Masculine Minimalism: Wasew

I Prefer a Mature Look

I’ve always liked the idea of a mature, easy-going style, not because I’m older, but because even when I was younger, I admired a style that was rugged yet not overly macho.

I’m not a fan of overt masculinity. The most macho friends I know actually appreciate things like fresh flowers and poetry. They often embody a blend of masculine and feminine qualities. In other words, what the world considers macho isn’t necessarily the true essence of masculinity. Real masculinity is often more subdued and has an appreciation for beauty.

Anyway, I aspire to be a calm, composed version of macho. I can’t quite bring myself to use terms like "stoic strength," but I do like the idea of being someone who doesn’t draw attention, handles their responsibilities well, treats their younger ones kindly, and has a clear sense of self. Brands that cater to such mature, understated styles, like SVC, Wasew, Dre-Project, and Simple Authentic, fit this description perfectly.

Just recently, I sold two Wasew bomber jackets to a friend. He was torn between the black and cream colors, so I gave him a discount and ended up sending both. Although he’s someone who’s bought quite a few clothes, he mentioned that these jackets had a different vibe compared to Komori and Orari, and he was very impressed.

Wasew’s clothing is not flashy but has a strong, centered presence. It’s not rugged or clunky, which I highly appreciate. I hope you enjoy it.

PS: Model is 178 cm, 88 kg, wearing XL.

🍉 WASEW B.D ONE OXFORD SHIRT (White / Gray) 

🍉 100% cotton. Thicker fabric compared to similar-priced OCBD shirts.

🍉 Price: 319,000 KRW

• Made in Japan

• The fabric is a bit fuzzy, so it shrinks slightly in the dryer. Dryer Not recommended!

🍉 WASEW GAB-A-JEAN Jacket (BLACK)

🍉 100% cotton

🍉 Sizes: M (recommended for 100-105 cm), L (recommended for 105-110 cm), XL (110 cm and above)

🍉 Price: 715,000 KRW

• Made in Japan

@wasew_official

@soobaak_vintage

Why We Love Jordans

Air Jordan

Nike and Michael Jordan's "Air Jordan" project has been ongoing since 1985 and continues to this day. Each year, new collaborations and retro releases of classic OG models are introduced simultaneously. The Jordan series is so extensive that it’s impossible to cover it all in a single post, and each individual story is vast and complex. The potential for collaborations with various designers, artists, and luxury brand houses is limitless. Nike still has many cards left to play.

OFF-WHITE Air Jordan 1 Chicago

Nike Air Jordan 1 (1985's OG Chicago)

Recently, Nike has been consistently collaborating with Virgil Abloh’s Off-White while also releasing retro versions of the original OG models. In this respect, Nike represents a brand that embodies the 80s and 90s American culture and fashion through its retro releases. The attitude toward the zeitgeist of vintage and American casual wear that brands like Nike and Real McCoy strive to capture is quite similar.

Air Jordan “New Beginnings” Pack

The 1984 Air Ship model, which served as the design precursor to the Jordan 1, was precisely replicated in 1985. It was released in very limited quantities in the U.S., making it almost impossible to find.

Jordan with Airship on

Here’s what the original looks like. It appears to have been signed by Michael Jordan on December 2, 1984. It’s likely worth several tens of millions of won?

Collaborations with designer brands generate buzz on their own, but they also bring renewed attention to the original, or the classic. I too was swept up in this trend and ended up buying a pair of Jordan 1s. Jordans are items that quickly develop a resale market upon release, much like vintage items. The association with Michael Jordan creates significant demand due to its historical value.

Jordan at the 1984 Olympics

Michael Jordan wore Converse sneakers during the 1984 Olympics. If he had signed a contract with Converse instead of Nike, the Jordan 1 might have looked something like this. It’s somewhat reminiscent of Jordan.

Michael Jordan's High School Era

Michael Jordan’s Game-Worn Converse Shoes From 1982

Michael Jordan was known for wearing Converse or Adidas basketball shoes during high school. Unlike Nike’s thick cushioned soles, Converse and Adidas basketball shoes had thin outsoles. Jordan favored low-profile, thin basketball shoes for their superior court grip over cushioning, as cushioning technology wasn’t very advanced at the time. Brands like Vans and Converse, which used high-quality rubber for excellent grip, were popular in basketball shoes.

The first known Jordan: The Chicago colorway of the Jordan 1

Peter C. Moore

Nike created low-profile basketball shoes for Jordan. The Air Ship released in 1984 led to the collaboration between Nike and Jordan in 1985, resulting in the Air Jordan 1, designed by Peter C. Moore. Even without the Jordan label, its design stands out from other Nike shoes. At first glance, the Jordan 1 resembles Nike’s Air Force series with its leather construction and stitched outsole. However, its overall shape is more similar to Converse. In practice, it feels surprisingly low across the instep and lacks a heel. If you expect plush comfort or height boost, you might be slightly disappointed.

1980s converse chuk taylor

1980's adidas stan smith

1980's vans authentic

In the sneaker world, shoes like Adidas Stan Smiths, Superstars, Converse Chuck Taylors, and Vans Authentics are categorized as "classic sneakers." Their main commonality is that their design was already established in the 80s and 90s. As their shape remained unchanged while scaling up globally, production methods evolved. Even slight modifications were made to fit Asian foot shapes. Strictly speaking, while these classic forms continue to evolve, they always serve as references or inspirations for re-releases. Air Jordans share this classic gene.

nike air jordan 1 "black toe" (1985 OG)

Saint Laurent sneakers motivated by Air Jordan 1 Royal

Aside from the impact Air Jordans have had on the sneaker scene and Michael Jordan’s achievements, if we focus solely on the shoe’s design, it remains impressive. I didn’t watch the NBA at the time, nor was I interested in Jordan’s street scene status. Nevertheless, I was drawn to Jordan 1 simply because it is a well-crafted shoe. The stitched outsole reminded me of well-made boots, and its sleek, low profile was reminiscent of elegant dress shoes. It was more than just "hip"; it had a certain sexy allure. After all, Jordan is a shoe and a form of clothing, adding joy to the way we dress.

A Style from Popeye Magazine April Issue

Pairing Jordans with military chinos.

For me, shoes are like the "foundation stones" of an outfit. Pants are like the pillars built on top of them. Especially in conservative men’s fashion where skirts are not worn, shoes and pants are fundamental. Most of the time, our lower body makes up a larger proportion of our appearance. Therefore, "bottoms" are important. Shoes, although an accessory, are still considered part of the lower body’s clothing. The connection between pants and shoes is a crucial element in styling.

Jordans pair exceptionally well with denim. They’re so desirable that it’s hard to find them available.

Shoes that match well with pants are often classic staples, and these classics in fashion are not just limited to suits and dress shoes. Classics in fashion are items whose forms were fixed in the past but continue to be appreciated for their beauty and practicality today. Jordans fit this classic category.

Attempts to Mimic Popeye’s Sty

Photo 1. : Attempts to Mimic Popeye’s Style but failed it 😭

Photo 2,3. : Jordans with less stylish 60s U.S. military cargo pants.

Photo 4 : Jordans with 90s Levi’s black jeans.

Photo 5 : Jordans substituting for dress shoes with 80s American-made Levi’s jeans,

a well-tailored shirt, jacket, and knitted tie.

When I wear Jordans, I approach them as if I were wearing dress shoes. The comfort is not significantly different (though slightly less comfortable). Just as you would wear deck shoes with a formal outfit that needs Oxford shoes, or envision wearing a sleek Chelsea boot or sturdy boot, I treat Jordans in a similar way (I might need a pair of Chelsea boots to save my Jordans for special occasions😭).

Wearing Jordans doesn’t mean you need to replicate the styles of those who wore them in the 80s and 90s. While the street scene has brought Jordans into high fashion, they’re not solely a streetwear item. Just as classic suits from a hundred years ago are enjoyed by people beyond those who lived in that era, Jordans are loved by people of all ages today.

Us wearing Jordan

everyone has their own interpretation of Jordans. This variety in interpretation is endless. We don’t need to fully experience a past we didn’t live through. I love vintage and fashion, but I see fashion as more of a play than a history lesson.

For those who have tried Converse or Vans, or even dress shoes, Jordans might be a fresh shock. There’s no need to overhaul your style for Jordans—just casually incorporate them into your existing wardrobe! Oh, I want to buy another pair of Jordans.

Written by Choi Kwang-Min

The Charm of Stories Makes It Even Better _ Rolex 17000 Mark1 Oysterquartz

Rolex 17000 Mark1 Oysterquartz

The reason I'm a fan of 'vintage/old' is because there's a story behind it. I'm not a collector, and I haven't collected undervalued stocks expecting to make a big profit later... I just love things with stories. So, which Rolex watch has the most stories? Undoubtedly, it's the Oysterquartz.

A quartz watch made by Rolex... but it was worn by the legendary explorer Reinhold Messner who reached the summit of Everest without oxygen. So... it's a true tool watch and rightfully considered one of the best quartz watches.

But in reality, the Oysterquartz is Rolex's abandoned child. Introduced in 1977 and discontinued in 2001, the father (Rolex) doesn't even remember the child (Oysterquartz). No, it's more like they disowned it from the family registry. It's such a functionally and aesthetically superior product... is Rolex ashamed of it being quartz?

When I said I was going to my second master's at 'Seonggong University Graduate School of Culture,' my alma mater's professor said to me, "Kim, are you not going to be a pastor?" It seemed like he was worried that if I went to a leftist school and couldn't get ordained later, what would happen. Naively, I replied, "I just won't put it on my resume~^^" Who knows if Rolex felt the same way as me.

The Oysterquartz sold about 250,000 units over 24 years (which is relatively small), and this Mark1 was only sold for three years from '77 to '79, making it a truly rare item worthy of collecting.

If someone told me to choose only three Rolexes...

1. Vintage Explorer 1 14270 (Tritium)

2. Vintage Submariner 14060 (Two-line Submariner)

3. Oysterquartz Mark1

• And if I had to add one more, it would be a gold Daytona or a Comex.

Anyway, the 17000 has no chamfering on the case, a one-piece bracelet that continues the vibe, and a slightly thicker body due to the quartz movement! It's such a unique Rolex. A Rolex that's not flashy, indifferent, not a flex, not well-known, but incomparable to the Air-King. I like those kinds of Rolexes.