Kong started in 1987 as a small skate shop, the kind of skate shop that knows all its customers and took pride in stocking new independant brands. The owner Gary Maloney opened Kong after playing the drums for punk band Discharge. The store has grown into two directional streetwear stores, the second can be found in Royal Leamington Spa.
Today i took time out from being the employee of the century to catch up with the manager for a chat:
Who are you?
Jay Forman. Store and Skate Manager. DJ Addiction and one half of the infamous '2 Sucka DJ's'.
Whats your role?
My role is to keep Coventry kids decked out in skate gear.
Whats your favourite label?
1. The Hundreds
2. Stussy
3. Alife
Why the Hundreds?
For me it is the epitome of US streetwear and in my opinion The Hundreds is one of the strongest street wear labels. Reason being, it has a broad spectrum of styles and looks throughout all their ranges.
Iv never heard this side of your vocabluary. You should use it more often.
Errmm, what label should we look out for in the future?
Difficult question. Its depends on current labels direction. For our region (the midlands) im going to step out and say Upper Playground. We've just had the rep in and had a look through the new look book. A lot of the bits impressed me and i respect the brands ethos.
How do you feel the UK scene compares to the US?
No comparison. They have lead the way since day one but I truly hope we can catch them one day. Streetwear has changed loads since I was young....its become much more corporate.
What is the UK scene missing?
Originality. We dont seem to have the balls to step out and be different, id like to see more brands take more chances. Like what Vivienne Westwood has done for British high fashion, she ripped up the rule book and did it for herself.
Worst customer?
Someone who wants sneakers but dont know their size, are wearing no socks and feet smelling like no mans business.
What do you do outside of Kong?
I've been DJ'ing for about 12 years now and have residencies at Swerve @ The End, Movenment @ Bar Rumba, Fabric and Musik in Switzerland. I am also part of the infamous DJ set '2 Sucka DJ's'. (www.myspace.com/2suckadj) I also try and skate from time to time.
Everone's a DJ. Thanks Jay.
Kong:
Kong has recently launched its online store. So have a peep to get a look at a handful of the stores ranges.
Click the banner >>>>>>>>>
14 comments:
Feeling this post Ollie!
New cam is on point too!
yh good look ollie. we gotta coem cov soon
Nice post ollie, was a good read.
speakin of the hundreds, is there any UK stockists apart frm triage and the now not present Bond???
online whatever?...
im currently gettin my fix thru digital gravel frm states, all gravy and all but wud like a uk stockists.
p rops on the interview btw
Shop is looking big gotta reach there when possible. They looking like they got a big collection. Cool read ollie.. 'thumbs up!'
Thanks for the props guys.
The Hundreds drops at Kong in October.
The Hundreds also shall be dropping at The Candy Store
Dope Ollie, you smashed it.
feel free to check for the hundreds instore from end of june start of july with the first European release new era.
Big up Jay and Ollie.
Mad love for Kong.
There's plenty of UK stockists for The Hundreds. OutOfStep should have all the details, though you may need to email them for an up to date list of stockists. A few new accounts from July, including Academy in St Ives and Chemical Records in Bristol.
TBH i don't see how you can put The Hundreds in the same list as Stussy and Alife.
Why not, if it's HIS 3 favourite brands?
Bringing quality content famo!
stussy has gotta be my fav. brand outta tha 3
looks like u had a fun day lol
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