VOLCOM

INTERVIEW with Volcom's Remy Stratton

Interviewed by: Matt Bauer Web Editor

How long have you been at Volcom and how did you end up there?
Ended up here via the skateboard in 92 as a rider. I got involved and haven't looked back.

Can you give us a brief overview of the Stone Age line and how it came about?
The Volcom Stone Age line came about as a result of two things; one is the overwhelming input and support from our skateboarders and their ideas towards creating gear. The second reason is we wanted to give a select group of core skate shops a good no bullshit line of skate driven product at a fair price.

What is the process like when you pick the brains of your pros for their ideas on their new signature clothes?
We'll take doodles, scratching, full cads or whatever the case may be and put it through the proper channels to see it through. If it's denim or jackets or button ups, we'll get the rider and the designer to discuss fabrics, colorways, stitching, buttons, snaps embroideries etc. then get a few samples made, see how it goes, make corrections and make more samples and eventually come to a happy ending with the final product. We all like happy endings.

What is the strangest use of inspiration a rider has brought to the table?
Well I can't share Busenitz's idea yet because it's not in process yet but there have been some classics, like Dollin for instance, he has had some crazy samples made up with buckles and straps on pants which we all were backing 100% but unfortunately when it came time to show the stores the new line with Dollin's gear in there, the store buyers were apprehensive which resulted in the piece not even going to production. This happens occasionally, sometimes it's too early for the market to accept such pieces, a season or two down the line, we may try to re-introduce it to see if perhaps then, it would go over better.

What do you commonly look to for inspiration? Do you listen to a certain type of music to get your creative juices flowing?
Usually life is the biggest inspiration, when riders are traveling about the globe, they are confronted with immense foreign stimuli and when one is in new surroundings, senses are open and ideas come naturally, whether it's a functional attribute towards the gear or creative art and colors and fabrics.

What was Geoff Rowley's idea behind his new "Rowley Print L/S"?
Good question, I just had to call him now and pick his brain. Being interested in stalking and hunting of wild animals he became tired of all the "fashion camo's" out there which are not functional in the wild. He personally drew this camo up for the terrains he frequents and designed a; "functional camo on every level."

How often do the pros come in with trash bags ready to raid the warehouse?
Occasionally large raids take place, usually when out of towners are in town and have the actual time to walk through the warehouse. It can be a pain sometimes walking through so much gear, it's easier to say what you want and have it pulled for you. Depends on your mood really.

What is your favorite piece in this line?
I like the Cro Mag s/s T and the Want Some s/s T for sure as well as the Dennis Mcnett art. The Broseph Von Sickter Stripe Jacket looks like my friend come winter.

Thanks for giving us a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes at Volcom!

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