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The biography of Mei Yong provides a summary of the development of streetwear in Japan as well as a glimpse into the near future.
Mei Yong’s name has appeared at every stage of the streetwear journey, but he has always preferred to stay out of the spotlight. With a background influenced by military clothing, travel and music, Mei Yong takes streetwear to a new place with her brand, Liberaiders®.
Mei Yong’s beginnings and journey into Japanese Streetwear
Mei Yong was born in China at a time when some cultural references from the West were beginning to arrive. He discovered her true home in Japan, where he went to university. At the age of 20, he discovered Tokyo, just as a cultural scene that would eventually give rise to streetwear was starting to take shape. From a record store where he worked, he immersed himself in the culture that connected him with American brands and Japanese designers, serving as a brand distributor, a consultant, and the inspiration for some of the forerunners of streetwear. Yong received his training from Fuct | SSDD, Eric Koston, Neutron INC, NBHD, Bravo Company, Pawn Nomads, Civilist, and Erik Brunetti. This context had a profound impact on his creative vision, inspiring him to create something extraordinary: Liberaiders.
Liberaiders: rock, travel, photography
Liberaiders, a blend of the terms “Liberate” and “Raiders”, encapsulates the essence of the brand. With deep roots in military clothing, travel, rock and photography, Liberaiders leaves behind the streetwear in which it developed to create new concepts. At the age of 48, Yong felt that all of his experiences should evolve rather than remain a golden retirement. The fundamental concept of streetwear remains the same: ideas born on the streets rather than in industry or fashion. Liberaiders’ vision is simple: to become a global brand that combines Yong’s interests. Each season, the brand selects a location as a central inspiration to turn the essence of that location into a unique and captivating collection that grows with occasional collaborations with like-minded brands such as Vans or Nanga.
The Liberaiders style: Functionality and Creativity
Liberaiders’ style reflects not only Mei Yong’s professional journey in streetwear, but also his professional travels. The brand creates garments that capture the essence of military style, skateboarding, workwear, and outdoor functionality, drawing inspiration from her experiences. Each design is an expression of Mei Yong’s passion for fashion and creativity. Mei uses photography to document her travels, drawing from subcultures that are then reflected in Liberaiders’ designs and express her philosophy. His collections depict Tibet, Cuba, Nepal, Russia, and Mexico through the eyes of a traveller who encounters each new territory.
Liberaiders represents the perfect marriage of style and passion. With Mei Yong at the forefront, the brand continues to challenge the boundaries of streetwear, fusing functionality with fashion in a way that leaves an indelible mark on the industry. Explore the innovative world of Liberaiders and discover how creativity can transform the way we perceive trends. Already available at FOOTDISTRICT.