Inspiration NYC 2015

Inspiration is the brainchild of Rin Tanaka. The trade show takes place over two days in Los Angeles, and now, New York City. Inspiration NY made its debut at the Brooklyn Expo Center October 16-17, 2015.

What did we like? We liked that there was a comrade of sorts. If you are like us then you may have been on the tradeshow circuit. Whether Capsule, Liberty Fairs, or another- we love being able to catch up with old friends from near and afar. We love the mixture of vintage and upcycled clothing. The things that we felt could be improved upon was promotion and marketing. The first start for Inspiration was out of Los Angeles. Where the trade show has run consistently. The debut at the Brooklyn Expo was cutting the ribbon. Rin Tanaka was able to pull in people from across the globe. We are certain that at the next trade show in Brooklyn there will be more of a social media presence amongst the vendors as well as promotion.

Inspiration founder; Rin Tanaka as a young lad spent time in Yokohama near a U.S. Naval Base. This is where he got his first take on Americana culture, drawing upon inspiration from an audio perspective (Blues Music) and visual (U.S. Naval Sailors wearing Levis denim Jeans, Leather Jackets, etc.). Blues music has a history rooted in African spirituals rooted in enslavement. Blues Music genre came from within the African American communities of the Deep South. Yes you can also insert Folk Music here but well stay on topic. For Rin Inspiration took place from seeing off-duty sailors donning pea coats, motorcycle leather jackets, engineer boots, bomber jackets, denim jeans, bell bottoms et.all.

What sets apart Inspiration? The unique focus on vintage and heritage brands. Americana. From the outside looking in its a trend. Let's hope not. For what it's worth the creative spirit of wanting to learn, improve and make can give the movement legs. We all see the wave of emerging brands, and of rejuvenated brands returning to their roots. Whether it's brands such as LL Bean, Red Wing, Levis, Filson, etc. sparking interest in the younglings to pursue their dreams and making things. The U.S used to be known as a manufacturing house but the current push of returning to the roots is like returning to your dreams.

Inspiration NYC was a smorgasbord of all things vintage and heritage. People came from Connecticut, Minneapolis, Utah, California, Houston, Connecticut, Ohio, and Far East Japan. If you were lucky enough to be one of the few that made it to the tradeshow early you would've received a denim tote bag made by BEAMS in commemoration of Inspiration NYC. Enjoy the pictures!

Marshall W Deming of Hartford Denim Company

Angel Rodriguez of IMASkunk and Leo Velasquez for Portia and Manny Vintage.

Whiskey Grade and the Dirt 750 by Analog Motorcycles

Nick Gamarello (the artist, the designer, the historian, etc) quietly has been putting in work. From designing exact replicas of post World War II art, to designing rock inspired paraphernalia he is the truth.