Q123 #3 – HYPEBEAST & 8FIVE2 for QUBIC STORE.
September 21, 2009

Q123 #3 - HYPEBEAST & 8FIVE2 for Qubic Store.
"CITY OF TAIPANS" Print.

It may seem a little unlikely that we have such a strong connection with the global metropolitan powerhouse of Hong Kong. Aside from the business that we conduct with people there, we hold some great friendships and relationships, and it's always an enjoyable experience catching up and listening to friends whilst I'm in town. Nevertheless, it always amuses me how unique the Hong Kong "ecosystem" is - everyone's always got something on the go, or is juggling five different projects/roles at once, and generally aren't shy to tell you all about it, whether you are a willing participant or not. An experience unlike anywhere else in the world, the "CITY OF TAIPANS".

Amongst the Hong Kong scene's biggest drivers are the Hypebeast crew, and Brian/Annie from 8FIVE2/Know1edge. I'm almost certain if you're reading this you probably don't need much of an introduction to Kevin, Eugene, and the motley hypebeast.com crew, but as for Brian/Annie and 8FIVE2, they've been a pillar of the Hong Kong scene for just over 10 years now, and in many ways I see what they did for the Hong Kong street scene in parallel with our vision and accomplishments for our own local New Zealand street culture.

The three of us joined efforts to create this special print for our Q123 anniversary collection -

San Francisco based artist Loren Purcell was commissioned to design the graphic for this project, to represent the many elements of the unique micro-climate of Hong Kong.

This hand illustrated and inked piece took over three weeks to produce, and in a world and industry dominated by adobe applications it was refreshing to see the final graphic when he presented this to us, with all the beautiful hand drawn detailing preserved. The end result truly captures the essence of Hong Kong's unique bustling and chaotic scenery in minute detail; from its gaudy neon signs, packed streets, laundry hanging out the window, and with the names of all the participating entities worked into the landscape along with some of our favourite Hong Kong "landmarks". The plastisol print was performed with an ultra-fine screen to preserve all the details in the illustration. In fact, every time you look at the print, you seem to discover something new. Have a closer look HERE.

A special A2 giclée canvas print (1/20) was also produced for friends and family involved this project.

Only 45 "CITY OF TAIPANS" shirts were produced, and they will debut at our Qubic Store location, and at 8FIVE2 Shop in Causeway Bay Hong Kong, retailing for NZD$60 / HKD$328 this Saturday 26th September 2009.

QUBIC STORE
154-160 Broadway
Newmarket
Auckland 1023
NEW ZEALAND
P: +64-9-520-1685
E: store@qubicstore.com

8FIVE2SHOP
2/F Rm 3 United Success Comm Ctr
506-508 Jaffe Rd
Causeway Bay
HONG KONG
Ph: +852-2573-9872
E: sales@8five2.com

Design credit: Loren Purcell