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SINGAPORE: It's a bad, bad world out there and what simpler way is there to protest your disdain for chaos and advocate your campaign for order than by parading around with love and peace messages on your clothes?
And that's exactly what Singaporean singer-songwriter Lin Jun Jie (JJ Lin) did, by sporting a new tee with giant words "ANTI-POWER" stretched across his chest at a recent press conference announcing the collaboration between his street fashion brand, SMUDGE (SMG), and Japanese clothing brand Devilock.
At Lin's SMG store in Singapore, the singer and Devilock designer Noriaki Endo explained that both brands represent the concept of "modern warriors" who advocate for peace over war, order over anarchy.
"I want to develop (my) store as a full fledge retail store," explained Lin. "Besides my own in-house label, I have also brought in a few labels from elsewhere that represents the same philosophy that we want to portray, and Devilock is the closest we can get to the 'order and chaos' concept that we have."
A daring move, and an awesome price to peace, if you ask us, seeing how the Devilock website warns all those below the age of 18 not to enter due to cheeky pictures of semi-naked girls loitering about its pages for decorative purposes.
Love and peace do not have to be all beauty pageants and flowery, going by the gung-ho punk metal images on clothes of both SMG and Devilock, with messages such as 'ANTI-WAR' and 'ANTI POWER'.
Other military inspired graphics and more punk slogans such as "Still moving under gunfire" and "Warriors of the apocalypse" are, however, not the least bit harmonious, until SMG explained they represent the strength, courage and passion to face up to life's pressures and march on.
The philosophy is in line with Lin's little store, housed in a nook off Ann Siang Hill, of which the singer said he has no plans to move to a more prominent location despite gaining popularity.
"The location of the store can bring out the philosophy of my brand, rather than getting a place where I can get the most traffic," the 28-year-old explained. "I wanted the place to have a military feel, to have a safe house concept. This is more than just a shopping process, it's an experience."
The collaboration is part four of Devilock's 13th anniversary project, after having set up partnerships in Taiwan and Beijing. The Japanese brand will also, for the first time, produce female wear in the same themes, albeit with a fluffier, sassier kick – the tees come in brighter colours and cuter fonts.
Lin said plans are in the works to bring in more street brands into the store, and hopes that Singaporeans will, sometime in the near future, develop a street culture they can call their own.
He said: "Although the street scene is not big in Singapore, it is surely there, and there are people who have the passion. There is definitely a lot of potential and we just need more people to come onboard.
"Every city has its own distinct street culture, such as London and Japan, and hopefully, as a Singaporean, I would like to be part of Singapore's own distinctive street culture."
Other collaborations include a special edition of a 'CD' by the singer and DJ Tommy in the form of an action toy which would be sold exclusively in SMG store later this year.
Streetwear, has in recent years, become a popular side project for many singers in the region – take for example Show Luo, Jay Chou, and rock band Mayday's frontman Ashin.
Lin, being part of the bandwagon, said he reckons the musician-types have a lot to say, and music is not the only way they can express themselves.
"I think, as a musician and celebrity, a lot of us have a lot to say," said the singer. "I have been an avid art appreciator from young – from music to photography, design, fashion, etc... these elements all add up to form culture.
"I want to express myself not just through music but also in other ways, such as fashion, and speak to more people through different channels. This makes me more complete."
However, Lin stressed music is still his first love. The singer was reported to have severely wounded his vocal cords earlier this year, and was put on a three-month hiatus. He has since recovered and is currently busy with his new album, slated for release in December.
- CNA/yb
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