Relax - April 2000

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Welcome back to the next installment of Nick’s Newsstand, Today we will be talking about Relax magazine, April 2000

Relax Magazine was a prominent Japanese style and culture publication that ran from May 1996 to September 2006. Known for its vibrant and eclectic content, Relax focuses on various aspects of Japanese pop culture, fashion, art, and lifestyle. It was particularly influential in showcasing street style and the work of notable figures in the Japanese fashion scene, such as Nigo from A Bathing Ape (BAPE), who had a regular feature called "Nigo's General Seminar."

Throughout its run, Relax featured contributions from several influential personalities. For instance, James Lavelle of Mo' Wax Records contributed an irregular column called "LTD.EDT." between 2000 and 2002, where he shared his favorite movies, bands, and other cultural interests. The magazine's issues are now considered collectibles, especially those featuring significant cultural icons or limited edition content like flexi discs and special collaborations.

The magazine's visual and editorial style was marked by bold, colorful layouts and a keen eye for typography, making it a beloved publication among design enthusiasts. Despite the challenges faced by the print industry, Relax Magazine remains a memorable part of Japan's rich publishing history, celebrated for its unique approach to covering contemporary culture and trends​

This particular issue is the Mark Gonzales issue. The Gonz is credited as the most influential skateboarder of all time. He is to thank if you’ve ever seen the funky art in a Supreme store or someone skating down a handrail. One of my favorite video parts was his from Video Days

There’s an exclusive interview with him and Relax asks “What was your inspiration for creating these tricks” and Mark simply replies “I was bored” As for art, his inspirations were 1: the streets and 2: other people’s art.

One of the main reasons I am fascinated by Japanese culture magazines is their seemingly futuristic perspective. Despite the peak of Japan’s industrial and technological innovation being in the 70s and 80s, the way these publications anticipate trends remains unparalleled. Whenever I seek inspiration or wish to delve into archiving, vintage Japanese magazines are my preferred resource. As someone deeply engaged in outdoor activities like climbing, mountain biking, and hiking, I find these magazines particularly enriching. For example, in an issue from the year 2000, there were some striking Merrell ads that captured the essence of that era. These publications also document early collaborations between now-prominent brands and others like New Balance, Reebok, and Asics, which at the time partnered as alternatives to the untouchable Nike. Today, it's interesting to note how these once-secondary choices have ascended to become leaders in the cultural landscape. This historical insight often conveyed with a 'sources: dude trust me' level of informality, adds a rich layer of context to my appreciation of both past and present trends in global fashion and culture.

There’s a cool article in this magazine titled 'My First T-Shirt,' which features exclusive interviews with James Jebbia of Supreme and Nigo of A Bathing Ape. The piece explores the origins of some of the first t-shirts created by their respective brands. While James Jebbia remains somewhat evasive, opting instead to discuss the broader importance of t-shirts to Supreme's brand identity—I believe the first designs were likely the Taxi Driver shirt and the iconic orange box logo (sources: dude trust me) —Nigo provides a detailed account of the very first shirt he designed. This juxtaposition of responses offers a unique glimpse into the creative foundations of two major streetwear icons.

I find it particularly compelling that Nigo still appreciates the first shirt he designed, even though the interview likely took place in the late '90s or early '00s. This sentiment resonates especially after a recent discussion I had with a close friend about the notion that 'if you look back on your old work and still like it, you haven't grown.' While personal growth and evolution in style are important, there's also something to be said for the ability to create something timeless right from the start. Appreciating one's early work can reflect a foundational clarity and precision in design that manages to resonate even as trends and personal tastes evolve. This ability to 'hit the nail on the head' from the beginning is a rare talent, indicating not just skill but also a profound understanding of design that endures over time.

It also delves into an archive of t-shirts, I don’t quite think vintage was a thing yet so these are just shirts you would get in a store or at a show, but this one stuck out. “ Classic hard rock for guys”

These magazines are exactly why I value maintaining a reference library. As I scroll through digital content, I find that much of it begins to blend into a monotonous sameness. For example, it seems every time I look at my timeline, I see yet another dude with a mustache and leg tattoos, discussing natural wine or sporting an Aphex Twin bootleg. Contrastingly, during a recent trip to New York City, I visited a store with a friend that functioned more like an atelier. The owner showcased an impressive array of fabrics, ranging from rare 18th-century to contemporary Japanese textiles. When my friend inquired if the books were for sale, the owner quickly clarified that they were part of his 'reference library,' a vital resource not for sale. This highlights a crucial aspect of print media's value: there are interviews and insights in these magazines that are exclusive to the print format, containing knowledge and perspectives that are unavailable online or anywhere else. It's this type of content, hidden away in print archives, that fuels my passion for collecting physical media. Despite OpenAI's extensive web scraping, some information remains uniquely preserved in print, reinforcing the enduring relevance and irreplaceable nature of magazines in a digital world.