In this episode of “People’s Party With Talib Kweli”, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with one of the most prolific streetwear designers of all-time:
ALYASHA OWERKA-MOORE
Here’s what they got into on this one:
- Alyasha’s longtime connection with graffiti growing up in 80’s New York
- His early influences growing up that forced his fashion senses
- How Alyasha got into producing hip hop for legends like the Jungle Brothers
- What got him into skating growing up in Brooklyn during the 80’s
- The elements that brought skateboard and hip hop culture together
- How he became good friends with iconic skater Harold Hunter
- What led to him landing a gig at Phat Fam, designing their first line
- Tensions between Alyasha and Russell Simmons at Phat Farm
- What brought him to San Diego where he currently resides
- How his clothing brand Alpha Numeric came together
- The consumerism of modern day streetwear subculture
- Alyasha convincing Nike to use the Dunks for the SBs
- Virgil Abloh and his bringing people up when you reach the top mantra
- Linking up with Tatsushi “Tabo” Kagaya to create the Fiberops line
- The differences of a designer versus an entrepreneurial mindset
- How he was able to successfully quit smoking through hypnotherapy
- Becoming the creative consultant for the Shoyoroll martial arts line
- Working with Stoked Mentoring, helping underserved kids
- Making paper airplanes at artist Romare Bearden’s loft in New York
- His working with Super7 making action figures & collectible toys
- Alyasha’s outdoor clothing brand called Guidance System
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