Name:
Alyasha Owerka-Moore

What I do:
Designer and Creative Director for Fiberops

What I am:
DJ

What does "streetwear" mean to you?

Clothing you wear in the street? "Streetwear" originally meant cottage industry, sociopolitically driven, intellectually stimulating design.

In the early '90s, there were many small independent companies that spoke to many different subcultures. Mod Brands, hip-hop brands, punk brands, surf and skate brands, raver brands, etc. Some spoke to many subcultures simultaniously. Some of the designers or heads of the companies decided to start their own trade shows and the "streetwear" industry grew.

It used to be about genuine lifestyle(s) now it's about all the "urban" brands who cannot figure out how to survive, trying to mimic the DIY aspect of "streetwear" brands or ultimately buying them up, or creating absurd categories such as "Skurban." There is NO particular style for skateboarders. Especially since they have always existed in cities or urban environments and listen to many different styles of music. The whole term Skurban is offensive to me. For the 7th Avenue industry person, it bluntly means "Black Skater." Guess what, there have always been black skaters!

Honestly, I have never been a fan of the term "streetwear" regardless of my involvement in that genre of the apparel industry.

What's your favorite brand?

Hysteric Glamour is one of the brands that immediately comes to mind. However, I'm not sure that I could honestly say I have one particular favorite brand, I do have favorite designers.

I'm a huge fan of Issey Miyake, Paul Smith, Tabo Kagaya, Rei Kawakubo, Erick Brunetti, Teru and Takashi from Anti-Good.

What's one piece from your wardrobe you'll keep forever?

An Issey Miyake outerwear (Gore-Tex/taped seams) jacket I got in Tokyo in '96.