by Matt McM

by Matt McM

We’ve met some wonderful people, done some cool things, and had incredible times. And, in all honesty, reached a level as a brand that we had never dreamed possible. With sales in all 50 states and 14 countries, a list of fabulous retailers who support the brand, and product appearances on one of the top rappers in the industry, the Check Your Six project has been a truly special tale.

As we gear up for our Spring 2012 release, we’d like to take a second to recap how things have gone since 2009. So sit back, enjoy the show, and…oh, that’s right…stop through again sometime soon for some sneak-peeks of what to expect in Spring!

by Matt McM

I asked Moh a few questions, giving us a look-into his store and everything surrounding its creation. Below is the interview, photos of the shop, and information on how you can join the movement.

Give us an idea of who you are. Where have you been, and what brought you here today?

My name is Mohamed “Moh” Habib. I was born in Cairo, Egypt…my parents immigrated to the United States when I was 6 months old. I grew up in Texas, then Arkansas, then moved up to Minnesota for high school. I graduated in 1999 with a degree in International Business and a minor in Marketing (and a Spanish concentration). I then lived and worked five years in Tokyo, Japan and then spent 3.5 years in Geneva, Switzerland doing international business and consulting before moving back to Minneapolis in 2010. Along the way I’ve had the opportunity to travel to 30 different countries and more than 185 cities worldwide….all along pursuing my true passions.

What is Studiiyo23? And what motivated its founding?

Studiiyo23 is a fusion of everything I love in life: Fashion, Art, Culture, Music and of course, Sneakers. It’s a space where “anything is possible”….where we try to break down traditional boundaries so when you walk in its doors, your first thought might be “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this before”. The motivation came from deep inside….I am an artist at heart and love supporting those who follow their dreams and passions. I got tired of the Corporate Life, the suit and tie life. It just wasn’t me. It was a means to an end, a way to reach my true goal of going into business for myself. Everything fell into place at the right time and all the dreams I’ve had came together to create Studiiyo23.

What makes Studiiyo23 different than other shops in Minneapolis?

While traveling the world in search of inspiration I would seek out what each city claimed to be their top boutique, art gallery, sneakershop, etc. I experienced just about every type of shop you can imagine, but for me, the majority of the time I left the experience disappointed in some way. It just wasn’t me. I’m a freak for details. I observe. I notice everything. I wanted to create something that expressed me, my nature, my experiences in life and my passions. We operate as an art gallery and a clothing boutique. We host open mics, art exhibitions, in-store events, etc…so because it is a very intimate and constantly evolving space it is inherently different than any other shop in Minnesota.

Why was Minneapolis the choice for the shop’s location?

To be honest when I left Minneapolis back in 2002 to go to Tokyo, I told myself I’d never come back. Again, that was just me. I need constant change and evolution of thought and action to be happy. When I arrived back to Minneapolis on March 23, 2010, within a few weeks I dipped to California and then to NYC to find my new location. But something was missing. Then I asked myself what were some of the reasons I told myself I would never come back to Minneapolis and one was, what I felt, was a lack of this type of experience in the Twin Cities. There wasn’t a space for me, or for folks like me, to shop or express ourselves. I could not visit one shop in Minneapolis and buy my sneakers, bottom, top and accessories. I couldn’t walk into a space and analyze or purchase art that spoke to me and my experiences in life. I wanted to create that kind of environment and give others a space where they too could express themselves through Art, Fashion, and Music…a new-age culture Mecca.

What is in store for 2012 from Studiiyo23?

In the words of my good friends in Jamaica, ‘Big ‘Tings a Gwaan’. You will see Studiiyo23 continue to grow and push the traditional boundaries of retail, art and fashion. Our in-house Studiiyo23 clothing line will continue to expand and develop to not only focus on pieces that can be coordinate with the latest sneaker release….but on pieces that will hopefully move our consumers and guests on a very personal level.

Okay, let’s have some fun. What was your New Years Resolution?

“No more Mr. Nice Guy, but you can still call me Mr. Nice Watch!” Haha. This is my year, the Year of the Dragon and not coincidentally, I feel and have been more focused than ever before in my life. For those who know me…they know that can be dangerous!

Chess or Checkers?

Chess, but you don’t want to see me!

Biggie or Tupac?

Outkast!

What is the best way to stay up on new products coming in?

Connect with us on our website at www.studiiyo23.com or on Twitter and Facebook. We try our best to utilize these social media tools to connect with our people all over the world.

by Matt McM

by Matt McM

by Matt McM

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who is Garrett Perry?

Garrett Brandon Perry is my full name. I was born and raised in the south suburbs of Minneapolis but have been lucky to call Minneapolis my home for the last few years. I graduated from the College of Visual Arts in 2008 with a BFA in drawing and painting.

What do you use as motivation and inspiration for your art?

Pop culture is a pretty good motivator. Celebrity gossip and trashy magazines mixed with classical painting usually gets me motivated to paint. The internet is crazy in providing a non stop avenue to inspiring images.

If you had to do it in 3 words, how would you describe your art?

Bizarre Trashy Oddities.

What is in store for 2012?

Big things, literally. I am hoping to start a new body of large scale work. I plan on starting some paintings that are in the ‘6-8 feet by 8-12 feet’ range. Other then that i spent most of 2011 painting and didn’t exhibit much so hopefully have some shows.

Where will artwork from Garrett Perry be in five years?

Hopefully not in a dumpster! I’d like to personally end up on one of the coasts, the thought of grad school has always intrigued me, so hopefully some galleries in NYC or LA while i continue my education. I would like to have more solo shows and start exhibiting more outside of Minnesota.

After creating art, what are two of your other passions?

I freaking love Baseball. I am a huge Twins fan, HUGE! Last season was hard to watch, but hopefully this year is better but I’m not holding my breath. I nerd out so much on baseball its crazy, I am the commissioner of a fantasy baseball league (yes it’s sad but true).. I read baseball blogs all day, I’m into the sabermeterics.. I’m a big baseball dork. I also am a big fan of plants, I have about 15 right now. Some of them have been to given to me as gifts, so they have a lot of sentimental value. Plants are cool.

Okay, let’s have a little fun. What was your New Year’s Resolution?

Haha, I was in such party mode I actually forgot to think of one before the ball dropped. But, I’ve been eating way to much junk food lately so if i had to pick one it would be to start eating less junk food. No more Cheetos and potato chips.

Chess or checkers?

Chess all day. I dominate.

Jay-Z or The Beatles?

How about Danger Mouse’s Grey Album? If I had to pick, like I could only listen to one the rest of my life, I’d say The Beatles. I have been listening to ‘Watch The Throne’ a ton in the studio lately, sounds great with some good headphones on and a cold beer.

Check out Garrett’s artwork at www.garrettperry.com and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com.


by Matt McM

]]> http://checkyoursixclothing.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2&p=1100 0 http://checkyoursixclothing.com/wordpress/?p=1096 http://checkyoursixclothing.com/wordpress/?p=1096#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:09:55 +0000 admin http://checkyoursixclothing.com/wordpress/?p=1096 This year, Thanksgiving festivities were celebrated in North Carolina, a state that, to us Minnesotans, is summed up entirely by Duke basketball, Michael Jordan, and Cape Fear. After spending just a few short days in the Wilmington area, a few things became clear very quickly. The food is delicious, the weather is spectacular, and the locals are amazing. To be completely honest, I simply didn’t want to leave. In the midst of working on my horribly pale tan and pounding back cafè lattes, I did my best to snap a few shots of the local scenery. Here are some of the results.

by Matt McM

I rolled across town to the most popular new streetwear spot in all of Minneapolis, Studiiyo 23. They have only had their doors open a little over a year, but have quickly made their distinct mark in the local fashion industry. They are proud carriers of Check Your Six, so if you have yet to stop in and show some love, do it while you still can!

by Matt McM

The day was spent working with Patrick Jones, the owner of, bar none, the top streetwear retailer in the state: FLOW. We worked behind-the-scenes on his online shop, making some small changes and, more than anything, just talking about the recent industry trends. By the end of the day, the new Check Your Six gear had hit the shop, and several pieces are now available at the brick and mortar location in downtown Milwaukee. Oh, and we enjoyed one of the best pizzas I may have ever had.

This is what my life is. A delicate balance between double majoring at a top university and a clothing company that people love to hate hate to love.

by Matt McM