Haruka Hwang
Where did you grow up?
In Japan - Fukushima. It’s very countryside, it’s the north part of Japan. It’s mostly plants, a lot of nature.
When did you move?
When I was 18. So almost 10 years ago.
Did you move for anything in particular?
College! I got a scholarship from a college in Boston as a runner. I was on the track team, I wasn’t planning on coming here but my high school teacher said “your English test was very good and also you can run, there is a college and they are looking for someone that can run; do you want to go?” I ran for about two years in Boston and then I got injured. I couldn’t run anymore, because I couldn’t run they were going to cut the scholarship. So, I came to New York.
Did you finish college in New York?
No, but I always knew I wanted to find something other than running so I came to New York by myself. I needed a job so I asked my friends if there was anyone looking for an employee. One of my friends used to work with Joe and he said “My friend just opened a store on the Lower East Side, maybe he can hire you?” That’s how I met Joe.
So, did you have an idea of the labels you wanted to carry in the store when you opened?
When we started Mannahatta I expected things to happen. We carried Leftfield (which is a friend of Joe’s). Later on, we are started selling Needles and Kapital.
Were you interested in clothes growing up? Or was it mostly running?
Not really, this is the funny thing about Japanese culture, if you grow up in the countryside all you wear is either a school uniform or school tracksuits. I always wanted to dress nicely on the weekends because that’s when you’d go out. But Fukushima, there is no place to shop. I’d read catalogs a lot when I was a kid.
What magazines would you read, any in particular?
Popeye! I used to read Popeye so much. I think that’s how I came into clothing. I just didn’t really see actual products.
Do you still read Popeye?
Yes!
You’re lucky because you can read them! I can only look at them!
That’s one thing about Japanese magazines, they have so much information in one book so you can pretty much learn everything.
It’s funny too because people are so obsessed with them yet, I know for the most part, many people buying them can’t read a single word! For you it’s a completely different experience. I “read” at Fudge all the time, but I have no clue what any of it says!
You can learn everything from just reading them!
Do you have any favorites?
Of course Popeye. I used to read Free and Easy. Clutch Magazine of course. A lot of men's magazines.
I like your shoes!
Feit! They’re so comfortable!
Do you have any side projects you’re working on?
Beading! One day Joe suddenly told me “I’m going to go take a beading class tomorrow night.” I was like, “Okay. Why?” He said, “I want to learn!” I said, “How much?” “One hour, $65.” “That’s kind of expensive!” After the class he brought home and showed me the work. “This is what you get for $65 a class? I could do better than that!” That’s how I started beading! I read a lot of magazines, books, and I watch a lot of YouTube videos and learned how to do it. I practice a lot. Now I can make hat bands, beaded patches.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I like country music…
Me too!
And Rock and Roll. A lot of Misfits, Black Sabbath, Guns and Roses. Punk music a lot.
Is there a piece that you wear everyday that has a meaning behind it?
Yes! These earrings were a gift from Joe's dad. We went to San Francisco. Most of the jewelry I wear are gifts. This bracelet is really old, 1920’s. We collect a lot of Native American jewelry. A lot of before 1910 or 1890’s. That’s something we can’t stop spending money on!
Any time period you’d like to be dropped in for the clothes?
I don’t know! What’s your answer?
The feel like being born in the ‘40s would be cool!
The ‘70s. A like bootcut, high waisted pants, and silk shirts!
You’ve got your outfit planned! Do you have any favorite vintage spots in the city?
9th Street Vintage. Front General Store. And then my friend owns a vintage store in Williamsburg called Rugged Road! I met him through mutual friends, the Japanese community is really tiny. He’s also the designer of the hat brand we carry.
Do you remember the first piece of clothing that really started it all?
The very first time Joe and I went to BDDW we didn’t even know what the store was and then we went inside and saw this denim dress. It’s a nappy fabric and it has selvedge. All the details were so good. It was my size.
I bet you were like “OH, NO!”
I was like shit. It was so expensive!
What movie had the biggest influence on your style?
I was thinking about this so much. We watch movies every single day, 2-3 movies every day. The way we watch movies is more like researching.
Do you have any favorite brands at the moment?
W’Menswear of course!
Of course!!
Kapital, 45 RPM, BDDW.
What kind of Kapital stuff do you wear?
I wear everything - even the men’s stuff. Mostly pants! These pants!
