State your name
My name is Joshua Phillip Leak. My friend's call me Josh P.
Tell us about yourself
I am from, and still currently reside in Durham, North Carolina. I'm also
a Junior at North Carolina Central University where I major in Business
Computer Information Systems. Most of my time outside of class is spent
networking and graphic/fashion designing. The only thing that comes
before that is my family.
a Junior at North Carolina Central University where I major in Business
Computer Information Systems. Most of my time outside of class is spent
networking and graphic/fashion designing. The only thing that comes
before that is my family.
Tell us about Futuriztik.
Futuriztik is a company I started during the summer of 2007 out of my love for
Fashion. I used to go to Raleigh,NC about two to three times a week to
shop at one of my favorite local boutiques FM Goods. I started to
notice how street wear and other higher fashions all started to take
the same general route with designing and I was starting to feel like I
was spending hundreds of dollars for the same thing over and over
again. The idea of starting the clothing line was spawned during a
dinner with my friends while we discussed how current brands were
really taking advantage of the hungry consumer by not even trying. Ever
since that night, I have continuously put myself in the position to
learn what I feel like I have needed to better learn the craft
of apparel creation. I handle all of the business aspects of Futuriztik
and I screen-print every piece of clothing myself! I couldn't be any
prouder of me lol.
Why the name Futuriztik?
Fashion. I used to go to Raleigh,NC about two to three times a week to
shop at one of my favorite local boutiques FM Goods. I started to
notice how street wear and other higher fashions all started to take
the same general route with designing and I was starting to feel like I
was spending hundreds of dollars for the same thing over and over
again. The idea of starting the clothing line was spawned during a
dinner with my friends while we discussed how current brands were
really taking advantage of the hungry consumer by not even trying. Ever
since that night, I have continuously put myself in the position to
learn what I feel like I have needed to better learn the craft
of apparel creation. I handle all of the business aspects of Futuriztik
and I screen-print every piece of clothing myself! I couldn't be any
prouder of me lol.
Why the name Futuriztik?
The name 'Futuriztik' came from my constant need to stay ahead of what
everyone else was doing. I always say "innovate..dont replicate".
Innovation is key to anything that you ever may choose to do in life.
I'm not looking for my inspiration from the past, or the present, but
only the future....
This is your first season correct? What has inspired your work thus far?
everyone else was doing. I always say "innovate..dont replicate".
Innovation is key to anything that you ever may choose to do in life.
I'm not looking for my inspiration from the past, or the present, but
only the future....
This is your first season correct? What has inspired your work thus far?
Yes, and boy has it been a ride! So far my inspirations have taken small
pinches from other cultures and a couple of other cool things that
oddly enough came to me in dreams (no joke). I like to create things
that make those who see it think. I've stirred up many a conversation
about my 'Pipe Dreams' shirt because its styled in Arabic and at first
glance many people think it actually reads 'Pipe Bombs' lol. I guess in
between the Arabic and terrorists attacks people's minds almost wanted
it to say that. My main goal is to accomplish a lot by doing a little.
In a couple of seasons, heavy print tee's will not be as high as on the
pedestal as people wanted to place them some time ago.
Is there any reason why it is called season 0?
pinches from other cultures and a couple of other cool things that
oddly enough came to me in dreams (no joke). I like to create things
that make those who see it think. I've stirred up many a conversation
about my 'Pipe Dreams' shirt because its styled in Arabic and at first
glance many people think it actually reads 'Pipe Bombs' lol. I guess in
between the Arabic and terrorists attacks people's minds almost wanted
it to say that. My main goal is to accomplish a lot by doing a little.
In a couple of seasons, heavy print tee's will not be as high as on the
pedestal as people wanted to place them some time ago.
Is there any reason why it is called season 0?
I chose the name Season '0' because like one of many uses for zero, I
consider this drop as a placeholder. I felt comfortable enough to
release these pieces to create a name and a buzz for myself. So far, so
good!
It can be argued that streetwear as a fashion genre is heavily
influenced by hip hop. But now as of recent we are beginning to see hip
hop culture becoming influenced by streetwear hence allowing it a
mainstream presence... In some circles this has produced some backlash.
What are your thoughts on streetwear's presence in mainstream culture?
consider this drop as a placeholder. I felt comfortable enough to
release these pieces to create a name and a buzz for myself. So far, so
good!
It can be argued that streetwear as a fashion genre is heavily
influenced by hip hop. But now as of recent we are beginning to see hip
hop culture becoming influenced by streetwear hence allowing it a
mainstream presence... In some circles this has produced some backlash.
What are your thoughts on streetwear's presence in mainstream culture?
I honestly have mixed emotions when I see rappers who are falling into the streetwear scene. For example, rappers like Bun-B (of UGK), Lupe Fiasco, and Wale have made honest
relationships with alot of brand owners and creators, but then you have those other artists like Rick Ross (who has worn a Crooks and Castles t-shirt during a B.E.T. awards performance a couple of years ago) who I personally feel like wear certain things just because it was slipped
into the hands of their stylists. And that's no diss to Ross because I'm actually a fan! I even remember seeing a video on VH1.com where they were doing these promo videos called "Ask Lil' Wayne" where Wayne was wearing a Hellz Bellz shirt!!! The madness has to stop somewhere,
feel me?! I'm glad people in general, including hip-hop/rap artists, have stepped out of the box and decided to wear what THEY (and no one else) feel like is cool and stylish, but sometimes I feel as though they're just another grown-ass Hypebeast kid lmao.
While we are on the subject of streetwear, what is it to you?
into the hands of their stylists. And that's no diss to Ross because I'm actually a fan! I even remember seeing a video on VH1.com where they were doing these promo videos called "Ask Lil' Wayne" where Wayne was wearing a Hellz Bellz shirt!!! The madness has to stop somewhere,
feel me?! I'm glad people in general, including hip-hop/rap artists, have stepped out of the box and decided to wear what THEY (and no one else) feel like is cool and stylish, but sometimes I feel as though they're just another grown-ass Hypebeast kid lmao.
While we are on the subject of streetwear, what is it to you?
To define it simply enough, street wear is anything that is to be worn in
the street. Whether if we'd like to admit it or not, brands such as
Crooks and Castles and Gucci can fall into the same picnic basket.
People label brands such as Louis Vuitton as 'high-fashion' but in
reality it is still considerably street wear.
Since the genre doesn't really stay with any one definition, there
is certainly a bunch of brands that cover a gamut of topics, fits, and
styles... Where does Futuriztik fit in and is there any kind of niche
you are catering to?
the street. Whether if we'd like to admit it or not, brands such as
Crooks and Castles and Gucci can fall into the same picnic basket.
People label brands such as Louis Vuitton as 'high-fashion' but in
reality it is still considerably street wear.
Since the genre doesn't really stay with any one definition, there
is certainly a bunch of brands that cover a gamut of topics, fits, and
styles... Where does Futuriztik fit in and is there any kind of niche
you are catering to?
Thats kind of hard for me to answer. Umm...I
think it's safe to say there's something for everyone. I have some
really 'safe' pieces that even our parents would wear. And then you
have others that aren't so safe lol. A lot of white collar people,
average Joes, students, and skate rats have shown me a lot of love, so I
think I'll continue the route I've been taking to see how long that
those responses will continue!
Since Futuriztik is still a small brand, what obstacles do you foresee in making it a household name?
really 'safe' pieces that even our parents would wear. And then you
have others that aren't so safe lol. A lot of white collar people,
average Joes, students, and skate rats have shown me a lot of love, so I
think I'll continue the route I've been taking to see how long that
those responses will continue!
Since Futuriztik is still a small brand, what obstacles do you foresee in making it a household name?
I would love to make everyone a believer of my movement and what I'm
trying to do. But to receive love from everyone isn't realistic, and
honestly I'm hoping for someone along the way to say "I don't like it".
The balance has to be maintained somewhere and always by someone (we
like to call those people haters lol).
For a brief moment let's discuss current events. The US financial
crisis has affected fashion and it certainly showed at this year's fall
fashion week. Have you taken economic conditions into consideration as
a major hurdle to overcome? Or do you think that given the streetwear
consumer market, the economy is a nominal threat?
trying to do. But to receive love from everyone isn't realistic, and
honestly I'm hoping for someone along the way to say "I don't like it".
The balance has to be maintained somewhere and always by someone (we
like to call those people haters lol).
For a brief moment let's discuss current events. The US financial
crisis has affected fashion and it certainly showed at this year's fall
fashion week. Have you taken economic conditions into consideration as
a major hurdle to overcome? Or do you think that given the streetwear
consumer market, the economy is a nominal threat?
The economy has everyone in every market
suffering right about now. That's a undeniable fact! I try to keep my
prices reasonable and affordable. I remember the days when i was
younger of having to hustle up a different amounts of money to buy
things that were ridiculously overpriced, and if possible I wouldn't
want to put another kid through that same struggle. A lot of accessible
streetwear brands such as In4mation and 10Deep have kind of implemented
this idea of regulated prices on their pieces to try to cut down what
I'd like to call 'the HYPE price'. Life and business are all about
adjusting. If these companies don't adjust the current state of the
economy now, they'll be the ones suffering, not the consumer.
prices reasonable and affordable. I remember the days when i was
younger of having to hustle up a different amounts of money to buy
things that were ridiculously overpriced, and if possible I wouldn't
want to put another kid through that same struggle. A lot of accessible
streetwear brands such as In4mation and 10Deep have kind of implemented
this idea of regulated prices on their pieces to try to cut down what
I'd like to call 'the HYPE price'. Life and business are all about
adjusting. If these companies don't adjust the current state of the
economy now, they'll be the ones suffering, not the consumer.
If given the opportunity, what brand(s) would you love to work with?
Ahh man! If I could collab with anyone in the game right about now, it
would have to be Le Messie of FALSE. In my opinion, he's the illest and
he gets a lot of respect from me because he puts alot of work and
thought into his craft. I wouldn't shoot down In4mation, 10Deep,
Crooks, or Alife either lol!
Are these brands your personal favorite? If so, why? Do they reflect your personal style?
would have to be Le Messie of FALSE. In my opinion, he's the illest and
he gets a lot of respect from me because he puts alot of work and
thought into his craft. I wouldn't shoot down In4mation, 10Deep,
Crooks, or Alife either lol!
Are these brands your personal favorite? If so, why? Do they reflect your personal style?
These brands are a few of my favorites, just from the streetwear scene. Most
of these brands convey messages in their pieces which is a similar goal
that I try to strive for. False is straight-on hit, simply because it
conveys those messages with simple black and white pieces that invoke
thought and conversation. When the time comes around when I begin
leaning towards cut and sewn, then a lot of other brands would make that
very same list!
Please explain your plans for the brand in the future... What other
types of pieces would you like to incorporate in the future?
of these brands convey messages in their pieces which is a similar goal
that I try to strive for. False is straight-on hit, simply because it
conveys those messages with simple black and white pieces that invoke
thought and conversation. When the time comes around when I begin
leaning towards cut and sewn, then a lot of other brands would make that
very same list!
Please explain your plans for the brand in the future... What other
types of pieces would you like to incorporate in the future?
The Winter drop, which will be a continuation of Season 0, will be
interesting. There will be beanies, crew necks, and a hoodies, as well
as a couple of more designs. There are some great things to look
forward to in the future! A friend and I were discussing the
possibilities of me doing denim sometime next year, and trust that will
be reality. I think that'll a great look!
Any ideas for season one? Will it be more extensive?
interesting. There will be beanies, crew necks, and a hoodies, as well
as a couple of more designs. There are some great things to look
forward to in the future! A friend and I were discussing the
possibilities of me doing denim sometime next year, and trust that will
be reality. I think that'll a great look!
Any ideas for season one? Will it be more extensive?
Season '1ne' is about half-way finished. I'm tightening up some old designs
and creating a gang of new ones. There will be a lot more to choice
from, but it will be spread out of course.
Can we expect any drops in between seasons 0 and 1?
and creating a gang of new ones. There will be a lot more to choice
from, but it will be spread out of course.
Can we expect any drops in between seasons 0 and 1?
Of course! There will always be some surprises along the ride!
Josh, it has been a pleasure and I wish you the best of luck with
the brand... And on some real shit, I better get some free stuff ha...
Take care.
Josh, it has been a pleasure and I wish you the best of luck with
the brand... And on some real shit, I better get some free stuff ha...
Take care.
Naah man the pleasure is mine! You got a cool site on your hands! Thanks for
taking the time for this interview! And send me your sizes and I'll
definitely have something for you!
taking the time for this interview! And send me your sizes and I'll
definitely have something for you!
And for everyone else.. Futuriztik is currently available for purchase at Ujamaa Boardhouse on 111 W. Parish St. in Durham, NC!
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