LU: What was the initial response to your aesthetic? Were people ready for it?
MB: Initially, a lot of people didn’t know what to think. But, luckily, most of the tastemakers got it right away.
LU: These days you see punk rock style and tribal patterns showing up in the hood, mall stores, everywhere but when Rockers came out it was pretty unique in merging punk and even heavy metal aesthetics with bold island colors. What role do you think you played in this evolution?
MB: A big one.
LU: The whole streetwear craze has died down a lot in the last few years. What are some of the other things you’re working on to keep things fresh for you?
MB: Doing more art.
LU: Are you impressed with or inspired by current styles in Jamaica? Is it still the aesthetic innovator that it used to be?
MB: It’s hard to say because Jamaica has always been so far ahead of its time. I remember back in the day thinking how the Jamaican aesthetic fell off when I saw some of the suits Shabba, Pinchers or even Capleton would wear but now looking back I realize that those guys were miles ahead. Not sure if 20 years from now I will finally understand the Ed Hardy thing.
