Mikasi: Feelings of Fashion
An Interview With Stephen Chase, CEO/ Creative Director
Interviewed by Kenyatta D. Pious
Unsatisfied with what was being deemed the epitome of New Yorks' Progressive Streetwear, Mikasi was founded in 1999 as a grassroots fashion movement making limited runs of specialty pieces. At a time when fashion and creativity are at an all time high, Chase has made it his job to think outside the box. As the Director of Fashion Merchandising & Buyer for 35 specialty stores for over a decade, his position stands to present the market with elements he felt were missing. Mikasi exemplifies unconventional style and creativity, taking influence from the New York Club scene and a common fashion sense Chase has found from travels around the world. Mikasi is composed of premium denim and denim washes, tees, sweaters, hoodies, and jackets, each piece embodies unique styling and an unconventional marrying of different lifestyles. |
What can we expect from the latest collection(s)?
This years spring and summer collection focuses on ‘Japanimation,’ unusual color combinations and 70's/80's nostalgia. Entitled ‘Do The Math,’ the collections are equations based on six original characters: The Thought, Money Stacks/The Cash, Blueberry Haze, The Force, Biatches, and Game Over. Best sellers include Thought Man Hoody, which plays off 70's/80's nostalgia, combining Pac-Man with Mikasi characters, 7 Million Dollar Dash a spin off of Steve Austin 6 million dollar man, and Blueberry Haze.
“Mikasi” is unique sounding. How did you come up with the name?
Mikasi de Coutier derived from our closest friends in the fashion industry and their native languages: French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chimoran. [The name] came together to mean ‘feelings of fashion.’
Who wears Mikasi?
Anyone who appreciates the thought and play on society we approach in our designs. A 15 year old kid that listens to 50 cent to a 35 year old man who rocked Run DMC and Eric B & Rakim as a teen would wear our clothing with style and swagger.
Who is your biggest competitor?
I would have to say that we compliment a certain group of collections that we lay next to in specialty stores and visa versa. It’s the consumer who benefits from brands that compliment one another and not compete.
Is there anything you dislike about the current fashion industry?
Although there is something to be said about the over distribution of certain brands and an over saturation of clothing lines in the market, my love for the fashion industry cancels out any possible hate for the business. To me its one of the highest forms of art. You wear clothing and it becomes your identity, your message to the world on how you are feeling, what you are going to do and who or what you want to represent. So when a designer makes that connection to their consumer and it takes on a life of its own, It completes the last stage in the circle of fashion that I admire the most. |
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How is Mikasi marketed?
Mikasi has a grass roots marketing strategy and is taking a slightly different approach to product placement. Instead of the traditional celebrity name drop or flash in a video, we continue to have the up and coming fashionista /celebrity gravitate towards our styles. The game has changed and the niche, (or local celebrities), that we have throughout the globe are now getting their own reality show, record deal, movie role, and choosing their own style. With that our consumer grows, our brand grows, and our market grows.
Share some trends you anticipate for the next season.
I have been screaming military for some time now. Not in the traditional camo patterns and army green jackets, but more of details specific to military garments with a nontraditional twist i.e. epilates on short sleeved tees, highly detailed tonal patches on a marine officers jacket but the body constructed on a funnel neck, thick ribbed track jacket.
Is there a women’s line and what is next for Mikasi?
The womens collection is slated for release in Spring 08 and is named ‘Mikasi Amour.’
[For fall ’07, Mikasi will have] a continuation of our Do The Math characters. House of Mikasi will also launch that season. The House of Mikasi collection is based on the fictitious design school of Mikasi (b.c): that all of the world’s greatest designers journeyed to and studied there in order to achieve the highest degree fashion and design. As each piece tells the story of the journey, the quality and workmanship in these garments is really what rounds out a phenomenal collection.
What professional advice would you give a young designer?
Meet as many people as you can. Do not ever limit who your consumer could potentially be. Be quiet & listen to those who are willing to share their experiences in this field with you. Travel, travel, travel! If you don’t love what you do, find something else to do for a living…and always keep God first.
Mikasi is carried in premium boutiques and specialty stores across the globe. Mikasi has teamed up with www.karmaloop.com as its exclusive online retailer. In the states it can be purchased at Michael K in Soho NYC, LULU’s in Miami, Black Market Los Angeles CA., 10 in Salt Lake City, Diablo in Queens NY to name a few. Price points on tops range from $38-$150 and Denim is $110-$180.
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