Hiroshi "KIRK" Kakiage's Blog

Hiroshi "KIRK" Kakiage

Menswear Designer:
Design and work for EXPANSION Inc.
Creative Director of Underwood Inc.
Founder of DRS (Dirty Rotten Scandal)

Art Curator:
Work for Ket Productions

Born in Tokyo Fukagawa Japan.
Lived in LA 77~81. Live in NY since 91.

PHOTO: Mizusawa Ryuichi

http://www.expansionnyc.com/

FILE # 5 "DJ MURO"

April 12, 2012

Muro is one of the most popular DJ in Japan, beat digger, producer and fashion icon in Japan. He is one of the first pioneers of HIP-HOP culture in Japan in late 80`s. Also well-respected Japanese Rapper. He has been a influential icon in his selection of music to lots of DJs and music lovers all over the world. He was also my ex-boss. I was a buyer for his ex-boutique store in Tokyo back then.

I met Muro in mid 90. Since then we`ve been good friend. He is like a big brother to me.

The phase i`d learned from him is not to give up keep on diggin what you like. He had introduced me to his lots of his friend, music and fashion. Without his present in my 30 something years, Expansion, Inc. would have never existed without a doubt.

He`d proved to me that people can communicate through music without using languages.

I`d remember there was one time, Muro and I were at a legendary HIP-HOP producer, Pete Rock`s house in NY. I was the translator for both but as soon as they showed each other`s record collections and listened to their music, the momentum and the vibe just kicked in and needless to say, they did`t even needed me to translate further. Pete stated using his mixer SP1200 and started mixing a beat that Muro selected. The session just kept going until midnight. I`d also noticed this kind communication many times in Muro`s house in Japan as well. Whenever well-known producers visited or toured Japan, they`d requested to stop by his house.

He also loves to dig records. There was a time when we went to record dealer`s home in the Bronx who had records all over the house, Muro dug for records until the next morning while the dealer slept on the staircase.

Whenever I called him, he always has new project going. He is a busy guy with busy life since i`ve met him. He will never stop. His passion and energy motivates me in what i`m doing on a daily life.

Website: KING INC.

FILE # 4 "ALAIN "KET" MARIDUENA"

January 31, 2012

It`s been 10 years since I started my Company, during these years, I`ve worked with countless Artists from NY and have been doing art events in Japan. Most definitely, without my friend, Ket`s continuous advises and his help with the Artist collaborations and creating Art exhibitions, Expansion, Inc. may not been around this long. Therefore, I sincerely thank him for his role in my life.

Ket is an Artist, Art curator, a writer, photographer, publisher and a multi-talented guy. Did I also mention that he is a joke and very good friend of mine. He was the curator for an exhibition at "MoCA" in Los Angeles and Fondation "Cartier" in Paris and more. Ket was founder of Stress Magazine, an ex-vice President of Complex magazine, and now he works at Vibe Magazine as a Photo Director, publishing books and more.

Last year, while I was doing a Video Blog for "CASIO", Ket allowed me to use my digital camera to capture behind the scene of how to make a magazine inside his studio. The result was awesome, as I wanted to show the young Japanese generation who were interested in media world. Hopefully it gave them some insight of the media world which in turn motivated there near future. Again, many thanks to Ket and Zun Bug from BBP for the editing.

BLOG: KET

FILE # 3 "Engineered Garments"

December 29, 2011

One of my favorites designer is Mr Daiki Suzuki "Senpai" from Engineer Garments.

He started out with the 3 styles of pants and shirts in 1999. All made in USA.

I believe my first discovery of Engineered Garments and himself was in 2004 at a Pier show.

His line stand-out and definitely shined when compared with other companies in the show. Daiki`s clothing were very unique and looked fresh to me. My impression was from the influence of the Americana vintage clothing and hunting wear collection mix with today`s new style. Lots of original details that is very hard to come up with and it made it very interesting and joyful to find these types of details.

3 years ago at the department store in NY, I found a fabulous, unusual collection from Wool rich. I'd ended up buying pants, shirts and jacket at one shot. That was the first time ever in my entire life that I bought total wear from the same company in one place. And recently, I found out that Daiki designed that collections.

Being original is very risky and very hard to continue. You may never have a chance but once your originality has been discovered by others, you become that trend. I think Daiki chose to be original and continues what he believes.

In 2008, Daiki was nominated and awarded as the designer of the year from GQ Magazine. Being Japanese and living in USA and reach the American dream is very hard. I think he gives a lot of hope to many other Japanese and new young Japanese designers and myself.

Salute to Mr Daiki. I see you at "Forget the year party" aka Engineered Garments bonenkai.

Website: Engineered Garments

YEW NORK JP CHARITY EVENT "Part 3"

November 2, 2011

If you are in NYC on Friday, November 4th, come join us for the Yew Nork JP Japan Benefit Event #003. Enjoy good music featuring DJ Scratch (EPMD), Masterpiece Sound, Stellas & Dutches, Deadly Dragon Sound & yours truly. Open bar (courtesy of Asahi Beer & Sailor Jerry Rum) and have a great time supporting this important cause!! All proceeds will go to the North Iwaki Reconstruct & develop Project Team.

FILE # 2 "POST OVERALLS"

November 2, 2011

I must say, I'm pretty fortunate to get to know my good friend (Dai Senpai), Mr Takeshi Ohfuch, he is a designer from POST OVER ALLS and have known him almost for 7 years. He had never talked about his background or what he has established over the years but he is great designer and good at making jokes and always makes his friends smile. His entire friends are something else, however, I'm not going to name who they are, but they are in the forefront of the clothing business for a long time.

If I get to choose who would be the next US collectable men's clothing company for the next generation, "POST OVERALLS" is definitely my top pick among the clothing company. Levis, Hercules, Big Mac, Lee, Carhartt, Headlight, Bilt-well, Big Smith, Sears, Penny`s Payday and Big Ben were know as rear vintage US clothing from the 30's to the 80s. For the 90's, I believe Polo, Patagonia, North Face, and L.L. Beans should be the next collectable vintage clothing.

In 2011, Internet and media such as MTV have transformed our generation to the next level. For obvious reasons, it gives too much information and sometimes, we are at lost not knowing what to believe or confuse at what would be the trend.

Some designer or clothing company is fortunate to blow up without having any background, experience or education. Look around, and you'll see a lot of entertainers, Hollywood stars, and artists have their own clothing company now days. Some of them may have big funds and others don't. Some designer works hard so they can achieve their goal to be recognized and earn respect.

Compared with the old days, there is no such formula. It is what it is!

But, I still believe most consumers want some sense of security and values when dressing up for special occasions. I personally rather have hokey on the horseback logo, or sheep suspended in a ribbon logo or simply wear my all-time favorite, POST OVERALLS.

Website: POST OVERALLS

FILE # 1 "EXTRA"

October 5, 2011

I`d like to introduce one my favorite shop in NY called "EXTRA". It's an antique boutique shop and it also sells clothing such as US made "POST O'ALLS". Located at the back of the ex-famous original New York City hardcore and punk rock club "CBGB". The owner is Koji Kusakabe, who is a good friend of mine and a great adviser. He was the person who inspired and introduced me into the aesthetic antique world. About a year ago, Koji opened his shop. Some people may already know by now. "New York Times", some magazines and filmmaker Jake Davis and "A Continuos Lean" web blogger had covered stories about his store.

When asked how did he got into this antique business, he replied to me that it all started with a industrial vintage 50's fan. During the early 80's, when he just arrived to this country, while exploring the city, he came across an antique shop. Immediately, an industrial antique fan caught his eye. He asked the Owner of the price of the fan but when the Owner replied, he couldn't understand what he was saying but somehow he figured it out and found out that the fan was free of charge. So he took it back to his apartment where he kept the fan on top of the 50's refrigerator. Few weeks later, a mutual Japanese friend who worked as a antique dealer went to his apartment and liked what he saw with the fan and the refrigerator and had offered him the job as a antique buyer. He'd it not been the free fan, he never thought he would have been in this business.

Every antique has its own history. Some history are known, some are yet to be discovered. Knowing the history of it will make you fall for it more and that is one of the reason why people really love antiques. If you need advise or help, go ask Koji. Once you visit his store, you will not be disappointed with his magnificent collection. Extra, also has a pop-up shop at the Nepenthes store in Manhattan's Garment District right now. Don`t miss out.

Extra : 10 Extra Place New York NY 10003 (212) 677 - 7465　

Website: http://www.extra-nyc.com/