Alyasha Owerka-Moore and Mark Cruz of Alphanumeric

This months interview comes from a brand we all know and love. Alphanumeric has been around the skate and streetwear scene since their debut collection, fall '98. They quickly became one of the who’s who in skate apparel and now that they are back there is no stopping them. There is nothing tricky about what they do.....uncomplicated, classic, and wearable designs that sell out season after season.

When Bobizzo.com was in the works, I recall the owners discussing some of the brands we wanted to pursue for the website. No doubt Alphanumeric came up followed by a moment of silence for the dearly departed brand we all remembered. Needless to say we were thriiled with their come back last fall, and thrilled to have them as part of Bobizzo.com.

Read what Alyasha Owerka-Moore has to say about Alphanumeric Brand.

Bobizzo:
I'm sure you are tired of this question, but we couldn't interview you guys without asking it. What were the circusmstances surrounding the closure of Alphanumeric?

Alyasha:
Youth... Arrogance... Miscommunication. We are little older and wiser now.

Bobizzo:
How long were you guys M.I.A?

Alyasha:
From 2001 until November 2007

Bobizzo:
What was everyone up to during that time?

Alyasha:
Mirko was at Zoo York, Black Box, Forum Foursquare and Started his retail shops UNIV.
Mark was at DC Shoes and doing freelance on the side.
Danny Reyes was at DC as well. He also founded his own brand Lovewright.
Tabo (Who was brand manager for A# in Japan) and I went on to start Fiberops.
Danny Wallace, was Skating.

Bobizzo:
How did the original crew come together back in 98'? Where did you meet and who came up with the idea to develop a clothing brand?

Alyasha:
The original crew came together while having weekly discussions regarding plans for a documentary. Being that we never made the film, I can't say much more about it. (We just started rapping about reviving the project. ) 
We all met through the skate industry or through 6 degrees. 
Alphanumeric was a concept that I had been trying to pitch in one way or another to the 2 companies I'd been working for prior to Mike Alesko asking me if I was "ready to start my own brand yet".

Bobizzo:
Now that you're back, did you bring in any new guys to the Alphanumeric crew, or is it the same talent as the late nineties?

Alyasha:
Everyone involved now was involved back in the day. Whether they were interns, Team Riders or actual employees.

Bobizzo:
Are you surprised by how quickly Alphanumeric moved to the forefront of the industry after the relaunch?

Alyasha:
I would not go so far as saying we are at the "Forefront", but we did make some pretty quick strides. Surprised ? At the risk of sounding cocky ... NO. The market was wiiiide open and ready for something new. We moved on it.

Bobizzo:
It seems in the last couple years there is a new clothing company popping up every time you turn around. Why do you think so many of these new generation streetwear labels are pushing the envelope with such explicit or racy content?

Alyasha:
Popping Up and falling off at the same rate. I would not say "Pushing the envelope", more following in the footsteps of People like Hysteric Glamour, who has been doing that for the past 20 years. They (Hysteric) are a rock and roll brand, so it is in keeping with their image. Here, it's more Shock Value and or "Controversy Creates Capital" . IE: MTV reality shows, etc... Easy Formula...

Bobizzo:
Please elaborate on why Alphanumeric designs have such a positive message.

Alyasha:
We live in extremely troubled times.
Right, wrong or indifferent, not too many folks are using this platform to say much of anything about the present world climate. (Politically, or otherwise). We would at least like to inject some sort of of positive message without standing on a soapbox or cramming our views down anyones throat.

Bobizzo:
With respects to "cramming your views," do you find yourself walking a fine line with Alphanumeric's message. It seems it would be difficult sometimes to have a loud voice and keep it objective at the same time.

Alyasha:
Not really...
Some people will get it. Some won't. But hopefully everyone walks away with a product they like. Weather it is for the "Message", the Aesthetic, or hopefully BOTH.

Bobizzo:
It is no secret the internet has changed the industry, with the online stores, blogs, and forums. What are your feelings on the direction the web has taken streetwear?

Alyasha:
It's been double edged sword. A lot of brands have gained great deal of success and celebrity via the internet. However it has also created a very one sided industry full of similar looking product.
Things "trend" faster now that information travels more quickly. That being said, many brands could not keep up with the speed of the web. It's quite precarious and takes a great deal of finesse to stay on top these days. At the same time, it's that much easier to spread the word.

Bobizzo:
Where do you see Alphanumeric 5 years from now? Is there a specific goal that you are trying to accomplish?

Alyasha:
Build a solid brand. Continue to learn and share all the while bring quality product to the market.

Bobizzo:
Is there anything you guys are working on that you are particularly excited about?

Alyasha:
Just happy to be putting the band back together.

Bobizzo:
Shout outs?

Alyasha:
Everyone who has ever supported, rode for, or worked along side of us.
Thank you.

Peace

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