As I peruse through this captivating collaboration between AGLXY and streetwear legend Benny Gold, my heart swells with admiration for these two trailblazers who embody the essence of streetwear – creativity, community, and growth.
In the realm of urban fashion, collaborations are not merely passing fads – they serve as links connecting creative spirits, honoring traditions, and offering glimpses into what lies ahead. Among such partnerships, none embody this essence more than the union between Ageless Galaxy (AGLXY) and Benny Gold, a name deeply entwined with streetwear’s roots. This collaboration transcends apparel; it symbolizes the profound admiration each brand holds for one another’s path and the community they have cultivated together.
The Beginning of a Creative Partnership
Ageless Galaxy, based in Jakarta, is much more than just clothing. Since its inception, the brand has aimed to make an enduring impact on the world of street culture, a mission that shines through in all they create. The prospect of collaborating with Benny Gold wasn’t a fleeting idea but rather the realization of a long-held dream for AGLXY founder Tamish Aswani, who had admired Gold’s work since his time as a design student.
Aswani shared, “I began admiring Benny while I was still a student, and he soon served as an inspiration for the kind of designer I aspired to be. His constant encouragement to ‘Stay Gold’ resonated deeply with me, and it’s a principle I’ve kept close ever since.
Gold is well-known for his iconic paper plane logo and “Stay Gold” philosophy; he has always been a trailblazer in the realms of streetwear and graphic design. His impact within the community reaches far, from his earlier blog on TopMob to partnerships with major figures in this sector.
For AGLXY, Gold was the cherished final name on a wishlist of potential partners – a list featuring influential figures in streetwear such as The Hundreds and STAPLE. When Gold and Aswani crossed paths, it quickly became evident that their collaboration would transcend typical business transactions; instead, it represented a significant, full-circle moment for both parties.
Live to Strive, Strive to Live
To offer a more comprehensive grasp of AGLXY’s origins and the importance of the partnership with Gold, Aswani delved into the brand’s roots. It’s worth mentioning that AGLXY initially sprouted from a final-year school project, where it showcased Gold, Staple, and The Hundreds on a mood board as potential collaborators for a branding exercise. This project helped Aswani achieve the necessary grades but was subsequently left untouched for some time.
It wasn’t until a tragic event struck young Aswani that he rekindled his enthusiasm for his project and brand. At the tender age of 24, he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, causing him to return from his studies in Canada to Indonesia, his home country. Upon his return to Jakarta, Aswani decided to take some time to engage in activities that brought him joy and focus on his health, specifically fighting the cancer.
At this moment, Aswani discovered himself organizing files on his desktop, and in the process, he stumbled upon a folder named Ageless Galaxy. Upon examining the mood board within, he found Benny and an entire project that seemed like a fully established brand. The quote “live to strive, strive to live” was also present. Inspired by this quote and determined to make it his personal goal, Aswani decided to develop AGLXY as his lasting legacy, something that would be remembered. He reflected that following his cancer recovery, he wanted to explore the extent of his abilities to inspire those around him.
During our project, I aimed to connect everyone from my mood board as WhatsApp friends or close acquaintances, and it turned out that way. As a result, we managed to collaborate with every person on our collaboration list. It’s amazing to think that Benny is the last one on the list now.
The Collection
On October 5th, the AGLXY x Benny Gold assortment will debut, seamlessly merging the genetic makeup of both brands. This collection boasts a variety of clothing items: three short-sleeve tees, one long-sleeve tee, a hoodie, a bomber jacket, trousers with a belt, a running cap, and additional accessories such as a keychain and an enamel pin.
The designs incorporate a harmonious blend of Gold’s recognizable paper plane design and fog camouflage, combined with AGLXY’s Indonesian cultural influences. As Aswani put it, “We blended a traditional Indonesian pattern known as ‘Batik,’ specifically the cloud motif called ‘Mega Mendung,’ with Gold’s fog camo. This was an ideal fusion of Indonesian and San Francisco cultures.
Additionally, Gold provided a graphic depicting a space shuttle launch, aligning with AGLXY’s cosmic motifs. Regarding the joint project, Gold expressed, “The most satisfying aspect of collaborations is when the work is distinctively representative of both brands. It’s not about one dominating the other; it’s a genuine team effort.
The Launch Event
On October 5, AGLXY is throwing a grand launch event at their Jakarta store to commemorate the debut of their new collection. Attendees will have the exciting opportunity to hear from Gold in a live discussion and meet-up, gaining insights into his experiences and the creation process behind the collection. Additionally, food crafted by Chef Gabriel from The Coach Restaurant, beverages courtesy of The Golden Tooth Bar, and energetic performances by DJs Rizky Rixx and Gerry Blaze are all in store for guests.
“Streetwear has always been about community,” Gold emphasized. “It’s more than just the clothes — it’s about the people who come together around these brands, sharing creativity and growth.” Sharing in this same sentiment, Aswani stated “There’s always a lot of talk out there that streetwear and sneaker culture is dead but it’s more about community and finding like-minded people, honestly, we don’t sell tee shirts, we sell mentalities.”
For AGLXY, this launch event marks a remarkable milestone in the brand’s journey. It’s more than merely commemorating a collaboration with a streetwear icon; it symbolizes the incredible progress that AGLXY has made since its origins as Aswani’s design school project. “I never imagined Ageless Galaxy would evolve to this point, from a simple school project, to a partnership with one of my idols,” said Aswani. “It’s more than I could have ever hoped for.
A Collaboration Built on Mutual Respect
The partnership between AGLXY and Benny Gold goes beyond just creating a product; it’s a tale of reciprocal respect, shared ideals, and a passion for design. As Benny Gold’s brand grows and AGLXY establishes its presence in the international streetwear market, this collection serves as a significant landmark mirroring their past accomplishments and future aspirations.
For enthusiasts of both labels, this presents a chance to acquire a piece with historical significance. Aswani expressed his pride by saying, “We embody the ‘Stay Gold’ philosophy – it runs through our veins.” This collection truly embodies that mindset, and we’re eager for everyone to witness it. With a powerful emphasis on camaraderie, innovation, and progression, the AGLXY x Benny Gold collaboration encapsulates the essence of streetwear culture.
In a closing note, Gold shared “I fell in love with streetwear at a moment in time and this project reminds me of those times — when streetwear was very precious — just friends working together making cool shit.”
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2024-10-04 16:27