for anyone of you that wants to open up their own store. Feel free to reach me via email or phone. I am always available to share my fuck-ups and my experiences. I have a lot of them so I'm always eager to share. Most of you who found your way here will probably know how to reach me already so you can use those methods.
I am completely focused on this project right now and will be updating this blog like I used to on a daily basis. I have been camera shy and have not worked hard on getting pictures up. I will do that though. Don't doubt the committment.
As far as updates go, renovations have started as of Monday and we are in full swing. We will take approximately 1 whole month. We will be done by the end of March and OPENING BY THE MIDDLE OF APRIL.
I went there yesterday and the wall that allows access upstairs has now been broken down so that we can have just the one main door. No seperate access routes for upstairs and downstairs.
Electrical works have started. Plumbing has been completed. Basically the initial stages are fuckin boring and shit starts getting interesting in the second to third week of work. By Monday however, the glass roof will come in so we will be able to see some sort of a difference. I will wait to show that to you guys as that is one of the highlights of the place and will only look good upon completion.
Our website holding page is up. You can visit www.knowitnothing.com
I will be back tomorrow with photographs.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
CNY
Heading to Good Vibrations today. Should be a good time. As I write this though, it's pissing down outside and the thought of having to walk through fort canning park in the mud half drunk isn't very appealing. Whatever, I'm sure the whiskey will take over and I won't even give a shit soon after. The good news is that I sold another pair of double identity shoes and I'll be collecting the money from a buyer at the concert. Drinks NOT on me.
I will take a lot of pictures and I'll be sure to review this event as it's the first of it's kind down here.
Out.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Joe Rogan VS Carlos Mencia
I've always disliked Joe Rogan because of his UFC commentary but this really made me open up to the guy. Check it out.
Apparently a lot of Comics have been getting pissed off about how Mencia has been stealing their stand-up material.
I did a bit of research on this and it turns out that Rogan has now been banned from the Comedy Store. He has also been dropped by his Agency. Unreal!
Apparently a lot of Comics have been getting pissed off about how Mencia has been stealing their stand-up material.
I did a bit of research on this and it turns out that Rogan has now been banned from the Comedy Store. He has also been dropped by his Agency. Unreal!
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year has been slowing things down here in Singapore. It's great that everyone's taking a nice break but it's a long delay for me.
The good news is, we start work on store construction on the 27th of February. It will take approximately 1 month to complete. Most important lesson to anyone wanting to open a store; Don't waste any fucking time. It will bite you in the ass later on. I missed out on Chinese New Year spending so that sucks.
To get the ball rolling, I have started selling some of my inventory on the forums. I have gotten a good response and have sold 4 pairs in one week. I am getting a good response from the Double Identity sneakers. Thanks for the support. I will be stocking them more aggressively in the future.
www.knowitnothing.com is now up. It's just the holding page so hold your horses. It's just to show everyone out there we're alive, kickin and working hard to get this shit going. I am working with the people at Massive Communications to get the website done. They are giving me a pro-bono discount just as long as I give them creative credit. They are good people and I know we will be doing good things together. The website will be done by the end of March.
I am looking forward to this project very much. I have a lot of ideas I want to implement. I am very excited. Going to Haji and bumping into creative minds like Mark and the boys from Phunk really keep your feet on the ground and make you want to work as hard as them to achieve what they have.
There will not be very many updates until after this New Year is done.
Until then, Gong Xi Fa Chai. And make sure you give out 2 oranges, Not 1!
The good news is, we start work on store construction on the 27th of February. It will take approximately 1 month to complete. Most important lesson to anyone wanting to open a store; Don't waste any fucking time. It will bite you in the ass later on. I missed out on Chinese New Year spending so that sucks.
To get the ball rolling, I have started selling some of my inventory on the forums. I have gotten a good response and have sold 4 pairs in one week. I am getting a good response from the Double Identity sneakers. Thanks for the support. I will be stocking them more aggressively in the future.
www.knowitnothing.com is now up. It's just the holding page so hold your horses. It's just to show everyone out there we're alive, kickin and working hard to get this shit going. I am working with the people at Massive Communications to get the website done. They are giving me a pro-bono discount just as long as I give them creative credit. They are good people and I know we will be doing good things together. The website will be done by the end of March.
I am looking forward to this project very much. I have a lot of ideas I want to implement. I am very excited. Going to Haji and bumping into creative minds like Mark and the boys from Phunk really keep your feet on the ground and make you want to work as hard as them to achieve what they have.
There will not be very many updates until after this New Year is done.
Until then, Gong Xi Fa Chai. And make sure you give out 2 oranges, Not 1!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Store Progress
I have finally come about to get a lot of shit done.
Ever since the boys left I went in ready to work and to try and get this stuff going. I met with the Interior Designers to sort out the design of the space. I also rendered their services to figure out the Corporate ID after having troubles with another firm. Their stuff just wasn't spot on even after 7 rounds of possible solutions.
I am a firm believer in getting this absolutely right. This is because the store logo and name is the first thing that people lay their eyes on. It's the most important thing to get right and I can say that I have spent a shitload of time on this.
I did consult several people whom I very much trust with shit like this. Those 4 people embody my ideal customer so it would be right to have asked them. Those people know who they are.
I have been having trouble with the contractor though. It is a painful process and has been taking the piss out of me. I set a budget but they have gone over it and they are now trying to reduce the overall costs. I am already neck deep in debt so start-up costs really need to be reduced. I know it sounds boring but it's something to look out for. There's the first lesson for all you people looking to start up a retail store.
Ever since the boys left I went in ready to work and to try and get this stuff going. I met with the Interior Designers to sort out the design of the space. I also rendered their services to figure out the Corporate ID after having troubles with another firm. Their stuff just wasn't spot on even after 7 rounds of possible solutions.
I am a firm believer in getting this absolutely right. This is because the store logo and name is the first thing that people lay their eyes on. It's the most important thing to get right and I can say that I have spent a shitload of time on this.
I did consult several people whom I very much trust with shit like this. Those 4 people embody my ideal customer so it would be right to have asked them. Those people know who they are.
I have been having trouble with the contractor though. It is a painful process and has been taking the piss out of me. I set a budget but they have gone over it and they are now trying to reduce the overall costs. I am already neck deep in debt so start-up costs really need to be reduced. I know it sounds boring but it's something to look out for. There's the first lesson for all you people looking to start up a retail store.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Back...
Sorry for the long hiatus. The holiday season has gotten the best out of me in more ways than I can think.
First of I started with a trip to Bali for a great wedding. My dad's business partner decided to tie the knot in Bali in front of his closest friends and family. This was a great example that showed that you don't really need to throw down the cash and make immense efforts to host a beautiful wedding. Props to these kind people. They hosted three simple occasions which was just enough to avoid burnout in physical and financial terms. I look forward to more weddings like these to come. I also met some great people there that made the trip even more enjoyable.
I then spent the next few days in Jakarta. Again a great trip whereby I got to reunite with the boys and shoot the shit. It was great to see them especially Avi and Puts after quite a while. I enjoyed the microwave story from Avi in person. It was told with the same conviction as on his blog. This time we got to ask questions.
I then made my way back to Singapore to find that there was absolutely no activity that week leading up to the Christmas holiday. No complaints although that truly hindered store progress. Not a good thing. However, I did manage to cook up a great logo for the Corporate ID. I also met with the Interior Designer and we discussed more possible solutions. Thanks to her though, I still don't have anything to post up here. However, we are working in stages and we will most likely start more construction work next Wednesday. This is to take care of majority of the gutting of the place. I will most likely have photos by the New Year.
Then to Christmas. This was spent at my buddy Resida's. I brought over a few bottles of vino and we spent the night shooting the shit. This usually starts with them giving me shit about being "Bombay" and then me answering back. This is exactly the sort of "Giving" I expected from her this Christmas. A great night.
The boys then headed down here to Singapore to run an absolute muck. That we did for sure. Seeing them again in a large group reminded me of the Melbourne trip. All that was missing again was Avi and Puts.
Then it was back to work. Because of all the work I was unable to update this darn thing. I will be more regular.
Next post will be store update.
First of I started with a trip to Bali for a great wedding. My dad's business partner decided to tie the knot in Bali in front of his closest friends and family. This was a great example that showed that you don't really need to throw down the cash and make immense efforts to host a beautiful wedding. Props to these kind people. They hosted three simple occasions which was just enough to avoid burnout in physical and financial terms. I look forward to more weddings like these to come. I also met some great people there that made the trip even more enjoyable.
I then spent the next few days in Jakarta. Again a great trip whereby I got to reunite with the boys and shoot the shit. It was great to see them especially Avi and Puts after quite a while. I enjoyed the microwave story from Avi in person. It was told with the same conviction as on his blog. This time we got to ask questions.
I then made my way back to Singapore to find that there was absolutely no activity that week leading up to the Christmas holiday. No complaints although that truly hindered store progress. Not a good thing. However, I did manage to cook up a great logo for the Corporate ID. I also met with the Interior Designer and we discussed more possible solutions. Thanks to her though, I still don't have anything to post up here. However, we are working in stages and we will most likely start more construction work next Wednesday. This is to take care of majority of the gutting of the place. I will most likely have photos by the New Year.
Then to Christmas. This was spent at my buddy Resida's. I brought over a few bottles of vino and we spent the night shooting the shit. This usually starts with them giving me shit about being "Bombay" and then me answering back. This is exactly the sort of "Giving" I expected from her this Christmas. A great night.
The boys then headed down here to Singapore to run an absolute muck. That we did for sure. Seeing them again in a large group reminded me of the Melbourne trip. All that was missing again was Avi and Puts.
Then it was back to work. Because of all the work I was unable to update this darn thing. I will be more regular.
Next post will be store update.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Further Progress
Good way to end the week....On a high...
I managed to sit down with the good people at Swear and place an order for a few styles.
I then met with the other good people who are taking on the design and styling of the store. The engineer was there so as to approve our ideas. Everything went smoothly except about breaking things down. The issue is that we may have to submit our ideas to the Building Control Authority for them to approve. They don't want us messing around with fire safety structures. We will have to submit the application and just work on other things for the meantime. That work will start next week. Finally...
We will submit the app and it will take two months for them to approve which means that we will have to start on roofing, ceiling and the stairwell. My only issue is that people will have to walk in to the first floor from downstairs, exit the store and then walk through the stairs from the outside entrance to get to the sneaker store on the second floor. Retail psychology says this is a boo-boo, but fuck retail psychology because they ain't neck deep in debt. Fuck em!
We plan to submit the app to sort that out in the near future so that we can make changes 2 years down the road subject to approval. In the meantime you will have to settle with walking into the sneaker boutique from outside. Enjoy bitches...
I managed to sit down with the good people at Swear and place an order for a few styles.
I then met with the other good people who are taking on the design and styling of the store. The engineer was there so as to approve our ideas. Everything went smoothly except about breaking things down. The issue is that we may have to submit our ideas to the Building Control Authority for them to approve. They don't want us messing around with fire safety structures. We will have to submit the application and just work on other things for the meantime. That work will start next week. Finally...
We will submit the app and it will take two months for them to approve which means that we will have to start on roofing, ceiling and the stairwell. My only issue is that people will have to walk in to the first floor from downstairs, exit the store and then walk through the stairs from the outside entrance to get to the sneaker store on the second floor. Retail psychology says this is a boo-boo, but fuck retail psychology because they ain't neck deep in debt. Fuck em!
We plan to submit the app to sort that out in the near future so that we can make changes 2 years down the road subject to approval. In the meantime you will have to settle with walking into the sneaker boutique from outside. Enjoy bitches...
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Post-Hard-Day-At-The-Office Drink Up
Christmas came early this year bitches...
Tough day at the office calls for a tough time at the bar.....Harry's new location just opened up right below our office. It was their grand opening. The weekend's gonna come around much quicker every week.
Tough day at the office calls for a tough time at the bar.....Harry's new location just opened up right below our office. It was their grand opening. The weekend's gonna come around much quicker every week.
To be honest, I just saw a Guiness sign from way far. That only means one thing.....It's fresh on Tap!! The initial debate was to step in for 1 pint of Black Velvet (half Guiness, half Cider), but I'd be willing to put a wager on the fact that almost all heterosexual, misguided boys will almost always stay for another,.... and another,..... and another and then finally scraggle off drunk, broke and desperately looking for food. So I don't feel so bad.
Working class man's happy juice
Working class man's type of Women
Argghhhh......
Have a good weekend. Be safe! I will be considering Rishi's not here.
More sneaks
I will be meeting the good people from Swear tomorrow. They have some heat in their collection. Some of you may have seen the starry kicks on me sometime recent. 
Some more heat from the crazy minds at Double Identity.
Some more heat from the crazy minds at Double Identity.
Back tomorrow!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Progress
Thought it would be a good time for an update.
I am working with the interior designer right now and have gotten some good ideas from her. We will be visiting the space with the Engineer on Friday to see if we should go ahead and remove the roofing to expose the beams. Hopefully there's treasure under there so as to add a bit more raw-ness to the store space.
I am currently working with a graphic designer to iron out logos and work on branding and corporate identity. We'll then work on the website after the logo is done so as to show you lot that I'm around and headed in the right direction. I wanted to work with these guys too. Check out who they've done work for. They are on a similar wavelength I think.
I have placed an order at the good people at Still Life NYC. Some good things there.
I have also finished placing orders with the good people at Double Identity. Some of their stuff below. Feedback's always good!!
Another well-thought out interpretation of the trusted all-stars.
I am working with the interior designer right now and have gotten some good ideas from her. We will be visiting the space with the Engineer on Friday to see if we should go ahead and remove the roofing to expose the beams. Hopefully there's treasure under there so as to add a bit more raw-ness to the store space.
I am currently working with a graphic designer to iron out logos and work on branding and corporate identity. We'll then work on the website after the logo is done so as to show you lot that I'm around and headed in the right direction. I wanted to work with these guys too. Check out who they've done work for. They are on a similar wavelength I think.
I have placed an order at the good people at Still Life NYC. Some good things there.
I have also finished placing orders with the good people at Double Identity. Some of their stuff below. Feedback's always good!!
Another well-thought out interpretation of the trusted all-stars.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Here them are....
Here you are. Some before photos. I went to the store on friday to meet the interior designer. Great ideas. Let's hope they are executed soon. Our plan is to gut the entire place and then work from scratch. Again I want it spot on which is why I'm being a little bitch with shit like this. Take a look.
These are all first floor pictures. Thats all there is. Don't expect any after photos.
Enjoy the weekend. Be safe. I don't think I will considering Rishi is here.
These are all first floor pictures. Thats all there is. Don't expect any after photos.
Enjoy the weekend. Be safe. I don't think I will considering Rishi is here.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Slow...
It's been real slow here. My routine everyday typically involves getting my ass out of bed, getting cleaned up and heading straight to the office. Sad to say but it's become a routine already, which is maybe good in a way.
I have been working with the interior designer. She knows her shit and is using the project to truly showcase her talent. I respect that. She can be found here. Yesterday they took a spare copy of my keys and have started to come in and take photographs of the place. Measurements are also going to be taken so that construction plans can be drawn up.
I will have first draft pictures to post up soon.
I'm also trying to get some of these shits for all you aged cats out there. Lemme know what you think.
http://www.highsnobiety.com/?p=3943
I went on a mass email spree to try and get info from all brands. I also bitched at Nike and told em that I saw all those weird stores in Melbourne with great product. It's not fair with them giving me all Tier 2 shit. Thats not cool. They mentioned that they will work the "Energy" products in later on when there's a buzz going around the store. Let's see how that pans out.
It looks like its going to piss down outside. Fuck Singapore weather and Fuck the Subway being so far away!!
I have been working with the interior designer. She knows her shit and is using the project to truly showcase her talent. I respect that. She can be found here. Yesterday they took a spare copy of my keys and have started to come in and take photographs of the place. Measurements are also going to be taken so that construction plans can be drawn up.
I will have first draft pictures to post up soon.
I'm also trying to get some of these shits for all you aged cats out there. Lemme know what you think.
http://www.highsnobiety.com/?p=3943
I went on a mass email spree to try and get info from all brands. I also bitched at Nike and told em that I saw all those weird stores in Melbourne with great product. It's not fair with them giving me all Tier 2 shit. Thats not cool. They mentioned that they will work the "Energy" products in later on when there's a buzz going around the store. Let's see how that pans out.
It looks like its going to piss down outside. Fuck Singapore weather and Fuck the Subway being so far away!!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Pest-Free
Got pest control to come in today for them to inspect the space for any termite activity. Everything came out clean so it's all good and ready for work. I just need to take care of some faulty flooring.
Interior Designer is ready for work so we get bizy on Monday.
I am going to collect the Bank Guarantee today at 2pm. They called and told me it was ready. I'll then get the employment pass. I'll be sure to show you guys what this thing looks like. To think that this little card had me by the balls all this time gives me the shivers. I can't wait to meet this thing. It's going to be a feisty introduction.
I'm placing other orders. All should be okay from now on. Smmmoooooooothh sailing....
Interior Designer is ready for work so we get bizy on Monday.
I am going to collect the Bank Guarantee today at 2pm. They called and told me it was ready. I'll then get the employment pass. I'll be sure to show you guys what this thing looks like. To think that this little card had me by the balls all this time gives me the shivers. I can't wait to meet this thing. It's going to be a feisty introduction.
I'm placing other orders. All should be okay from now on. Smmmoooooooothh sailing....
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Singapore
The holiday mode depression has finally worn off and I am back in Singapore working on things full swing. Melbourne had the most positive effect on me. I really needed that holiday to let loose and sort of prepare myself for the tough upcoming months. I'm still drinking a lot in Singapore though, and this is only my 3rd day here.
Good things have happened. I met with my cousin the first day I got here and we ended up having a few drinks.
I met with the Interior Designer yesterday. What was supposed to be a brainstorming and budget breakdown discussion ended up becoming a (surprise, surprise) piss-up session. Hey, if happy hour starts at 4pm instead of 5pm, I ain't wasting that extra hour.
The thing that has annoyed me most is the employment pass issue I am having. It is the dumbest thing I have ever heard of. This employment pass is the key to everything. I mean everything! You need it to get a phone line, Internet acces, Cable TV. You need it to go to the bank even if you are opening a FIXED deposit account. Anyway, I still haven't been able to get one as when I was supposed to collect it yesterday, the Ministry of Manpower tells me that I need to deposit 3000 bucks at a bank and collect a banker's guarantee and bring it back to them. Next thing you know they're going to tell me to grow a Vagina. Believe you me, they probably would ask for something like that. That's how unreasonable these people are.
So I went ahead and got 3000 bucks and deposited it. The guy at the counter tells me that the guarantee will be ready in a week. This is when I flipped out. I instantly told him that without that damn pass, I would have no access to all the shit I mentioned above. Shit, I even told him that I have been going to bed at 7:30pm each night. Because of that I have been waking up at 6:30 in the am goddamnit..!
So fuck it. I did everything and am just waiting for things to happen. I am going to watch some fighting.
Out
Good things have happened. I met with my cousin the first day I got here and we ended up having a few drinks.
I met with the Interior Designer yesterday. What was supposed to be a brainstorming and budget breakdown discussion ended up becoming a (surprise, surprise) piss-up session. Hey, if happy hour starts at 4pm instead of 5pm, I ain't wasting that extra hour.
The thing that has annoyed me most is the employment pass issue I am having. It is the dumbest thing I have ever heard of. This employment pass is the key to everything. I mean everything! You need it to get a phone line, Internet acces, Cable TV. You need it to go to the bank even if you are opening a FIXED deposit account. Anyway, I still haven't been able to get one as when I was supposed to collect it yesterday, the Ministry of Manpower tells me that I need to deposit 3000 bucks at a bank and collect a banker's guarantee and bring it back to them. Next thing you know they're going to tell me to grow a Vagina. Believe you me, they probably would ask for something like that. That's how unreasonable these people are.
So I went ahead and got 3000 bucks and deposited it. The guy at the counter tells me that the guarantee will be ready in a week. This is when I flipped out. I instantly told him that without that damn pass, I would have no access to all the shit I mentioned above. Shit, I even told him that I have been going to bed at 7:30pm each night. Because of that I have been waking up at 6:30 in the am goddamnit..!
So fuck it. I did everything and am just waiting for things to happen. I am going to watch some fighting.
Out
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Boys Trip 2006.....
Okay. Once again I'm not quite sure where to start. Sorry for the long lay off. We just got in from the Annual Boys Trip 2006. I'm trying to gather all my thoughts together.
What a trip........!
That's right, I said it!!!
First of all, please remind me to buy the person who came up with the "boys trip" concept a round of cold ones, a car, a woman, a karaoke machine, whatever....I don't really care. All I want to say is that if you're ever in need to break free from your exciting-as-watching-paint-dry sort of life, round up a group of your tightest mates, pick a destination and run a muck. Rest assured you're going to be laughing (Shouu-laki anyone? Nipple Clamps?) and drinking and gambling (until you forget to return the rental car) and getting into trouble and eating as much as we did. I did all of it, except the damn nipple clamps!
To all my good mates new and old, you guys helped to serve up a truly great experience that I will not ever forget. Not only was it wicked fun to experience Perth and Melbourne with my good buddies, but it was equally great meeting other people and involving them in this trip. I made some new friends and met people that I have only good things to say about. You guys know who all of you are! I look forward to more of these trips to come.
To the boys that were there; Nathani, Inny, Ash, Giresh, PK, Rish....and the boys that weren't there; Puts and Avi....try not to ever grow up! Let's just stay stupid for as long as possible. It's better like that...
Last but not least, I have thrown up all the photos on this address for those of you that missed out on this trip.
http://community.webshots.com/user/surajmelwani
If you want any pictures removed because you may look like a knob or are smoking something or kissing someone you're not supposed to, please direct emails to me. I probably won't do shit about it but it'll still be nice to hear from you lot.
Out...
What a trip........!
That's right, I said it!!!
First of all, please remind me to buy the person who came up with the "boys trip" concept a round of cold ones, a car, a woman, a karaoke machine, whatever....I don't really care. All I want to say is that if you're ever in need to break free from your exciting-as-watching-paint-dry sort of life, round up a group of your tightest mates, pick a destination and run a muck. Rest assured you're going to be laughing (Shouu-laki anyone? Nipple Clamps?) and drinking and gambling (until you forget to return the rental car) and getting into trouble and eating as much as we did. I did all of it, except the damn nipple clamps!
To all my good mates new and old, you guys helped to serve up a truly great experience that I will not ever forget. Not only was it wicked fun to experience Perth and Melbourne with my good buddies, but it was equally great meeting other people and involving them in this trip. I made some new friends and met people that I have only good things to say about. You guys know who all of you are! I look forward to more of these trips to come.
To the boys that were there; Nathani, Inny, Ash, Giresh, PK, Rish....and the boys that weren't there; Puts and Avi....try not to ever grow up! Let's just stay stupid for as long as possible. It's better like that...
Last but not least, I have thrown up all the photos on this address for those of you that missed out on this trip.
http://community.webshots.com/user/surajmelwani
If you want any pictures removed because you may look like a knob or are smoking something or kissing someone you're not supposed to, please direct emails to me. I probably won't do shit about it but it'll still be nice to hear from you lot.
Out...
Friday, October 20, 2006
Back!
Sorry for the dissapearing act.
I have been in Singapore doing good things. I just got in about 2 hours ago.
I got the keys to my apartment and moved in already. Me and the parents went to IKEA to make the place a bit more liveable. I think they had more fun than I did.
I also got the store keys so I been showing the space off to all the vendors. Some of them are still a bit weary because they don't have the same vision of the place that I do. No worries, I'll show them how it's done.
A lot of the clothing brands have also been pissing me off. I guess I need to understand I would probably do the same if I had designed my own shit. That would piss me off if I worked on something so hard all season long only to find some tool marketing and distributing my label in a way that's not consistent with my vision. I probably have to get the possible interior solutions to those people and that might nudge them a little further.
I have been placing orders with others that have been easier. I will continue to do so after our Melbourne trip. However, I have assured myself and the people involved that I will not open up the store just because it should be open. I'm going to wait till it's stocked up so that people can enjoy the concept as a "whole" and not just the individual units. They'll be able to understand my message more clearly if the environment is complete.
Should work out okay. I'm beat. I'll post up more shit tomorrow.
I have been in Singapore doing good things. I just got in about 2 hours ago.
I got the keys to my apartment and moved in already. Me and the parents went to IKEA to make the place a bit more liveable. I think they had more fun than I did.
I also got the store keys so I been showing the space off to all the vendors. Some of them are still a bit weary because they don't have the same vision of the place that I do. No worries, I'll show them how it's done.
A lot of the clothing brands have also been pissing me off. I guess I need to understand I would probably do the same if I had designed my own shit. That would piss me off if I worked on something so hard all season long only to find some tool marketing and distributing my label in a way that's not consistent with my vision. I probably have to get the possible interior solutions to those people and that might nudge them a little further.
I have been placing orders with others that have been easier. I will continue to do so after our Melbourne trip. However, I have assured myself and the people involved that I will not open up the store just because it should be open. I'm going to wait till it's stocked up so that people can enjoy the concept as a "whole" and not just the individual units. They'll be able to understand my message more clearly if the environment is complete.
Should work out okay. I'm beat. I'll post up more shit tomorrow.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Corso Como
This is 10 Corso Como in Milan. People in the game have been raving about this particular spot. I like the environmental design direction. It's absolutely deconstructed on the outside but boasts a clean and collected interior. I like that it does not bother to call out for attention to the people that don't understand or care. Rather, they leave it to the people that actually do know about it while at the same time not excluding anyone. Bit like myself. It's almost elitist in a non-elitist sort of way.
Im really feeling the run down windows, doors, and the dishevelled creepers all over the place. Look at the signage as well.
The thing that irks me a little bit is it's interior but the merchandising takes the cake.
The interior is cool and all but that whole absolute contemporary thing has always annoyed me because it somewhat looks all too perfect. Kinda like some architect and contractor has been paid enormous sums of money to execute their own vision without the input of the store owner. Maybe I'm paranoid but I get that feeling sometimes when I walk into all them high fashion stores. Kind of like the new Dior boutique.
Now to the merchandise. Here's where I start to shiver. The dude responsible for merchandise must have been toking on some bad shit when he pulled all this together. Get this, Bape's in there next to Prada thats next to Gucci thats next to Fred Perry thats next to Comme Des Garcons thats next to Nike. Hmmmm.....
Pro-Gress Report..
So I now have the proposal from my buddy Jason. He agreed to work on the project which is good news. The proposal was pretty straight forward. I pay him a flat fee and he goes off to Singapore for 21 days which can be broken up into three visits. I have to foot the transportation, lodging and food costs. I told him to go on a muesli and bake bean diet but I don't think he's up for that. Not a worry as Singapore has good cheap eats everywhere so I'm sure we can minimize those costs. I also mentioned to him that he could stay at my place so that should help reduce other financial burdens.
I also have another person in mind. Not that I am questioning my buddy's talents but this other resource is a creative agency in Singapore. The Asylum is a creative agency that works on everything from corporate identity all the way to interior design. They are real good and their actual store space is one that is similar to mine in that it's an old conserved Chinese style shophouse. They already know the deal so thats all good. I have spoken to the creative director's assistant and she sort of said that they would work on the project. I'm basically leaning towards them because of the fact that they would be more accessible and will have no worries when I need to yell at em to get things up to scratch. And they won't only limit themselves to 21 days of work.
I am waiting for further word from them so I can make my decision.
I collect keys to my apartment on the 14th of this month. I collect keys to the store on the 15th. I'm so anxious to get this shit going. I will be headed to Singapore on Friday the 13th. Hopefully I stay well away from any bad luck. I will be staying there until the 20th. I will then head back here to Jakarta, get crunk and stay that way until we fly out on Sunday morning. I'm very psyched to meet all the good people I know in Perth and Melbourne. Hopefully they feel the same.
I also have another person in mind. Not that I am questioning my buddy's talents but this other resource is a creative agency in Singapore. The Asylum is a creative agency that works on everything from corporate identity all the way to interior design. They are real good and their actual store space is one that is similar to mine in that it's an old conserved Chinese style shophouse. They already know the deal so thats all good. I have spoken to the creative director's assistant and she sort of said that they would work on the project. I'm basically leaning towards them because of the fact that they would be more accessible and will have no worries when I need to yell at em to get things up to scratch. And they won't only limit themselves to 21 days of work.
I am waiting for further word from them so I can make my decision.
I collect keys to my apartment on the 14th of this month. I collect keys to the store on the 15th. I'm so anxious to get this shit going. I will be headed to Singapore on Friday the 13th. Hopefully I stay well away from any bad luck. I will be staying there until the 20th. I will then head back here to Jakarta, get crunk and stay that way until we fly out on Sunday morning. I'm very psyched to meet all the good people I know in Perth and Melbourne. Hopefully they feel the same.
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