Written By: Julius Ignacio

Breaking into the barriers of both commercial and street cultures has never been an easy task for New Yorkers. The differences in lifestyle, interests, and a sense of direction are nonetheless the main benchmarks in the disparities of the two cultures. But in these past few years, the very popular and mainstream sport of running have recently seen a change in the city of New York as more and more runners are expressing their love of the sport through art, social gatherings, but most importantly, street fashion.

Video created by Julius Ignacio on Final Cut Pro, shot with Canon Rebel T3i

The street culture in New York City can best be looked upon as hip, trendy, and fashionable. In parts of NYC such as the Lower East Side, Soho, and Williamsburg, the street culture itself can be well-known for a lifestyle that is attractive to a younger audience but what exemplifies the richness of the street culture in NYC is its raw and authentic feel when experienced. The artistry of graffiti and paintings on buildings, the architectural layout of both old buildings and brick streets, and the dazzling and fresh attire of clothing create an environment of an influential cycle.

But what does it mean exactly to be involved, to embrace and to immerse yourself in this street culture that is considered to be original? It’s to be open to change, to be mindful of each and everyone’s expression of art, music, and fashion, but most notably to create something that’s influenced from the outside street culture.

I caught up with Lono Brazill III, a Nike Running Representative and Street Fashion Enthusiast based in the Upper East Side. Since joining Nike in June 2011, Brazil has since implemented his cultural upbringing of street fashion to create a new and trendy style of running.

“Being in so many places at my age right now teaches me to understand different cultures that could influence my own behavior. I’ve been surrounded by the street culture my whole life that I’ve always wanted to collaborate both running and fashion into my daily habit,” said Brazil.

When I asked his opinion on collaborating street fashion into running, Brazil stated that “It’s something that running was missing. Running right now in New York City is fresh and something I wanted to pick up on. I’m enjoying it as I really see this as being a dope thing”

In early 2013, I was approached with an idea by both Brazil and our friend, Jermaine Sampson, about the beginning of a new movement solely focused on street fashion and running. Sampson, has always valued the importance of new and fresh ideas given the possibilities of both street fashion and running. This idea, it was called R.A.S.A. Club and it stands for Running Aesthetics, Style Aesthetics. Incorporating both running and style was the main drive towards starting this new movement.

When I recently spoke to Sampson about our initial conversation almost two years ago, it didn’t take long for him to express what this meant to him, as his passion and excitement for R.A.S.A. Club never faded away.

“You have this vision, and then you have this simple direction. When Lono and I came up with R.A.S.A., we wanted to keep it plain and simple but also give it the attention it deserves. I feel that within the street culture itself, the more you try hard is the more you fuck it up. So stop trying so damn hard. Let it flow, then things will fall into place.”

R.A.S.A. Club has since blossomed with the direction of both Brazil and Sampson as the concept behind the subtle and raw movement of running and fashion still stands strong today. As fellow friends of both Brazil and Sampson have also joined the movement, this sudden change in both the commercial and street  cultures can begin to be an example of breaking away the barriers in between the two differences.

Through the thought of breaking barriers and developing an uncommon act, it takes a keen individual to see through two sides of a new beginning. In looking through the perception of both street running and fashion, it won’t take long to see a new movement coming out of the street culture in NYC.