Streetsnaps: Michael and Steve Hsieh
Two-thirds of NAMESAKE reveal their inspirations behind their brand and how they plan to bring their futuristic vision to life.
Streetsnaps: Michael and Steve Hsieh
Two-thirds of NAMESAKE reveal their inspirations behind their brand and how they plan to bring their futuristic vision to life.
NAMESAKE is making waves in the fashion industry and co-founders and brothers Michael and Steve Hsieh are here to show just why the brand belongs in the dialogue of elevated streetwear. HYPEBEAST caught up with the duo at Paris Men’s Fashion Week this past Spring/Summer 2023. Though the third co-founder and brother, Richard, was unable to attend, Michael and Steve held down the fort with the debut of their SS23 collection, followed by an interactive event that combined the streetwear universe with their love for ’90s American vintage fashion and the brand’s agricultural and basketball motifs.
The brothers continue to find adventure in a path less traveled, keeping to traditions and the root of the brand. Like the SS23 collection, the brothers had a consistent theme of sports in their everyday wear. When it comes to fashion, the brothers consistently reflect on the core value of the brand – family always comes first. HYPEBEAST spoke with Michael and Steve just the day after their show in Paris at their showroom, where they took us around to check out some of the key pieces from this season in detail.
Joyce Li/Hypebeast
Joyce Li/Hypebeast
Joyce Li/Hypebeast
Joyce Li/Hypebeast
Joyce Li/Hypebeast
Joyce Li/Hypebeast
Joyce Li/Hypebeast
Dressed in all-things NAMESAKE, both brothers who although have different styles, represented their brand well and reminded onlookers that they focus on a real-to-wear ethos. Michael talks about how he often chooses function when deciding what to wear. Sticking to the basketball motifs, he paired basketball shorts with the NAMESAKE coach jacket and a T-shirt from this season’s collection draped at the back – a styling detail from the runway. When discussing why basketball is such an important feat in their brand, Michael explains, “Basketball is the most important part of NAMESAKE because it was our first passion as three brothers. So before fashion, we only talked about basketball and we felt really cool that we are able to channel that into what we are doing now by paying tribute to the sport.”
Joyce Li/Hypebeast
Joyce Li/Hypebeast
Steve arrives in a more scaled-back look, in a simple black tee with the words “Storyteller” visible on the back and “creative director,” noting his position at the brand – and a pair of vintage trousers from his father. Both outfits were highlighted by a pair of their new NAMESAKE Clippers, 3D-printed silhouettes inspired by basketball nets and fishnets. The fishnet inspiration is a reminder of the Taiwanese hometown the brothers grew up in, a nod to family once again. Steve explains that the shoes are actually upcycled and inspired by their father, “My dad likes loafers. So we switched it into a more sporty version.” While they may not look it, the shoes are actually tested to sustain physical activity and exercise, though the brothers envision it to be a shoe baller’s wear off the court.
As the brothers move on to their next collection, they continue to stay true to their motifs and remind themselves that fashion is an amalgamation of passion and family.
