Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Living Proof New York News ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Polo in the Streets: Ralph Lauren’s Role in New York’s Underground](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/polo-in-the-streets-ralph-laurens-role-in-new-yorks-underground/) - The Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation was launched in 1967 by a 28 year-old Ralph Lauren, born to a family of Jewish immigrants in the Bronx. Originally only selling ties, making deliveries to department stores himself, and operating out of a single drawer in the Empire State Building, his brand saw quick success and soon expanded - [Nicole McLaughlin’s Creative Climb](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/nicole-mclaughlins-creative-climb-2/) - *Interview by Lei Takanashi. Photos by Wes Knoll. Nicole McLaughlin is an artist/designer whose upcycled works explore the greater potential of discarded materials and mass produced waste. As a self-proclaimed “Industry Dumpster,” McLaughlin collaborates with major brands like Arc’teryx and Hermes on sustainability initiatives while also challenging these labels to rethink how they work with leftover materials. - [GKAE SKREW MSK](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/gkae-skrew-msk-2/) - March 10, 2024 - [Ryan Mettz on Life in NYC](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/ryan-mettz-on-life-in-nyc/) - Ryan Mettz is an artist based in New York City, known for his work as a painter and tattooist. In addition to these creative pursuits, Ryan enjoys surfing and secretly paints graffiti (don’t tell anyone). His ability to balance multiple disciplines makes him a compelling figure, constantly pushing boundaries and embracing the diverse opportunities the - [Ed Templeton](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/ed-templeton/) - *Photos by Ed Templeton. Introduction writing by Barry McGee. It comes with great pleasure to introduce my dear friend, Ed Templeton’s work. While I understand Ed needs no introduction, I am honored to speak about his mild-mannered demeanor and his unique ability to make very important art and photographs in his now mature years. Ed - [RAT RATZ: Milano Centrale](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/rat-ratz-milano-centrale/) - Rat Ratz is a skate-crew formed out of Milano Centrale plaza. Their videos embody the raw energy of skateboarding and have garnered attention world-wide. - [Nicole McLaughlin’s Creative Climb](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/nicole-mclaughlins-creative-climb/) - Nicole McLaughlin shares deep insight into her creative process as a prominent upcycling designer in this interview for Living Proof New York. - [KATSU: Transcending Graffiti](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/katsu-transcending-graffiti/) - KATSU is an artist and graffiti writer whose approach to his work has blurred the lines between the physical space and the digital space. While still maintaining an exceptional standard in what is considered 'traditional' graffiti, KATSU has often veered in his line of attack. His methodology has included the hacking of various public spaces - [Outfit Architecture: Artist Edition 001](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/outfit-architecture-artist-edition-001/) - In 1990s New York City, a subculture created around garments spread throughout the graffiti scene via boosting culture and street fashion. Gore-Tex technical jackets, boots, backpacks and above all, Polo Ralph Lauren was stolen from retail stores and either sold for loot or worn for style. With Ralph Lauren gaining street-level traction from infamous crews - [NYC's Downtown Scene: Early 2000s](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/nycs-downtown-scene-early-2000s/) - In the early 2000s, New York City's economic landscape created a world in which one could survive off of little. Artists, skaters, graffiti writers, poets & musicians inhabited the city, organically creating style & culture in a way that permeated into the life of the neighborhood; its night clubs, public parks & city blocks. Common - [Martin Wong](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/martin-wong/) - Issue 5, Living Proof Magazine. Martin Wong was an artist deeply embedded in the Lower East Side’s cultural tapestry. His paintings depicted scenes ranging from prison cells and brick walls to the vibrant downtown characters he surrounded himself with. He found community among outsiders and amassed a significant collection of graffiti artifacts beginning in the - [OJAE FYC](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/ojae-fyc/) - THE JUICE MAN Words & photos by Wes Knoll. Article featured in Issue 5, Living Proof Magazine. “WHO ARE YOU?! WHO ARE YOU?! WHO ARE YOU?!,” a man screams on a crowded subway train underground. Unsure of who he was demanding answers from, I turned in curiosity. The mystery revealed itself by the sight of a - [GKAE SKREW MSK](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/gkae-skrew-msk/) - GKAE SKREW MSK is an internationally acclaimed graffiti writer whose name is synonymous with the title of 'king' from New York to Los Angeles. Getting down in MSK during the summer of 1992 when the crew was still an offshoot of AWR, GKAE approached graffiti with relentless will-power matched by few. He explains his reason - [VFR // VFRESH // VEEFER](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/vfr-vfresh-veefer/) - Resting atop the pinnacle of New York City graffiti is VFR’s legacy. Epitomizing the term “bomber”, having gone all-city numerous times during a time period when the foundations of street graffiti were still being laid, few have matched the omnipresence accomplished by VEEFER. Forming the early wave of NY street bombing pioneers, VFR & his - [Archival Project](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/archival-project/) - An ongoing project of preservation. Our archive has been updated with 4 digital books: Gates-Tunnels-Highways-Insides. New York, 1990s-2000s. All 4 archival works, available now on our Patreon. Photographs: Tommy Holiday. *Each book serves as a historical document, respectively showcasing the Gates, Tunnels, Highways & Insides of a past era of New York City graffiti. Featuring - [Jerry Hsu Interview](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/jerry-hsu-interview/) - Jerry Hsu is a legendary skateboarder, photographer & founder of Sci-Fi Fantasy. Esteemed for his switch-stance skateboarding; with video parts in Enjoi’s “Bag of Suck”, Emerica’s “Stay Gold”, amongst others. Gradually developing his photography since the start of his professional skate career, Hsu has put out a number of works including Blackberry & iPhone photo - [Alex Olson Interview](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/alex-olson-interview/) - Alex Olson is an influential skateboarder & artist within the realm of design, breath-work & meditation. At the helm of Call Me 917 & Bianca Chandon, Olson's approach to design exists as an intersection between elevated basics & traditional skate goods. Having video parts in Lakai's "Fully Flared", Supreme's "Cherry", amongst others. We speak on - [Living Proof New York](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/living-proof-new-york/) - Angel & Z Radio is now operating under the name of Living Proof New York. Angel & Z Radio was a podcast that launched June, 2020. Specializing in interviewing New York City graffiti writers as well as figures within the broader downtown community from the skate, art & hardcore punk scenes. They would run food - [Kyota Umeki on Star Team East Village](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/kyota-umeki-on-star-team-east-village/) - interviewed by Angel Cheng. Photos by David Wang Star Team East Village is a clothing + accessories brand that began in New York City’s East Village, founded by Kyota Umeki. Since its inception, the brand has grown from a local East Village gift shop to an internationally recognized label. The brand’s signature piece is its jeans, famously marked by - [The Jason Dill Interview](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/the-jason-dill-interview/) - Words by Angel Cheng. Photos by Wes Knoll. Jason Dill is an iconic and inspiring skateboarder, artist, designer… human. We spoke over the phone about his current life. He has given away many of his material possessions and embraced simplicity. After a lifetime of professional skateboarding, he now spends his days making paintings in a shared - [Strawberry Western with Kisa Shiga](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/strawberry-western-with-kisa-shiga/) - Photos and Interview by David Wang. DW: Ok, first of all, what are you wearing? KISA: I’m wearing the Plaid Mimi Sports Bra which was one of the first styles we ever made and the Rika Ruffle Skort which we just released this Spring. The whole idea behind the activewear is that you can and - [The Kyle Wilson Interview](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/the-kyle-wilson-interview/) - Kyle Wilson is a skateboarder hailing from East London who went pro for Palace in 2021. At the young age of 14 Wilson was raised skating South Bank; London’s iconic skate spot situated beneath the Southbank Centre along the Thames River. As a central spot in British skateboarding, it has been a home for skaters, - [The TIME Interview](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/the-time-interview/) - TIME is a graffiti writer from London who has been described as a person who lives life the way he wishes to, no questions asked. Having been diagnosed with Leukemia at a young age, he places a focus on understanding the shortness of life and realizing that our tomorrows are uncertain. In this world view, - [Jahmir Brown](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/jahmir-brown/) - Jahmir Brown is a skateboarder born & raised in Philadelphia who rides for Palace Skateboards. Being one of the last of a generation to have came up at Love Park, Jahmir continues the world famous Philadelphia heritage of plaza skating even after spots like Muni have been shut down. Having been raised in Southwest Philly - [All Roses, by Cheryl Dunn](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/all-roses-by-cheryl-dunn/) - The rise of downtown New York City’s most influential artists, graffiti writers and crews was intimately captured through the lens of Cheryl Dunn. In the early 2000s, the world below 14th street bred an ecosystem of vandalism, underground culture and art; parallel to a darker side of drug addiction and rampant partying. ‘All Roses’ depicts - [Dash Snow, SACE IRAK](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/dash-snow-sace-irak/) - Dash Snow – SACE IRAK was an influential artist, photographer, graffiti writer and cultural icon from New York City. He was born in 1981 into a wealthy family—his grandfather was the famous art collector Christophe de Menil—but he rejected his wealthy background and deeply immersed himself in the downtown New York art and graffiti scene. - [The Andrew Reynolds Interview](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/the-andrew-reynolds-interview/) - Andrew Reynolds is one of the most influential skateboarders of all time and the founder of Baker Skateboards; a brand that went on to define an entire era of street skating. Rising to prominence in the late ‘90s, Reynolds left Birdhouse to start Baker in 2000, assembling a team that included the likes of Jim - [The Shinpei Ueno Interview](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/the-shinpei-ueno-interview/) - Shinpei Ueno is a Japanese professional skateboarder renowned for his influential role in the community. His videos, skating and design work provide a genuine look into Japanese skate culture. Originally from Osaka, Ueno is the founder and director of Tightbooth, a brand recognized for its clothing and skate videos. Tightbooth’s “LENZ” series was instrumental in - [The Gino Iannucci Interview](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/the-gino-iannucci-interview/) - Gino Iannucci is a legendary skateboarder from Long Island, New York. First gaining recognition in the mid-‘90s through his parts in videos from 101 Skateboards. His video parts in Chocolate’s “The Chocolate Tour” and Girl’s “Yeah Right!” are considered all time classics. As one of the original riders for Nike SB, he helped redefine the - [The Street Legacy of Ralph Lauren in Hip-Hop](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/the-street-legacy-of-ralph-lauren-in-hip-hop/) - Ever since the youth of New York’s outer boroughs brought the aspirational vision of Ralph Lauren clothing to the streets, Polo has permanently embedded itself into the DNA of the city as a whole. What started as teens from Brooklyn boosting gear from department stores grew to become a lifestyle that went worldwide, and created - [Living Proof - Issue 9](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/living-proof-issue-9/) - featuring Andrew Reynolds, SAVIE, GARD & LITER OTR, T4 Taihou Tokura, Gino Iannucci, Eddie Huang, Zach Allen, AOI Industry, Vince Palmer, Nils Matijas, Come Tees, Shinpei Ueno and Hirofumi Kojima. *Patreon members on the ‘Living Proof Magazine’ tier are guaranteed a copy for March 2025, even if the online shop has sold out.* Living Proof Magazine - [Living Proof - Issue 8](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/living-proof-issue-8/) - Issue 8 of Living Proof Magazine. Featuring 10FOOT, TEACH DDS, ZOMBY DDS, Always Do What You Should Do, Jahmir Brown, Kyle Wilson, Kanin Garner, TIME, A-Trak, Psycho Active / Zach Neminsky, Buddies Coffee, Olivia Rose, Faith****, Mary Ellen Solt and Amy Ellington. *Patreon members on the ‘Living Proof Magazine’ tier are guaranteed a copy for December 2024, - [Living Proof Issue 7](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/living-proof-issue-7/) - Issue 7 of Living Proof Magazine. Featuring Jason Dill, WANTO 246, PEAR 246, Ed Templeton, Rat Ratz, GKAE SKREW MSK, Cheryl Dunn, Kyota Umeki / Star Team, Labor Skateshop, Brigade, Strawberry Western, Greetings Tour and Casey Bolding. *Patreon members on the ‘Living Proof Magazine’ tier are guaranteed a copy for September 2024, even if the online - [Living Proof - Issue 6](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/living-proof-issue-6/) - Issue 6 of Living Proof Magazine. Featuring KATSU, Nicole McLaughlin, CAMEL BTM, Tino Razo, Shawn Powers, YL & Starker, Nate Lowman, Faye Wei Wei & Tom Hardwick-Allan, Ned Vena and Tao Lin. Living Proof Magazine is available through our Patreon and online Shop. - [Living Proof - Issue 5](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/living-proof-issue-5/) - Issue 5 of Living Proof Magazine. Featuring VFR, Martin Wong, OJAE FYC, Peter Sutherland, Dylan Kraus, Atticus Torre, Stanislava Kovalcikova & Chris Lloyd. With forewords by Leo Fitzpatrick & Avi Gold. This issue is sold out. Living Proof Magazine is available through our Patreon and online Shop. - [Living Proof - Issue 4](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/living-proof-issue-4/) - Issue 4 of Living Proof Magazine. Featuring MINT & SERF PPP, WIKI, CALEB BARNETT, CAJUN BTM & EM1. This issue is sold out. Living Proof Magazine is available through our Patreon and online Shop. - [Living Proof - Issue 3](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/living-proof-issue-3/) - Issue 3 of Living Proof Magazine was released in July, 2023. Featuring POST VSOP, Meyhem Lauren, LIONS BF, MARTY SMART CREW & Leo Fitzpatrick. This issue is sold out. Living Proof Magazine is available through our Patreon and online Shop. ## Pages - [Home](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/) - GKAE SKREW MSK Patreon: Living Proof New York Nicole McLaughlin’s Creative Climb The Street Legacy of Ralph Lauren in Hip-Hop Polo in the Streets: Ralph Lauren’s Role in New York’s Underground The Gino Iannucci Interview The Shinpei Ueno Interview The Andrew Reynolds Interview Dash Snow, SACE IRAK All Roses, by Cheryl Dunn Jahmir Brown - [News](https://news.livingproofnewyork.com/news/) - News June 1, 2025 GKAE SKREW MSK GKAE SKREW MSK is an internationally acclaimed graffiti writer whose name is synonymous with the title of ‘king’ from New June 1, 2025 Nicole McLaughlin’s Creative Climb *Interview by Lei Takanashi. Photos by Wes Knoll. 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