Mighty Crown’s Nine Rulaz Illustrates Just How Hot the Japanese Streetwear Scene is Today + Words from Master Simon Tse, Jr. about the J-Pride Movement in Music + Fashion
Story by Tom Wallace Label Networks TV by Masaki Miyagawa
When we first encountered Nine Rulaz from Mighty Crown Entertainment at MAGIC last February, we didn’t known he was THE Master Simon Tse, Jr., musical extraordinaire that was giving us his time to show us his new collection of apparel, until Akon (yes, Akon) cruised by and ran over to the booth to shake the man’s hand and give him props for his new designs. Of course, this caused the Akon entourage to get busy pushing their way into the cramped 8 by 10 foot booth which attracted hordes of people who wanted to know just why this Japanese brand is so hot.
Mighty Crown Entertainment’s Nine Rulaz Line or NRL moved from this urbanwear area into Streetwear this time behind the black curtain. What’s interesting about NRL is that most people at MAGIC still have no idea that these guys are huge in the Japanese music scene. Influences in their designs therefore come from Japan and music inspiration in terms of music iconography in graphics, and from dub clash and sound clashing in general. The first part of the name is inspired around the number 9, which is lucky in Asia (like 7 in America), while the 2nd part of “Rulaz” indicates that we are all kings or rulers. NRL has collaborated with New Era, Nike, among others, but are seriously known for bringing together DJ and MC battles where people can overtake their “enemy” through sound.
This year, Simon explains what’s up also in the Japanese streetwear scene and how it’s clearly on the rise. If there’s one thing to watch for, its Japanese designed streetwear in terms of where things are headed in America and Europe next. His collection, particularly his premium denim designs with intricate stitching on the pockets, and the 9 theme for good luck, represent a fresh take on what’s a cross between urban and streetwear.
Label Networks TV also captured the scoop straight from the heart of the Japanese music master, about the rise of Japanese designers, the growing Japanese pride of young people, explosion of the J-Rock and J-Pop scenes, not to mention DJ’s, reggae and dub. As Simon points out, there’s a movement going on and we’d better be ready. For boutiques, if you don’t have some Japanese designed product, particularly denim, then you may be missing out on future consumers.
