Porco Rosso 1992 Hayao Miyazaki

The concept/art around this drop was inspired by the 1992 film “Porco Rosso”an anime directed by Hayao Miyazaki . When I discovered this movie, I was captivated by the main character and the same concept of making kids fly, Miyazaki once said why he chose to draw pigs because they were easier to draw than the other animals, and covers. One of a blue print of a plane, the other as a collage style of scenes and scenery from the movie. For obvious reasons, the main character happens to be a pig who flies fighter seaplanes! He curses himself to have the head of a pig because he is disappointed in humans.

Whatever the reason, the line between pig and human in the universe of Studio Ghibli is incredibly thin. Being associated with a pig is considered an insult, but Miyazaki's affection for the animal suggests he does not mean to insult his characters by transforming them into pigs. Instead, he draws light on an ugly but endearing quality of humanity — for better or worse, we are extremely piglike.

Read More: https://www.slashfilm.com/869540/hayao-miyazaki-has-a-poignant-explanation-for-why-studio-ghibli-turns-people-into-pigs/?utm_campaign=clip

The only hope he has is for future generations the movie opens up with school girls being kidnapped by pirates and he saves them

Whatever the reason, the line between pig and human in the universe of Studio Ghibli is incredibly thin. Being associated with a pig is considered an insult, but Miyazaki's affection for the animal suggests he does not mean to insult his characters by transforming them into pigs. Instead, he draws light on an ugly but endearing quality of humanity — for better or worse, we are extremely piglike.

Read More: https://www.slashfilm.com/869540/hayao-miyazaki-has-a-poignant-explanation-for-why-studio-ghibli-turns-people-into-pigs/?utm_campaign=clip

There’s a line in the movie that stuck out to me: “I’d rather be a pig than a fascist.” I think we should all strive to be like a pig who can fly anyway, but the jab this line takes against social injustices speaks volumes and resonates with who we are as a brand.

Never be afraid to speak out on what you’re passionate about. But at the same time, don’t let your political positions become your identity. Rather, defend your values and morals when you are called to and wear it on your sleeve. Embody what you wish to see in the world. Don’t be afraid to be different but it can also be the exact thing that will make you fly.

Make Your Own Weather

My mother and Grandmother have a superstition; you can call it a coincidence, but it felt like whenever they used this trick the rain would really go away. Anytime it was pouring out when we had plans outdoors, like a family party, my mother would tell me to stick two knives crossed into the ground and light a candle to make the rain disappear. Within a few minutes, you could notice the rain start to dissipate; no science or reason to back this up, just pure belief. Growing up in such a traditional family I found it beautiful that they could believe in something so ridiculous and started implementing it on my own rainy days when I had big events planned.

The whole idea of this collection is to not make excuses. We often relate the rain with a day off, and for a lot of us that’s just not possible; rain or shine we make it happen. It doesn’t matter if there’s a storm outside, we will get it out the mud like always.

In Bogota, Colombia it rains the majority of the year, but the city is always bussin’. I find a lot of similarities with Bogota and Chicago; the weather can change at a moment’s notice. Even the weather app can’t predict properly so you have to be prepared for anything!

Whether it’s physically or mentally, make your own weather. We all hold the power to perceive the world how we want to. It’s difficult to find clarity when it feels like a thunderstorm in your head but enjoy the chaos while you can because without it you wouldn’t appreciate the sunny days. The rain don’t last forever so as long as it’s here, we might as well dance together. (insert Step Up 2 scene)

Now, I’m not necessarily encouraging you to take your knives and stick them into the ground everytime it rains, and I’m damn sure not held responsible if you cause a fire; but I do want you to take the day into your own hands. When it starts to precipitate in your life, be persistent and don’t take no for an answer.

It’s always better to light the way than to blame the darkness.

this collection is an accumulation of products that I hope keep you working and fly in any weather, dropping online 07/03 or in person at the Lab Twenty One Anniversary Show

WALKING TALL

On July 10, 2020 I get a notification that someone just bought a pair of blue cell shorts. Little do I know it’s Christian Walker, a kick boxer I randomly came across on Instagram. Christian came at me with love and nothing but support, great energy and intentions to grow my brand. He put me in contact with LEOBEEZY, the owner of The Parlor Barber Co. and became a faithful customer ever since. When we first met i could tell this man had charisma; the way he carried himself you could just tell he was a genuine person.

He later reached out to create the logo for ‘Slam Pigs’ ; a local Chicago area BBQ & Fried Chicken company that he is co owner of.

After successfully finishing the logo, ‘Slam Pigs’ was ready for business! It just so happened that Pabs Prints was about to have their Brown Boy Spring pop up and were in need of food for the event. ‘Slam Pigs’ were able to come in clutch with the whole festival set up! Big tents, hella tables, chips, drinks, fryers and merch! It was the most professional company I ever seen vend at my pop ups. Needless to say the event was a success and Slam Pigs hit the ground running with their debut. I’m proud i can say it was at one of my events and I’m looking forward to having those delicious sandwiches again come Spring 2022.

Walker kicks ass and takes names. Literally, he takes your name down for your order and gives you amazing customer service throughout your whole experience. Born in the westside of Chicago, Christian embodies everything that Pabs Prints looks for in an ambassador. He is a competitive Kick Boxer and a full time EMT, working 24 hour shifts! The man just grinds out more than most.

Q/A with Walker:

How was SLAM PIGS created? I was out of work for the summer so Octavio and I were biking like 50 Miles and we’d go cook some crazy a$$ food after, and we would cook so much that we would start nailing down this chicken sandwich recipe & ribs. Then we started to joke around with the name of our company being “Slam Pigs” for obvious reasons. We got the logo made and said let’s do it, let’s just try, and with the brown boy spring pop up coming up it was now or never.

What was your biggest accomplishment of 2021? My first Mauy Thai fight and the creation of Slam Pigs are both equally important; first professional fight and first business venture.

Favorite cartoon/ anime character? Jake from adventure time he’s really chill.

Do you ever face creative blocks? Yes, in the sense that you’re sparring a bunch of guys and you can’t get past certain dudes or catch a rhythm when fighting.

Do you have a dream collaboration? Slam Pigs x Pabs…( already in the works) other than that i’m a huge Half Evil fan or a food related collab would be our family over at Big Miche, they have a grocery store, hopefully when it becomes bussin’ we can be like a bodega style where we can trap out the back every other weekend. A product collab, ooooh maybe a Tata Tacos Birria collab fried chicken taco, that would be sick!

What’s next for your career? I wanna do a stadium fight in front of a big crowd with people i know in the audience, win or lose it would be a dope ass night.

Why do you shop with Pabs Prints? My first purchase was the Success in Your Failures Tee, i wear it all the time, I resonate with it because either you’re winning or you’re learning, you succeed either way that day.

I wanna thank Christian for his time and support not only do i consider him one of my favorite customers but now a close friend.

You can follow the man and his business on
IG & Twitter: @GazpachoWalker @slampigs_kitchen