Vibe Check

This week's episode welcomes guests Jeff Chang and Favianna Rodriguez of the Cultural New Deal. The organization serves as a call for each of us to transform our personal, institutional, and global thinking in the pursuit of cultural and racial justice. Before diving into the meat and potatoes of the conversation, Jeff and Favianna provide us with some additional background on the Cultural New Deal. Talk then shifts to the artists and culture bearers of color, whose voices have been excluded from the arts and culture sector in the United States. As the Cultural New Deal aims to revitalize arts and culture in the US, and center the voices of those previously unheard, the organization is providing steps on how to work towards racial reconciliation. This begins by thinking locally and giving people the tools to organize. Throughout the episode, you will find out how to get involved with the Cultural New Deal and hear more on regaining communities by both organizing and promoting people of color. Press play above for valuable insights from Jeff and Favianna, and be sure to visit culturalnewdeal.com and culturalpower.org for more.

Actress Kiersey Clemons joins us today on the latest episode. Clemons, who plays Shoshanna Meadows in new horror-thriller Antebellum, takes some time to touch on the parallels between Black horror films and racism in America. Led by Jordan Peele, the Black thriller genre has gradually transitioned into the mainstream, as stories of Black individuals being terrorized by white people ultimately mirror the horrifying experience of being Black in America today. During the podcast, Clemons delves into how Hollywood previously chronicled such narratives using a lens of comedy through shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Elsewhere in the episode, the Antebellum actress discusses her affinity for secondhand clothing and how she recently gave away a portion of her own wardrobe to fans on Instagram. In closing, she shares how her mood admittedly affects what she chooses to wear.

For over a decade, SoundCloud has been a proving ground for up-and-coming artists looking to make it big in the music industry. From musicians like Post Malone and Kehlani to Billie Eilish and Lil Uzi Vert, the platform has been crucial for artists and fans alike looking to discover new music. On today’s episode of Vibe Check, we speak with Leon Sherman, the global editorial director at SoundCloud, as well as Orlando Urbina and Marshall Tan, founders of Washington, DC-based company GRVTY, as they discuss the inspiration behind their new fashion collaboration and how it came to fruition. The collab is all part of SoundCloud’s plan to inspire creativity and empower its community during these times of increased isolation from the Covid-19 pandemic.

This week we welcome rapper, producer, singer and songwriter, and record label owner Hit-Boy. Hit-Boy’s moniker isn’t even remotely hyperbolic, the California-born producer’s credits include Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “N***** in Paris”, “Trophies” by Drake, “Clique” by GOOD Music, “Racks in the Middle” by Nipsey Hussle, “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott, and “Sorry” by Beyoncé, among many others. On top of those certified platinum and Grammy-award winning records, Hit-Boy has just executively produced King’s Disease, the thirteenth studio album by Nas which dropped last month. For this week’s Vibe Check, Hit-Boy calls in from lockdown to chat with Noah Thomas about his super-producer status and finding things to celebrate while in a state of lockdown –such as spending time with his 5-month old son – and reflecting back on those “Wow, I really made it” moments.

This week we welcome Dexton Deboree, a filmmaker, branded content creator, and founder of Falcon content, Deboree has had the pleasure of working with a number of high-profile names from the Highsnobiety world, ranging from Virgil Abloh and Kim Jones, to Serena Williams and Michael Jordan. We begin our time with Dexton as he details how he’s been keeping his creative juices flowing during the pandemic. In between meditating, journaling, and reading, he admits he’s made a concerted effort to get a few ‘fits off, even if just for drives or walks. Deboree has had a hand in some of the most noteworthy projects from the past few years, including the Dior x Jordan campaign and Unbanned: the Legend of AJ1, the documentary exploring the history of the Air Jordan 1. During the podcast, he dishes on these initiatives, while also teasing his next documentary centered around one of the NBA’s hottest rookies. Elsewhere in the episode, Deboree delves into his filmmaking process, how he manages to land such coveted gigs, and working with some of the biggest names in fashion and sports. 

In the metaphorical sense, Jaden Smith lives on his own planet. And, all things considered, who wouldn’t want to astral project somewhere else? Between the global pandemic and racial reckoning, it feels like Planet Earth as we know it is in shambles and nobody knows where to even start cleaning it up. Our interview happens to fall on what would have been the late Oluwatoyin Salau’s 20th birthday while also coinciding with natural disasters like Hurricane Laura and the California wildfires. The next day, news of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman dying from colon cancer sends shockwaves across the Internet. But in spite of a persona built on being perpetually spaced out, Smith himself feels the grief of these events like a weighted blanket of sadness. He’s been aware of this messy reality pretty much his entire human existence, but recognizes that this traumatic moment is a massive wake-up call for people who “wanted to turn a blind eye to racism and try to ignore it.” And yet, the most turbulent times are when Smith seems to find the most creative inspiration.

We had the pleasure of speaking with the founder and CMO of Miilkiina, Nadia Azmy and Maria Alia. Miilkiina is a new digital media space and creative agency that spotlights global tastemakers and trailblazers and focuses on underrepresented identities. Azmy and Alia have a renewed appreciation for the internet and social media during a time when physical interaction has been drastically reduced due to the pandemic. During the podcast, they discuss the power of the internet and how their reach has been able to expand amid the coronavirus crisis. Now more than ever, Miilkiina is bringing in creatives from all over the world to have specific conversations that may not have been previously possible. Miilkiina is a space for everybody, something Azmi and Alia wish they had access to earlier on in their careers. Here, they also delve into how they broke into the creative industry and what it takes to follow similar pursuits.

Lenny McGurr, better known as the multidisciplinary artist Futura (fka Futura 2000) started in the world of graffiti before branching out to the world of fine art, street art, and beyond. A certified “old head,” he’s designed some of the most covetable sneakers to date (forget the Dunkles, all praises to the FLOMs) and during NYC streetwear’s late-’90s heyday, was behind labels like Project Dragon, Subware, and the seminal Nort/Recon outpost done with Stash. These days, he’s busier than ever. Supreme’s updating some of their collaborative work from the vault, Futura Laboratories is cooking up new products on a more consistent basis, and he’s got high-fashion collabs like last year’s Off-White™ collection and this year’s capsule with COMME des GARÇONS SHIRT. We took some time with the artist to discuss his breakout year, and his unexpected connection to the U.S. Postal Service.

Yara Shahidi is legit one of the most intelligent beings on the planet. The 20-year-old actor, activist, and incredibly astute speaker (just listen to this episode as proof) stays civically engaged with her organization Eighteen x 18, which encourages young people to vote, and has famously interviewed former first lady Michelle Obama for Teen Vogue, among many other accomplishments. On this episode, she talks about making Hollywood a more inclusive place via her production company 7th Sun, which just signed a deal with ABC Studios to produce shows. While we’ve seen great strides in diverse casts and inclusive storytelling, there’s certainly so much further to go. She also talks about the importance of this election, how people who can’t vote can affect change, and how high the stakes are in 2020.

Lovecraft Country, a psychological horror series based on a novel by Matt Woodruff and developed by Misha Green, is Majors’ latest project to debut, and hits HBO this weekend. Executive produced by J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele, the eerie show depicts the parallels between foreboding Lovecraftian horror and the racism of the Jim Crow south, a dark legacy whose impact can still be felt today. Majors took some time from filming his latest project, The Harder They Fall, to talk about the persistence of racism, working with industry elder statesmen, and why not being active on social media is kind of a flex.

Colm Dillane, better known as KidSuper, is a multi-disciplinary artist and designer who just threw one of the best digital fashion shows at Paris Fashion Week. Given the remote nature of this year’s proceedings, he hunkered down in the studio and cranked out a stop-motion fashion show featuring “celebrity” cameos and 1:6 scale versions of his gear. Some people succeed within the fashion system, and many succeed outside of it. KidSuper is the perfect example of the latter, and shares his own tips on building a universe, finding organic co-signs, and making the kind of world other people want to visit. Stay tuned for new episodes of Vibe Check every Tuesday and Thursday.

On today’s episode, Brendon Babenzien of Noah and Sam Lobban, SVP of Designer and New Concepts at Nordstrom, talk about their unlikely partnership and why small businesses and big businesses need to work more closely together. New Concepts @ Nordstrom 011: Noah launched today online and in select Nordstrom stores, but unlike previous iterations of Lobban’s New Concepts series (which has included labels like Dior and Thom Browne), the Noah partnership foregoes a physical installation for a digital one, owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The accompanying lookbook was styled by Haley Wollens and features several exclusive pieces to Nordstrom, like paisley yellow chinos in brushed twill and a summer-ready white suit, alongside core offerings from Noah and a collaboration with famed new wave band The B-52s. Lobban and Babenzien discuss the inspiration behind the pieces, the importance of working with partners you trust, and the trick to pulling off paisley.

A few months ago Duckwrth dropped his song “Find A Way,” which became an anthem for people trying to push through amidst the pandemic and a resurgence in the fight for social justice. He followed that up with his new video “Coming Closer,” eventually leading up to the release of his album SuperGood later this month. The record is a long time coming. “That’s a project that I’ve had in my mind since 2013, but I never was able to act on it. So I’m stoked for that,” says Duckwrth on today’s episode of Vibe Check. We also discuss the unique energy of the modern Black Lives Matter movement, and why it’s important for high-profile allies like Billie Eilish to support the cause and influence the next generation of artists and creators. For more Duckwrth, check out his NTS radio show SuperGood Nights Presented By Duckwrth from 8pm-9pm PST until August 21. Tune in on NTS.live.

Gabe Ricioppo served as the creative director of Need Supply Co. and Totokaelo for over two decades. The Virginia native was instrumental in building Need Supply Co.’s digital identity and helped usher it into an era of e-commerce prominence out of Richmond, Virginia. In 2016, he was similarly tasked with helping out Totokaelo when it was acquired by Need’s parent company. Currently Ricioppo lives in Los Angeles and runs a creative agency called Supergravity, which operates between Paris and LA and includes clients like MATCHESFASHION. We talk about the early days of Need Supply, the growing pains he faced along the way, and the moment he decided to step away from it all and focus on his family, himself, and create new dreams.

We catch up with some of the guys behind Kinfolk, the recently shuttered club, café, store, and brand once headquartered in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The packed podcast includes former retail director Josh Ilyas, former creative director Jay Perie, former partner Keith Abrams, former communications manager and head of nightlife Felipe Delerme, and former general maanger Sam Sundos. Of course, the full cast of Kinfolk characters who were instrumental in cementing the venue’s legacy is far too vast to be contained in a single podcast, but we try to speak on how the Kinfolk brand surpassed a singular location, but really represented the creative zeitgeist of a decade.

Joseph Robinson — better known as JoeFreshGoods — is a longtime Chicago veteran of the game whose touring city pop-ups brought out crowds en masse. Recently his collaborations with everyone from New Balance to companies like Spotify and Snapple have put him and his Don’t Be Mad label in an even bigger spotlight. But don’t get it twisted: It’s a family affair. And Robinson describes the rest of his Fat Tiger Workshop crew as the apparel equivalent of the Wu-Tang Clan. These days people supporting their locals may be stronger than ever, but in our conversation Robinson talks about how he’s been on that wave for a long time.

Quil Lemons is a New York-based photographer whose career has been blowing up, even in the midst of Covid-19. He's shot Evan Mock and Porches for Highsnobiety, and even conducted a FaceTime shoot of Pamela Anderson for The New York Times. Lately, he's been unwinding. Last month he spent his birthday in Seattle, where he fell in love with the Pacific Northwest's temperate climate and sampled many of the city's weed dispensaries. We have a conversation that spans Black photography, the need for drug law reform, and the importance of seeing in Black.

Gia Seo is a Brooklyn-based stylist, art director, and fan of textures and socks. The self-proclaimed (and keenly self-aware) “sockfluencer” is known for her offbeat sense of personal style and eye for mixing bright colors and verdant patterns with tactile materials. You can see all that and more on her side project @texturenaut, where she boldly explores the final frontiers of all things fuzzy. 8:13 She’s also continuing to use her voice and platform to amplify the issues and causes that are important to her and her community. Recently she helped raise funds for The Emergence Project, a nonprofit charity serving families in NYC, and the Hetrick-Martin Institute, which helps provide services for thousands of LGBQT youth. On this episode of Vibe Check we talk jiujitsu, her views on cancel culture, and how to continue to hold brands and companies accountable for putting their money where their mouths are.

Brothers Terence and Kevin Kim are the duo behind futuristic Korean clothing label IISE. Their clothes take inspiration from Korean architecture and traditional garments like hanbok, updating the silhouettes with a futuristic lens and forward-thinking fabrics like GORE-TEX. Living in Seoul, they share how the country's lauded approach to combating Covid-19 has kept them ahead of the game. We also discuss how K-pop fandoms have used their platforms for good and advocating for social justice and causes like Black Lives Matter, and why even after a rise in anti-Asian sentiment during the spread of the pandemic, there's never been a better time to be Asian in the Western world.

Toronto-based designer Spencer Badu launched his label a couple of years ago while in university. His modern take on the idea of a uniform features architecturally-inspired clean lines, military fabrics like nylon, and zipper details that accentuate hemlines and change the way his garments fit. This degree of customization and self-expression is purposeful, a way to subvert a prescriptive way of dressing in order to let your personality shine through. Chalk it up to Badu’s experience in Catholic school, where ways to show your personal style in a uniform were limited. His ideas have definitely caught on with the likes of A$AP Rocky, who’ve been spotted out and about in his trackies.

Clara Jeon and Kenneth Loo are the founders of Chapter 2, an agency specializing in young designers. Among the brands they’ve helped turned into hyped household names? Rhuigi Villaseñor of RHUDE, Pyer Moss, and Reese Cooper. Their current roster includes Ev Bravado of WHO DECIDES WAR?, Toronto label making waves Mr. Saturday, and veteran skater-owned brand HUF. The industry veterans have worked just about every facet of the public relations business, and as such know all about how the industry can be more toxic than helpful. They share their advice on how younger brands can find their voice, and why having social media clout is nowhere near as effective as knowing what you want to say through your brand. Stay tuned for new episodes of Vibe Check every Tuesday and Thursday.

Jack Carlson’s background is in rowing (he was so good he was on the US national team), but he’s found a new calling in gear. The self-described “streetwear omnivore” built a brand mixing the worlds of preppy style with youthful sportswear, offering everything from hardy, colorful rugby shirts to patchwork Barbour collabs and cheeky send-ups of finance bro style. This all is represented best at the Rowing Blazers flagship store in SoHo, which has been closed due to Covid-19. But now Carlson is using his brand as a platform not just to combat coronavirus through making masks from leftover fabric, but also a way to stand up against racism and acknowledge the influence Black culture has had on taking prep style to a whole new level. Stay tuned for new episodes of Vibe Check every Tuesday and Thursday.

Nate Brown. is the founder of Studio Institute and the creative mind behind a ton of projects that touch the Highsnobiety world. Zack Bia is a young DJ and nightlife figure who’s done a little bit of everything behind-the-scenes, and recently got attention for the mind-blowing IG Lives he did with Pedro Cavaliere. In April, they launched the Work From Home Project ( 1:19), a new initiative mixing cool graphic tees with charitable donations to the CDC Foundation and No Kid Hungry. What started as a Slack group became a group effort to remain #OnlineTogether and create cool, charitable stuff while under quarantine. We discuss how most young people today already spend a majority of their time online (3:08), and why that will undoubtably lead to some very real paradigm shifts in the workforce.

Beauty expert, plant daddy, and infectiously hilarious, it's no wonder why Bretman Rock has garnered a huge following for his online videos. The Philippine-born digital creator's name stems from two of his father's favorite wrestlers — Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson — and the resulting portmanteau is a decidedly Filipino baby naming convention. We caught up with him between squat reps, science vids, and tending to his growing garden to talk about his love for Crocs shoes, get a bit of fitness advice, and his unique experience growing up as a gay immigrant. Stay tuned for new episodes of Vibe Check every Tuesday and Thursday.

Is it possible to still have the song of the summer even though we might not have a real summer at all? That's the challenge facing Kim Petras, whose undeniable bop “Malibu” is an infectious tune that aligns a little too well with aspirational trips to the beach and fizzy tropical drinks that leave you buzzed and a bit sugar high.Last month, she premiered the home edition of her music video for “Malibu,” shot on Zoom (1:53) and featuring cameos from some of her famous friends, including Paris Hilton, Charlie XCX, Jonathan Van Ness, Slayyyter, and many more. But even though Zoom parties can be fun, Petras admits it doesn't feel the same (3:22).Regardless, she's keeping her spirits high leading into pride month, and one of the things that's helping her get through these tough times? Internet culture and cringey meme accounts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLmn8qkqzJI Stay tuned for new episodes of Vibe Check every Tuesday and Thursday.

Hussein Suleiman, Abderr Trabsini, and Jefferson Osei are the trio behind Daily Paper, the Amsterdam-born brand that started as a publication and became a movement of its own. With plans to make their US debut with a New York flagship store put on pause due to Covid-19 (4:23), they've had no choice but to up their e-commerce game considerably. Luckily that's something that comes natural to this crew — after all, Daily Paper started as a lifestyle blog before it became a full-on clothing label. It's something they're excited to return to with their UNITE hub (14:17), a place where they put everything from music playlists, staff profiles, and give a deeper look at the seasonal inspirations for each collection.

In this episode, we talk to Cactus Jack artist Don Toliver, who released his first studio album Heaven or Hell back in March. When the pandemic hit, tours, festivals, and the ensuing promotional appearances were instantly canceled, leaving Toliver in a bit of a holding pattern. In some ways, it paused the momentum on his career, but it also gave him time to reflect on dropping an album he feels is his best work to date (2:09). Toliver also talks about working with creative greats like photographer Kenneth Capello (1:20) and fine artist Matt McCormick (2:09), who did the cover art for Heaven or Hell, and why this is the ideal time to lock himself in the studio and avoid all distractions (9:43). The following interview has been edited and condensed. Jian DeLeon: You've worked with Kenneth Cappello for a bit, most recently on that Jackboys SNEEZE magazine cover. How did that project come together? Don Toliver: Ken shot “Can't Feel My Legs.” So me and him really been locked in, but it was definitely a pleasure ti have him him to take those photos. SNEEZE magazine is definitely a great a look. Anything that got to do with me and the whole gang is always a plus. JD: One thing I appreciate is the eclectic range of influences you have, from Toro Y Moi to working with Matt McCormick on your album art. What made McCormick's aesthetic a good fit for you? DT: One of our friends Easy Otabor was the man who made the call on Matt McCormick. Easy brought it to the table and everybody was rocking with it. After that, me and Matt just locked in. He understood what I wanted, and we made magic. JD: If this pandemic hadn't hit, you'd be on tour right now for Heaven and Hell. How are you keeping the energy up post-album release? DT: I really fought for that moment for me to be outside and touch people — that moment I dropped my greatest work to this day — and it kind of got taken away. It put me back in the same position I was in before, but I was just able to drop some of my best work before the storm came. JD: In a previous interview that you grew up with a lot of video games, some of the ones you talked about were Jak and Daxter and the older Grand Theft Auto games. Have you gotten back into gaming during quarantine? DT: Honestly, I've been just using this time to get in the studio more than probably I ever could. I have the studio booked all to myself. In many ways it's a “no distraction” time. There's a lot of time for me to figure out myself more than I've ever figured myself out. I've been in the studio trying to cook up crazy records, thinking of moves to make, and whatever I want to do for myself at this point. JD: What's your quarantine drip like? Do you live in Jackboys gear? DT: I wear hoodies, sweatpants, and slippers, man. I haven't put a pair of shoes on all quarantine. I'm wearing a lot of Jackboys merch; I'm wearing the Heaven or Hell merch; I'm definitely merched out right now. Stay tuned for new episodes of Vibe Check every Tuesday and Thursday.

Chris Gibbs is the current owner and operator of UNION Los Angeles, purveyor of streetwear, sub rosa Japanese labels, and all around dope shit — like its in-house line that doesn't shy away from referencing his and his wife Bephie's black heritage. UNION isn't just a small business, it's a family business — and it's black-owned. Given the current state of America and social unrest over the unjust killings of people like George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, Gibbs gets real about how he feels as the father of two black teenage boys (1:50). In the wake of protests and uprisings across the country, he also empathizes with the righteous indignation of many protesters. In some ways, bringing streetwear back to its roots of community and culture might be the salve it needs. Hear his thoughts on how it's become commodified (11:08), and ways current events have reinforced his desire to give back to his community (22:19), even if it's something as simple as donating proceeds from a sneaker drop.

James Whitner is the founder of The Whitaker Grp, a black-owned retail company that owns boutiques like Social Status, A Ma Maniére, APB, and Prosper. An outspoken advocate for black business owners and civil rights, he recently penned an op-ed for Complex challenging companies in the streetwear/sneaker space and beyond to do more for the black community. He's also dedicating The Whitaker Grp's social media channels to thee #TWGBlackout, using them to suggest radical solutions and educate people on the issues currently plaguing the black community and what we can do to start solving problems from their root. Listen to the episode to find out how individuals and companies can hold themselves more accountable when it comes to contributing to the cause. Stay tuned for new episodes of Vibe Check every Tuesday and Thursday.

Dashawn Jordan is the number five skater on the planet. The Arizona native was stoked to represent the United States on its first-ever Olympic skate team, until of course the Olympics got delayed. But he's not letting that bring his spirits down (5:04), and instead is focusing on some of the more positive sides of his recent decision to go pro. He just launched his first decks with Business & Company, and he's ridden for Nike SB for a while now, a flow team that comes with some excellent perks (6:48). Hopefully that'll lead to his own signature shoe, if not a collab now that we're in a new age of Nike SB. But Jordan's already got a few ideas for what his Dunk would look like (8:30). Stay tuned for new episodes of Vibe Check every Tuesday and Thursday..

Artist and clothing designer Greg Lauren is known for his wabi-sabi garments combining vintage Carhartt with cozy jersey knitwear, his penchant for old-school militaria, and collaborations with everyone from KITH's Ronnie Fieg to storied swimwear company Birdwell Beach Britches. But he's also done plenty of time as a fine artist, honing his illustration skills to portray superheroes like Batman and Superman (he's a staunch DC guy) in a different light, usually through dramatic charcoal on Japanese paper. These days, he's toggling between designer life and #dadlife, helping his son with fractions (1:20) while coming to terms with his kid's love for Marvel heroes. Speaking of heroes, he's also doing his part to help those on the frontline of Covid-19. A medical professional recommended ways to make masks out of air conditioning filters (8:34), which led to several Greg Lauren-designed masks. At the end of the day though, Lauren's glad to be in a place where he can continue to hone his creativity, and appreciates the return-to-roots perspective this time has given him (18:57), and he hopes others can find a similar sense of introspection. That was something that I've been exploring for 10 years. I would destroy luxury fabrics, put them through processes that were normally used on rugged, rough fabrics because I was trying to tear down some of the things that were put on such a pedestal, cashmeres and fabrics that were so expensive and so excessive. It's really strengthened what was already the beginning of a commitment to doing things differently, and not just for the aesthetic, but to have a more responsible approach to making things. I know that for my next collection, I'm committed to doing as much of that collection using our scraps or deadstock and vintage materials as possible. We're going to continue making things out of what we have, and not trying to create more waste. Stay tuned for new episodes of Vibe Check every Tuesday and Thursday.

Working from home is a relatively new concept for Kris Van Assche, the Belgian designer who once helmed his eponymous menswear label, Dior Homme, and is currently the creative director of luxurious leather house Berluti. As someone who already had access to different offices, having a workspace at home seemed superfluous, although obviously circumstances have changed.Still, he draws a distinction between the type of introspective work he’d do in the sanctity of his home (a big library is involved) and the hands-on work he now does remotely with his design teams. But at least he gets to spend more time with his cat Frieda (6:50). Van Assche recently feted a new line of upscale housewares from Berluti, including boiled leather vases and silver bowls. He talks about the design process (7:27) and how much of an inspiration Pierre Jeanneret is. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the fashion industry after Covid-19 (16:02).

Kendrick Sampson is an actor and activist known for his roles on The Flash, The Vampire Diaries, How to Get Away With Murder, and more recently, as Nathan “Ghost Bae” Campbell on Insecure. On this episode, Sampson talks about his nonprofit organization BLD PWR (2:07) that promotes a spirit of liberation culture. Sampson is also raising awareness for mental health awareness month, and shares a few tips that help him decompress (15:55). He’s also a strong advocate of the Cancel Rent movement (9:55) and has been working with Housing Justice For All in order to fight for the housing rights of underserved and marginalized communities. Stay tuned for new episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ every Tuesday and Thursday.

For Kevin Poon, co-founder of Hong Kong-based label CLOT and boutique retailer JUICE, the Covid-19 pandemic is long past lockdown and at the very early stages of getting back to normal. “It feels like we’re watching the same movie, but we’re 40 minutes ahead,” he says in today’s episode of Vibe Check. He’s in a very fortunate position as a small business owner, where he’s had the opportunity to actually open a new location instead of shuttering several during this weird time in history. He recently opened a branch of his Elephant Grounds Cafe in Chengdu, albeit with strong social distancing measures in place and a business model that primarily revolves around to-go orders. But he’s also experiencing a bit of what economists have called “revenge spending” in Asian countries where malls and clothing stores are reopening, cautiously welcoming consumers who are more than eager to cop up fresh gear. Listen to the full episode to hear what it’s looking like on the other side of the pandemic. Stay tuned for new episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ released every Tuesday and Thursday.

Aleali May is a model, stylist, and creative who’s designed her fair share of Jordans including a pair that makes a nod to her home city of Los Angeles. Aleali catches up with host Jian DeLeon on this episode, sharing what she’s been up to in quarantine which has often involved rewatching some of her favorite fashion documentaries. Aleali joins her fellow Cancers as a homebody who’s appreciating the stay-at-home life as an opportunity to relax and recover from her past fashion week run. She’s finding tasks to keep herself busy, including cooking regularly and spring cleaning her closet. While doing so, Aleali has come across some forgotten pieces, styled them in outfits, and took pictures for documentation. Still, she can’t help but feel disappointed about the cancellation of men’s fashion week, which she feels always brings out the best atmosphere (3:45). Aleali has been taking time out to rerun some of her go-to documentaries and enjoy the discoveries she finds with each new watch. She shares her lineup along with the takeaways for each film in hopes that the younger generation will be inspired by some of the most key players in the game (10:32). Stay tuned for new episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ released every Tuesday and Thursday.

Team Epiphany, a marketing and creative agency that’s been around for 15 years, is responsible for conceptualizing the idea of an “influencer” before the social media we know today even existed. They’re also the creative force behind collaborative projects like the Heineken 100 and Coca-Cola Energy x Camp High’s campaign, a brand that was featured in the latest issue of the Highsnobiety magazine. Coltrane Curtis and Lisa Chu, the agency’s managing partners, work, commute, and live together, now even more than ever. Pretty much the only thing they’re fighting about is sharing office space within their NYC apartment. The duo joins host Jian DeLeon to talk about recent projects and the steps they’re taking to keep small businesses up and running. Lisa Chu: In addition to running the agency’s event production, I’m also chief financial officer at Team Epiphany. Which means I’m reading anything and everything that has to do with the stimulus package because this pandemic is having a huge impact on culture and community. We’re an independent, small business that employs over 70 employees so I’m doing everything I can to ensure their financial security as well as the agency’s. I’m on the phone with our friends that own companies like Vosges, Cosabella, LEDE PR and our network of influencer friends to share stimulus information that may help keep our NYC community of small businesses afloat. The agency’s accomplishments from their Coca-Cola and Camp High collaboration is up on Coltrane’s list as one of Team Epiphany’s top five collaborations (5:22). Jian picks his brain on the project’s execution and how brands can speak to an audience during a time when people are increasingly in tune to what’s happening in the product landscape (7:26). Stay tuned for new episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ releasing every Tuesday and Thursday.

Host Jian DeLeon chats with Shane Lindstrom, better known as Murda Beatz, a multi-platinum record producer who’s created hit singles with Travis Scott, Gucci Mane, Drake, Migos, and many more award-winning artists. To keep the momentum going this month, he released two new records and his first drum kit sample pack. Quarantine life has been the same work from home routine as usual for Shane, just heightened to a daily basis. Without outside distractions, artists have either been uninspired or motivated. Shane identifies with the latter, focusing on all things music including his upcoming singles. His latest project is what he refers to as the “MTV of gaming”: Players Ntwrk, a group of artists, producers, and athletes who stream their gameplay while connecting with fans. Shane shares some of his favorite games at the moment that are more than likely to make an appearance on Players Ntwrk (4:30). Jian introduces Shane to the world of Animal Crossing where players have been designing clothing and reimagining real world merch and apparel in a 2D universe. This certainly speaks to Shane who enjoys the sense of community that comes with being both a producer and a gamer. The pandemic has also provided Shane an opportunity to work with a greater variety of artists while revisiting old practices. While working at home, Shane just might release some new gaming beats (6:50). Recently, he released a Quarantine Pack with music production platform Splice, consisting of a drum kit that’s perfect for newly initiated beat makers (9:00). Stay tuned for new episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ dropping every Tuesday and Thursday.

Host Jian DeLeon checks in with Dao-Yi Chow, co-founder of New York-based label Public School, who was named the creative director of heritage sportswear brand Sergio Tacchini last year. Dao-Yi reflects on recent changes in his life including the new role, sustainability in fashion, running for a cause, and pulling off a proper Asian household quarantine fit. Dao-Yi has collaborated with Jordan Brand multiple times, and he’s now bringing his affinity for basketball and fashion into styling outfits on collectible ENTERBAY Jordan figures during quarantine. Dao-Yi’s been busy with work as well, steadily moving towards Sergio Tacchini’s target launch date in Fall 2020. To him, the important question is asking how the fashion industry is going to come out of the current Covid-19 situation (5:02). Stay tuned for new episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ dropping every Tuesday and Thursday.

On this episode of ‘Vibe Check,’ host Jian DeLeon speaks with two guests who live and breathe New York City. Nicolas Heller, known as New York Nico, produces work that can best be described as that which belongs to a cultural anthropologist in the country’s largest city. His recent New York Accent Challenge scouted for contenders of the city’s best accent, attracting anyone and everyone who uses the internet. Now, Nico has partnered up with Jaeki Cho, creative director of streetwear and sneaker boutique Alumni of NY, to introduce the Best NY Shirt Contest. The deadline for submissions is April 29, after which the top three designs will be made into T-shirts and sold for charity. The Accent Challenge exceeded Nico’s expectations, with Jaeki himself participating and making it to the top 16. Jian speaks on the elements that constitute a distinctive New York state of mind both on and offline as exemplified by Nico’s and Jaeki’s work. As individuals who lived through 9/11, the duo acknowledges an unparalleled sense of community that surfaces in times of strife. (3:02).

On this episode of Vibe Check, we delve into how people’s dating lives have changed while self-quarantining. Host Jian DeLeon talks to Karley Sciortino, a writer, host, and founder of Slutever. The two discuss how dating apps have evolved in an age of social distancing, with a special focus on Bumble, which empowers women. Sciortino recounts a story of friends meeting on Bumble, offers advice on keeping the momentum of online dating going, how to rethink sex, and more. Hit play above to listen to the full episode and read on for an excerpt from the conversation.

While many people know Lena Waithe through her accomplishments as an actress and screenwriter for films and shows like Queen & Slim and Master of None, host Jian DeLeon taps into Lena’s equally prominent identity as a sneakerhead by discussing her new Quibi show ‘You Ain’t Got These’ along with the kicks she has on her current isolation rotation. During this quarantine, Lena is appreciating a need to respect other people’s time and maintain boundaries while everyone is working from home. Of course, listening to music, FaceTiming, and revisiting old movies and shows like Boomerang and High Fidelity are just as important (3:35). Lena speaks on the relatability of her characters, their stories, and how people are connecting to her material overall. These elements shine through her newest Quibi show as well, which Jian commends for its cultural authenticity (6:29). Lena is embracing the unique connections that each generation has with sneaker culture, including the booming resell phenomenon and the introduction of new hype sneakers like Travis Scott’s Jordans with secret stash pockets being acts of public service (8:50).  Even though people aren’t wearing their kicks out right now, Lena sees herself as a semi-purist who can keep a pair of sneakers in a box or glass case and simply appreciate their craftsmanship. At the same time, she’s not a believer in taking away the functionality of sneakers as someone who has worn out a pair of Yeezy Red Octobers. Lena has been leaning towards the former practice of appreciating her collection while putting wear and tear on her Balenciaga slides and other selects that are a part of her isolation rotation (15:10). Meanwhile, she’s waiting on the right time to flex her kicks, even if it means getting her hands on Pharrell’s Chanel NMDs and wearing them once in a blue moon. Stay tuned for new episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ released every Tuesday and Thursday.

Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz are the cofounders of Malin + Goetz, a modern apothecary that creates luxury skincare and fragrance products for ecologically and design-conscious individuals. Matthew brings his expansive background as a cosmetic buyer and his management experience to the brand while Andrew’s expertise in design can be seen from various aspects of his life, down to his house containing a collection of books and their equally impressive shelving. On this episode of ‘Vibe Check,’ host Jian DeLeon chats with Malin + Goetz on balancing work and leisure as well as the proper way to use scented candles. After sharing their recent quarantine reads, Jian and Andrew evaluate the journey of Barneys beginning with the department store’s move to Uptown Manhattan (2:37).

A$AP Ferg is a rapper and songwriter who needs no introduction. Even now, the artist has been keeping busy through music and recently put together a playlist of his favorite tracks on Pandora. During the day, Ferg finds time to perform his workout routine which includes 300 pushups and has been a daily part of his quarantine life. Host Jian DeLeon speaks with Ferg about his Instagram Live with Dr. Sampson Davis on Covid-19 and the importance of music during the crisis for the latest episode of ‘Vibe Check.’

While things are getting twice as bad back in Hawaii with stricter lockdown enforcement and a tsunami warning, skater, model, photographer, and designer Evan Mock has been spending the past two weeks in Connecticut. On this episode of ‘Vibe Check,’ Evan talks to host Jian DeLeon about the projects he has lined up in the pipeline, including his brand Sorry in Advance, and discusses the need to show love for local businesses and people during these trying times.

Life has been moving on an upward trajectory for Nicole McLaughlin. The upcycling designer attended Jacquemus’ show for Paris Fashion Week and was involved in workshops at Highsnobiety before the Covid-19 outbreak put everything put on hold. Now that quarantine life is everyone’s reality, host Jian DeLeon catches up with Nicole who checks in from her studio, which has always been a work-from-home situation. Nicole talks about supply runs, working on furniture pieces, and maintaining connections during a time of social distancing on the newest episode of ‘Vibe Check.’

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, small businesses including Asian restaurants have been facing setbacks. Danny Bowien, chef and founder of Mission Chinese Food, closed his restaurants in Bushwick and the Lower East Side earlier this month. Now, he’s bringing his skills to the home kitchen, offering easy recipes and focusing on his upcoming vegan cookbook, which he talks about with host Jian DeLeon on this episode of ‘Vibe Check.’ Mission Chinese Food is in solidarity with other neighborhood Asian restaurants like Nom Wah and Woo’s Wonton, all of which experienced a considerable drop in business during the month leading up to the outbreak (2:00). Self-isolating at home has allowed Danny to spend more time with his six-year-old son, who’s motivating him to learn Korean. Still, Danny can’t help but worry about how things will change for his son and other Asian families in the aftermath of the pandemic. The transition from working up to 90 hours a week to becoming a home teacher and work-from-home chef has also been difficult, even grievous for the drop in productivity (9:24). Despite a lack of culinary epiphanies, Danny is recontextualizing his daily meals to discover ways of incorporating them into his upcoming cookbook. Danny runs through the recipe, one of his son’s favorites, which has taken on different forms since its conception (13:45). In addition to being the ideal breakfast soup, it’s also the perfect opportunity to sneak in all kinds of vegetables for picky eaters: Remove seeds from the kabocha before dicing into large pieces Chop up either Japanese leeks or scallions into one inch pieces (use scallions in a 3:1 ratio with the kabocha) Warm up a pot containing olive oil Add scallions, one peeled and diced potato, and kabocha into the pot Pour in Korean kelp soup stock or a vegan bouillon alternative Cover the ingredients with water and bring to a boil Add in two quarts of water, 1 1/2 tablespoon of red miso, and 1 1/2 tablespoon of Korean miso or white miso Continue to boil until potatoes and kabocha are thoroughly cooked and soup turns into an orange color Skim the top to remove foam Add a handful of chopped white kimchi, and serve with rice While it’s important to eat healthy, Danny ends by talking about his frequent indulgence in ice cream during the quarantine, staying optimistic, and as Jian puts it, approaching the new lifestyle as a blessing in disguise. Stay tuned for new episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ every Tuesday and Thursday.

It’s hard to say with confidence that business is moving forward as usual. ‘Vibe Check’ host Jian DeLeon calls up Brendon Babenzien and his partner, Noah cofounder, and designer Estelle Bailey-Babenzien to hear how independent labels are faring during these trying times. Recently, the couple posted on Instagram about why consumers should be spending their money now more than ever, and how they should do so while supporting small businesses. As a global brand, Noah has its supply chain dispersed across the world. But with the coronavirus taking on an equally global scale, international suppliers and factories have reduced their deliveries and businesses have taken the hit. Brendon speaks on the plans that need to be put into place after everything is taken into consideration: seasons in the fashion cycle will be pushed back, inventory will be static, and consumers will lack incomes (5:26). To make matters worse, tourism is a big source of customers in large cities like New York and Tokyo. While Noah’s new store is scheduled to open in Osaka in May, nothing is set in stone at this time as Brendon and Estelle voice their worries for a situation that could unfold either way (7:53).

On this episode of ‘Vibe Check,’ host Jian DeLeon catches up with stylist and consultant Taylor Okata. The work grind never stops for a freelancer: even when faced with cancelations and postponements, he’s continuously putting together pitches and mood boards for the right opportunity to come around. Taylor recently shared his home workspace for our WFH Office Tour, unveiling a minimal and streamlined setup. For Taylor, the quarantine is a moment to reevaluate his business, including the role he plays in his family business. In Hawaii where there’s no notion of winter and T-shirts are a wardrobe staple, Tyler has integrated the custom into his family’s restaurant business and found a way to merge the best of both worlds by designing merch (5:07). Everyone loves to rep their favorite local hole-in-the-walls, and tourists are no exception. Most of the confirmed coronavirus cases in the state of Hawaii have been due to the arrival of individuals on vacation. While tourism is still crucial for the economy in an immediate sense, it could risk livelihoods in the long run (6:18). The global pandemic is truly putting things into perspective, including America’s flawed healthcare system. Given their personal experiences, Taylor and Jian are both acutely aware of the importance of health insurance and benefits (10:37). They recollect not-so-great memories as freelancers but also moments of inspiration and long distance intimacy via FaceTime (12:04). Look out for new episodes of 'Vibe Check' dropping every Tuesday and Thursday.

While most people are daydreaming about vacation plans in a few months, Bianca Valle is tackling life day by day (or quarantini by quarantini as she calls it). On this episode of ‘Vibe Check,’ host Jian DeLeon checks in with the certified holistic nutritionist and model to hear about the pandemic from the perspective of someone thriving with the slower lifestyle. Bianca drops specific advice from diet management to how needs differ from person to person, just as it should be with the quarantine life in general. While things are really picking up for Bianca’s nutrition book, her project has also been hit with cancelations. Meanwhile, Bianca’s seeing clients approach her for advice during a time when people are stocking up on everything they can get their hands on. Bianca shares tips on implementing theory into practice, including bringing new foods such as quinoa and black rice into your diet to introduce different nutrients for strengthening your immune system even more (7:04). Cutting down on carbs, protein, and processed foods while loading up on greens is the way to go. Remember: greens, beans, nuts, and seeds. Rather than completely adopting new dietary practices, Bianca suggests that every individual does some personal introspection. From HIIT, Kirsty Godso, and Joe Holder workouts to matching Ricky Thompson’s dance moves, Bianca is all for taking advantage of the at-home solutions offered via IGTV and YouTube. Look on the bright side, embrace the comfort of your own home, and listen to lots of Janet Jackson (11:30). Stay tuned for new episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ dropping next week on Tuesday and Thursday.

This week’s guest is Sandrine Charles, a consultant, publicist, and all-around communications expert who has worked with names like Noah, Aime Leon Dore, Kith, and Daily Paper. Sandrine shares some insight for maintaining steady productivity before an unpredictable future and the ever-present influence of e-commerce and retail therapy. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open for ‘The Dropcast’ which will be back on regular programming next week with a special pitchfest. In the meantime, make sure to catch up on the latest episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ where Jian checks in with guests from the Highsnobiety world to provide glimpses into their lives and how they’re adapting to the global coronavirus pandemic. For Sandrine, shopping doesn’t end with clothing — she’s setting aside time and money ($100 at Whole Foods) for fruits and vegetables and getting extra uses out of her Vitamix (7:26). Sandrine is aiming for comfort inside and out by eating healthy, waking up at five o’clock in alignment with her body clock, and dressing herself in presentable but cozy sweatpants. In between work and seven o’clock Zoom calls, she’s checking off her watch list and catching up on shows (9:51). SC: Yes. Yes. Exactly. I’m rewatching that entire series. I watched High Fidelity yesterday. I also watched Grace and Frankie. I watched Friends From College. I’m definitely diving into… Oh, Living Single, the whole series. Family Matters, the whole series, and then a couple of movies. So I’m keeping myself busy in between. And even in the office, we always have something in the background, so I’m keeping it as normal as possible.

Amrit Sidhu is no stranger to Highsnobiety’s podcasts. The two-time Dropcast alumna catches up with host Jian DeLeon on the latest episode of ‘Vibe Check,’ a new bite-sized podcast that checks in with guests from the Highsnobiety world to see how they are adjusting and adapting to the global pandemic. The NYC-based DJ and nightlife icon calls in from Soho, where she’s seeing some benefits to the quarantine, namely a drop in wait time at the Genius Bar. But despite the silver linings, gray weeks and possibly months are up ahead. The below interview is a transcribed version of ‘Vibe Check.’ It has been edited and condensed for clarity. Amrit: All my travel and upcoming gigs have been canceled for the next two months, especially as someone who works with things like Coachella. April basically just can’t, like deleted everything. I even have friends in the nightlife industry who own bars who are saying — I saw a tweet today where a friend of mine, Ash, who owns Short Stories, said 10% of nightlife is actually permanently closed. Jian DeLeon: Oh, like 10% of New York nightlife is going to close? A: Permanently, because a lot of these newer bars and establishments can’t really recover. Amrit drops insight on the industry’s cash flow and anticipates a shift to underground parties like those happening right now in LA (3:46). While music creators as a whole are experiencing a hit, Amrit foresees value in other practices like consulting, music supervision, and radio. As a freelancer, Amrit’s professional life often intersects with her personal schedule. It’s a difficult process adjusting to the new headspace, but Amrit hands the situation over to her optimism. A: Now I kind of having nothing to do. It’s not, oh, woe is me. Everybody’s in the same kind of position. It really is like we’re all suffering, but we’re all suffering together. Maybe this is the reset we needed. I think especially in American culture, so much of our sense of purpose and our identity is rooted in our career. I think just to be an optimistic person that this is a time where we can spend on ourselves. JD: Right, well I was going to ask that too, because culture in general has become more global and people like you and me love to fly and hang out with our friends in a place like London or Paris. Do you think this is an opportunity to really just look at your immediate community and neighborhood in a different way? Especially since a lot of us, we’ll have to either work from home and stay within the immediate vicinity for the time being. A: Yeah, for sure. I think thinking local as well. I had reached out to a lot of friends who own local ventures and said, hey, let me know if you need anything, if you guys do a reopening party and need help. Just to extend support, even with new spaces that have been opening. Because these are the people who, as much as it’s nice to go play Paris and London and Europe and stuff, these are the places that gave us a platform. We do need to take care of our neighbors, literally. Amrit, self-proclaimed fitness bae, has been training for the Nike half marathon in New York up until it was canceled. At the moment, she’s settling for her own home workout plan, inclusive of mental health via meditations. A: Where’s the apocalypse pandemonium category? It’s like relationships and work. I’m like, okay, what about ending of the world? Where’s that category? Stay tuned for new episodes of ‘Vibe Check’ releasing every week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.