Hypebeast Catches up with Jaden Smith Wearing New Balance: Day One

MSFTSrep, founded and creative-directed by actor and rapper Jaden Smith, has once again collaborated with New Balance to release its latest “New Balance for Jaden Smith MSFTSrep 0.01.” For the official launch of this item, Jaden Smith himself visited Tokyo from August 22 to 24 and was present at various locations for promotional activities and events. Hypebeast will cover him closely during his three-day stay in Tokyo and delve into the appeal of MSFTSrep 0.01 through Jaden Smith’s real-life style and words in three articles. First, we will report on Jaden’s visit to “Dover Street Market Ginza (DSMG)” with an interview.

First-Day Shopping at DOVER STREET MARKET

Ginza is known as one of the most high-end areas in Tokyo, with luxury boutiques, brand flagship stores, and famous restaurants. Ginza has long been famous as a trend-setting area, where many VIPs and people in the fashion industry gather on a daily basis. Jaden Smith showed up at the concept store “DOVER STREET MARKET GINZA,” located in the heart of Ginza, at about the same time as the store opened. Even though it was mid-morning, he did not look displeased with the August midsummer heat but rather appeared in high spirits and with a gentlemanly demeanor that was also considerate of the staff who greeted him. Jaden Smith then moved through the entrance to the 5th floor, where Supreme and other brands were selected, and to the 2nd floor, where A BATHING APE®️ and Junya Watanabe MAN were lined up. The actor and rapper carefully checked out the items and was also interested in the art and props on display. So first, we talked to him after he finished shopping.

Hypebeast: How was “DOVER STREET MARKET GINZA?”

Jaden Smith: It was a lot of fun! But I won’t tell you what I bought LOL.

You seemed to be interested in artwork. Do you like art?

I’ve loved it for quite a while, and I’m still checking out various artworks.

Can you tell us specifically what kind of art that is?

It is difficult to explain simply, but from my point of view, science, mathematics, and engineering are also art. In other words, art doesn’t have to be a certain way, it can be free, and I see potential in many different things. That’s why it’s difficult to define a specific genre of art.

“MSFTSrep is a movement by the people.” The main purpose of your visit to Japan this time is to promote your new sneakers, right? Will you be taking more of a fashion approach in the future?

I think balance is important. I will continue to do various things in the future, and of course, I will continue to work as an artist. This is the concept and style of MSFTSrep.

Could you tell us about MSFTSrep?

It’s more of a movement by people than a brand. Since I was a child, I have always been a little different compared to those around me, and although some people called me strange, I have always thought that it was fine because I am me. In fact, I put this thought into the concept of MSFTSrep, and I hope that people will respect each other’s diversity, and from there, the public will become interested in art, science, the global environment, and so on. It has a different meaning from that of a so-called fashion brand.

I see. So that is the concept behind the MSFTSrep items. By the way, what are your plans after this?

I don’t know LOL. To be honest, I haven’t decided much. Maybe, I’ll go to the Nihonbashi area for now.

With these words, Jaden Smith loaded his large shopping bags into his car and left Ginza with a satisfied look on his face. The unique items he picked up at “DOVER STREET MARKET GINZA” seemed to symbolize his way of life and style. And while shopping, Jaden Smith checked the compatibility of various items with the MSFTSrep 0.01 on his feet and seemed to be enjoying the sophisticated and simple design of the latest sneakers once again.

To find out more about the collab, Hypebeast will be reporting on Jaden Smith for three days. To learn more, visit the New Balance official online store.