DJ Record Label Owner and Designer Steve Aoki Launches Dim Mak in U.S.
In a nod to skater culture, rebels, and streetwear, world-renowned DJ Steve Aoki’ showcased skaters-turned-models at his Fall 2017 runway presentation, while David Choe’s band, Mangchi, provided a raging soundscape. The models skated down half-pipes in Aoki’s streetwear brand, wearing graphic tees and hoodies designed by David Choe. Choe is a graffiti artist and member of the cult “hammer” band, Mangchi. “He’s one of my favorite artists of all time.” Aoki had all the major elements of skatewear in this collection from graphic tees and shorts, to coats, sweatshirts and beanies. However, the standout items all had one thing in common, unique artwork from artist, David Choe. The designer upgraded the typical skater’s uniform of shorts and t-shirts by adding Choe’s graphics on chino style trousers, hoodies and shirts.
The DJ, record label owner and designer has spent the last year and a half prepping Dim Mak, for the U.S. market. A basic black sweatshirt displaying a vivid yellow graphic on the front,was paired with an ankle-length trench coat with a deliberate punk vibe. The back of the coat features a graphic of a bullet-wounded man that added to the rebelliousness of the collection. In the midst of Dim Mak’s various hoodies, coats, wide-leg trousers, and skateboards, Aoki says that he hopes his line brings something new to the American streetwear market. “I wanted to bring a little bit of skate park culture to the runway,” said Aoki.
