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Hot Stars in the City
The Streetzblog Hawaii Designs Series chats with CityStars Apparel…Where Everyone Deserves to be a Star!
For this edition of Hawaii Designs, We sat down with CityStars Apparel’s, Romeo Valentine after this year’s Honolulu Festival Gala. Where we feasted on Delicious Delicacies from Ruth Chris Steak House, Morimoto Waikiki, Roy’s Hawaii Kai and Honolulu Coffee Company. Prior to the Jump event with DJ HED at Vice Nightclub. The picture below is from the Honolulu Festival’s Friendship Gala in front of one of the World’s largest Aloha Shirts.
1. So, you recently celebrated your one year Anniversary, Has everything gone as you expected?
In our first year we’ve experienced a lot of turbulence but through it all it helps us grow. Without the turbulence we wouldn’t be able to overcome our fear of flying and reaching for the stars.
2. And you brought in big time DJ Carisma? How did you hook that up? Have you brought anyone else to Hawaii?
DJ Carisma is a friend of mine that I’ve met a few times she came out here but really linked up the time she came out here with Honey Cocaine for the Chris Brown concert. DJ Carisma fits perfect in our genre and what we are about, so it was great to have such a humble but successful person to bring in for our one-year anniversary along with Abby De La Rosa.
We have brought in other acts before such as YG, New Boyz, Tyga, DMX, DJ Drama, Glasses Malone, DJ Hed, and more. We also plan to bring a lot more fun shows and events in the future featuring some national acts. And for Spring Break 2014 we brought in San Fran’s DJ Amen.
3. Are you a clothing company or like an all around lifestyle brand?
Both. We live this lifestyle in the night life to the music to the dancing we like to keep it fresh. We want everyone to feel like a star when they rock the gear.
4. What are your goals in 2-3 years with CSA?
Our plan is to take this dream we have and make it reality. When we do that we want to take everyone who supported and was their to contribute and help us when we struggled with us to the top. CSA wouldn’t be without the hard work and dedication everyone puts in.
5. The name of your brand is so perfect, it seems to fit so many different things that you do, from the designs to the shows. How did you come up with CityStars Apparel? And what does it mean to you?
The name didn’t come over night but when things come to you they just happen. It fit perfectly with my lifestyle. I was in the clubs every night, promoting, partying, rockin’ the mic and in the day I was at the radio station (Power 104.3). It all sounds like fun which it is, but hard work so the city represents the hard work and the stars represents you being better than just normal. You are a CITY STAR.
6. Who creates and designs your shirts and hats?
Our main designers are Ryan “Dj First Class” Garo and I (Romeo Valentine). Along with Gary Dymally and Monica putting ideas together to help contribute and Ka’aina Nahale working hard on hand drawings that he comes up with or ideas we have that he can bring to life.
7. What type of software do you use to design everything?
Everything we do is in Photoshop. As well as drawings on a piece of paper which we transfer and redraw in Photoshop.
8. What has been your biggest seller? And why do you think it did so well?
Our biggest seller to date has been the Louie Stars design we released in early 2013. I believe it was the best seller because the design pattern was catchy and our customers at the time liked the how long the design was on the shirt and of course our floral snapbacks are in high demand.
9. You recently made football shirts? How did you pick the teams you chose? Which was the biggest seller/hottest colorway?
We chose the 5 teams which had the best following in the state we are in which is Hawaii. Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Oakland, Dallas and New England. The best had to have been San Francisco and Oakland.
10. And where were the Chicago Shirts?
We actually made a Chicago Design but it didn’t make the cut along with the Packers.
11. How did you come up with the idea for the football shirts?
We grew up watching football. It was cool to represent your team in the club without having to worry about dress codes of jerseys.
12. I really like the purple and orange Galaxy lanyards? They are very intricate? How many hours did it take to design and then produce them?
The lanyards where quick it was the design of the galaxy pattern that took a while. If you look closely there are small City Stars logo’s inside of the galaxy. We also have Hats with the same pattern.
14. How do you get the word out? I know I see you on Instagram a lot? Which social mediums do you use?
It’s all word of mouth and Social Media. We also do photo shoots and update our look books. Right now we are on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Instagram.
15. Do you think you could have had the same success with your brand 2 years ago before the social Media explosion?
That’s a tough question. I do believe us coming out when we did was perfect timing to really make a statement and get to the next level.
16. Where do you see Social Media going in the future? Are you on any newer mediums? Any cutting edge social media sites you would recommend to an up and coming designer?
Social media is a rollercoaster, by that I mean which social network will be on top and with that being said when the next social network comes out we are going to have to jump all over that social network. We are willing to take that challenge to go to the top and keep rising. Right now though Instagram is where it’s at.
17. For the just getting going designers our there, what is the perfect size for an instagram photo? How bout the length of a FB or instagram video?
For designers starting out using social media, it is important for the dimensions to be just right. When using Instagram the photo has to be a square. Making your photo 5 inches by 5 inches will show you exactly what viewers will see. Facebook videos can be longer than Instagram videos. When creating a video it depends on what type of message you are trying to get across, thus affecting the length. A 15 sec Instagram video and a 2 minute Facebook video are good lengths to keep viewers attention. We like to use Instagram to reach our fellow CityStars because of how quick and easy it is to use.
18. I know your clothing line is available on-line, do yo have your clothes in any stores in Hawaii?
CityStarsApparel.com and Hatsby in Pearlridge mall which we will expand soon once we are able to justify ourselves as a brand.
19. Any plans on having a brick and mortar store? Why do you think its important to have a brick and mortar store in the digital age?
Of course we would love to get a flagship store but at the moment that isn’t in our lane and we understand that which will make us work harder to a goal.
20. Do you personally shop more on-line or in person?
On-line is easier plus you can see the deals.
21. Ok, so we made it to question 21, now tell us about your latest release, the galaxy snapbacks, Where are they available? Are they a limited release?
Yes, only limited amount are being made in the 2 colors with 2 style ways each. Once they sell out there will be no more. (The Galaxy Snapbacks available now/4/3/14 at CityStarsApparel.com)
22. And after the Galaxy snapbacks without telling too much, what are your plans for the Spring/Summer line? And maybe you could let us know a little teaser about what to expect in the Fall 2014 or the Winter 2015 line?
Let’s just say his name is COMET.
23. Anything else you’d like to comment on?
We greatly appreciate everyone who supports us and is a part of our vision to take things to the next level so we can get to a point to put on shows for everyone without being over charged. We aren’t about ourselves we are about the people. We all work Hard. Everyone deserves to be a star. We also want to thank our good friends at Hawaii’s Finest for helping us out with so much.
HI on the Streetz-1/11/12
Luda, Pro Bowl, Steve Aoki,WF all in the HI
January is one of the best month’s to be in Hawaii. The Biggest Event is the NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday, January 27, 2013. There are also many concerts and events that are in “conjunction” with the Pro Bowl and many that just happen because sooo many people want to be out here for the action. Here’s a quick Snippet of what to expect over the next month or so:
Ludacris In Concert: Saturday January 12, 2013
You know him from his music or for sure you know him from Fast & The Furious. He’s on Isle today and playing Tomorrow at the Blaisdell. And BTW: Fast and the Furious 6 is due out Memorial Day! Here’s the Vid for “Get Back”
Honey Cocaine w/ DJ Carisma, Jazi, DJ Rellevant and Lil P Da Keeper: Friday January 18, Bar 7
This is Tyga’s Featured female artist. The one with the name that will be like some of my tattoos when I hit 75. Here’s Tyga with Honey Cocaine with “Heisman” Part two:
Next up is Eat The Street-Pro Bowl Style: Friday January 25, 2013
Lot’s of time on this blog I just act like I know a bit about something when I really do know a Lot about something. I just like to stay a bit on the DL. This time, I’ll brag a bit. I know the NFL folks and my friend down the hall from me at work knows the Eat the Street peeps. So, I married these two up together. So, I’ll take credit for this one. On Friday night prior to the Pro Bowl, there’s gonna’ be a BIG Food Truck Party and Streetz Event. All with pro Bowl Style including a performance by I.A and UV, cheerleaders, mascots, music, free Pro Bowl Tickets and I suspcect a few players will be there.Instagram #eatthestreet to win free Pro Bowl tickets. And Check Streetzblog out @streetzpix
If you go, Let me know if you liked it or not? Listed Below is the flyer with most of the info on it:
The NFL Pro Bowl Block Party: Saturday Night January 26, 2013
This is real new, real fresh, real BIG news and you’re probably reading it here first! Steve Aoki will be playing on the Power 104.3 Stage. Yep, Steve Aoki, the stage diving, crowd surfing superstar DJ who usually plays in Vegas will be at this year’s Waikiki Block party.
Also appearing at the NFL Pro Bowl Block party are Nesian 9, Maoli, Kapena, Kalapana, Cheerleaders, NFL Players, Mascots and my man-Walter French, who can be seen in the next video entitled “Bounce That” with Hawaii’s Hip, Hype N’ Rhymin’ Style Ace – Romeo Valentine
And the last bit of information I have for you today is Hawaii’s IA stopped by the station wearing some sweet Carolina Blue, Flo Green Jordan Retro 3’s and he let me know that he’ll be droppin’ a new VID this Sunday. Also received his latest CD-Flyght808 which has a tune on it called “Go the Distance” that’s getting a lot of hype supporting Hawaii’s own and Notre Dames Star Manti Teo!
Today I had a bit too much paperwork to do at work, so sorry I didn’t leave many links to tix or where things are at, if you can’t find something just leave a comment or text me at 808 479 9928 and I’m sure I can lead you in the right direction. See you on the HI Streetz!
Streetzblog Featured in Hit Hip-Hop Video
“Shake Left..Shake right…you’re A** Gonna wind up on Streetzblog courtesy of Mackenzie”
Been promising this video for about a week and a half and here it is! walterFRENCH featuring Romeo Valentine with “Bounce That” produced by DJ(an)Rky.
Vid was shot at Soho Mixed Media Bar in Hawaii and right about at the 2:14 mark, Romeo hits the mic and gives an awesome shout out to streetzblog. About a week ago, When I teased the vid on FB, it had about 360 views, Now (9-12-12) it’s reached over 7,200 and gaining views by the minute.
BTW: Tyler who’s also in the vid is working on some of Bez’s (Happy Monday’s) old school moves, he’s gonna’ bust out this Saturday (9-15-12) at Soho. Should go well when ol’ school meets nu Skool. Oh Yeah!
Big Thank-You’s to Walter, Romeo and Anrky. Hope you enjoy the vid, LMK. Gonna’ go check out the new Topman/Topshop over at Nordstrom Right now. It’s triple points week thru Sunday! See you on the streetz.
Kendall Jenner on her way to Oahu-Soon!
Last Blog posting, we told you about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (The Kanyashians) being in town. Today, we found out that more Kardashians are coming to town soon. From an exclusive from Life and Style Magazine, which I found through hawaiifiveOonline.wordpress.com, Kendall Jenner is coming to town to shoot some scenes for her acting debut on CBBS’ Hawaii Five-O.
According to Life and Style, Kendall will play a sales assistant in an episode set to air in October, that means she should be in Hawaii soon. And since she is 16, at least one of her famous parents will be joining her on the trip. So we’ll be seeing Kendall Jenner and either or maybe both Bruce and Kris Jenner in town soon too! BTW: Hawaii Five-O should be gearing up for a mid September Sunset on the Beach. Rumors are brewing. We’ll bring you the details (if it does happen) soon. And two weeks ago, I forgot to tell you, but my friend bumped into Mike Brown the Head Coach of the L.A Lakers. He was staying down at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. My friend said he was really cool and he got a picture with him. That of course he forgot to send to me. I’ll admit it, most of my friends are pretty flaky. But, most do come through, just on Hawaiian time.
More #celebsigtings by me about an hour ago, I was walking down Fort Street Mall and bumped into musician Walter French and DJ Romeo Valentine. Walter’s doing well, he’s in town to open up for the Big TYGA show next Thursday August 23rd at the blaisdell. Hit up Romeo Valentine if you’re looking for some tix, He’ll be over at Summer Wonderland Saturday night.
This weekend, I’ll be in Chinatown on Saturday looking for fashion and kicks on the streetz. If you’re around say “HI” and I’ll get a few snapz of you and what you’re wearing. See you soon. Have a Great Weekend!!
Here’s walterFRENCH with BAKE:
