I met Rupinder a few years ago through a common friend after I saw a movie of his called "Amal", about an honest-hearted rickshaw driver, his chance encounter with a wealthy businessman. What follows is for you to find out. Its an amazing movie and was highly acclaimed (but didn't get the shine it deserved because of another Indian-centric flick with a larger budget released around the same time). Anyways, check out the trailer for "Amal" Below - Rupinder plays the lead role of the rickshaw driver.



After the movie, I contacted him and told him about the Bombayhustle project, and how it was inspired in part by the honesty of the cab drivers I met in Mumbai. I gave him a couple of shirts, and he recently sent me this picture of himself in the "Heart of the City" tee - taken in South Africa in what looks like the set for Jurassic Park 4.



Massive props to Rupinder for his work and for supporting Bombayhustle. You can find out more about him at http://www.rupindernagra.com/.

Peace
Tarun

Directed by R&I Creative and found on Hypebeast, the following is an exceptional video of a conversation with Jeff Staples, Founder of Staple Design and Reedspace.

From R+I Creative: "Good to Great (Brand RMX Episode 2) gives us a glimpse into Jeff Staple's foundations and work ethic from his early design career at Rawkus Records in the mid 90's to his becoming one of the most influential people in street culture today.

In addition to being the founder and the Creative Director of Staple Design (Reed Space, Nike, LVMH, Levi's, Sony, Kia Soul) since 1997, Jeff Staple is also the owner of the Reed Space shops which can be found in New York and Tokyo.

In this conversation, Staple manages to inspire through his wisdom and attention to detail while not coming off as being preachy.

It's all about the small details!"

Brand RMX : EPISODE 2 pt 1/2 from R+I Creative on Vimeo.

Brand RMX : EPISODE 2 pt 2/2 from R+I Creative on Vimeo.

Another idea I had that quickly came together visually. I like how this came out - simple, but effective. The message is clear - The path to success is created, not followed. And as long as you are truthful and honest, no one can pass judgement on how you make ends meet. What does hustle mean to you?



SIDE NOTE: This graphic has nothing to do with the upcoming collection I'm working on. Although I'm not really one to care about the "fashion calendar", I do recognize the delay in gettin' out the Spring/Summer 2010 product. At the rate I'm going, I might have to shorten that to only "Summer 2010". Throw in the fact that Toronto's summer last year felt like it lasted about 3 weeks, and I might have to skip straight to Fall...Anyways, let's see what happens. The journey continues.

Peace
Tarun