Dear Readers,
Welcome to streetwear today No. 25, a quarter of a hundred issues! Something to be proud of, maybe we don’t need to break open the bubbly just yet, but at least we can give ourselves an encouraging pat on the shoulder. As with every issue, the mag you’re holding in your hands right now is the result of much blood, sweat and beers. And as always, we have accepted the challenge to draw your attention to the hottest, most innovative streetwear and street art shizzle, but ultimately it’s up to you, dear readers, to decide if you like our choices and styles.
‘Take chances’ is not just Natas Kaupas’ title claim for this issue, but actually, it also has a strong meaning for us, since basic changes have happened in our house as well. Streetwear today has just recently become a new and matching addition to the b&d media network, AG. This cooperation will optimize our publishing output from now on. This way we can focus our attention on our main tasks and professional skills; i.e. the editorial and graphical realization of streetwear today! However, progress is always relative to change and so it is that some of our good old structures will also change. Therefore, we would like to send out our special thanks to the print office Hußmann from Bochum, which has accompanied us all the way along throughout the last years – you did a wonderful job!
But our streetwear mag, and life in general, would be extremely dull if we didn’t take chances. As actress and comedian Mary Tyler Moore said: “Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.” No risk often means no fun, which brings us to our title claim, ‘Take chances,’ articulated by no other than skate legend and Quiksilver’s Creative Director, Natas Kaupas. He has definitely taken chances over the years. He did wallrides by skating up the sides of walls without using any transitions. He took the ollie to new heights and overwhelmed the skateboard community by spinning 720 degrees on a fire hydrant; a trick that is nowadays known as the Natas spin. He’s broken boards and bones just by taking chances. But his risks are not only limited to his skateboard, as later in his business life he stood out on a limb to found 101 Skateboards. Another huge gamble, which brings with it the obligations and risks of owning a company. Natas is the kind of guy who questions things and tries to improve them if the opportunity seems to be suitable. Exactly the mentality that has helped him in his life, through all the ups and downs.
Life’s too short to play it safe, so do it your way. Or, to end up with a quote by scientist Walter Anderson, “our lives improve only when we take chances and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves.” Stay true to yourself and the game of life!