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Part 2
I recently got a chance to catch up with Cypha and Serene Insanity, who are cousins with a serious
collection of North Face gear. They are both humble and low-key cats that have respectable
knowledge when it comes to North Face products. An interview with two true vintage gear addicts:
>> THE INTERVIEW
A lot of people claim that they were "the first" to rock face (in a fashion sense). Who, if anybody, put you on or influenced you?
SERENE INSANITY:
Well, I definitely wasn't the first to rock face. But, I have been onto it since about 97 or so. (Wow that makes me feel really old.) My cousin beat me to it. I saw him rockin' his first 95 Pouch and I was like i gotta have one, From there, things just got terribly out of control. I do remember cats in skate key back when before my day though they had some crazy shit I would say that's definitely where the north face thing jumped off. Secondly for the cats who say, "I was the first," and want to act like that really means something, who gives a shit? Really, the only thing that bothers me is the cats who jumped on in the last few years and want to say "I'M THE NORTH FACE KING." Gimme a break, my girlfriend's collection could hurt 90% of these cat's feelings. Chalk it up to immaturity, I guess?
CYPHA:
I always liked technical clothing. I rocked face in J.H.S. but nothing crazy. In the winter of 1994-1995, I met a crew out of the Bronx called "Hate Mobb." They put me onto the more technical items (Heli's, Searches, Etc…) Hate Mobb cats like Eddie, Dave, Jee and Spek (rip) would rack like every single day. They went through jackets like it was underwear or some shit.
If you could remember, what was the first North Face product you ever had?
SERENE INSANITY:
First North Face item I had was probably a bubble, followed by 95 Pouch (My first steep.)
CYPHA:
Bubble vest and then a Mountain with the hood snaps. Then, we used to hit spots like Tent & Trails, Paragon, REI, and EMS in the city.
How do you feel about the whole North Face scene/collectors these days?
SERENE INSANITY:
First off, I don't know of too many new cats in the whole North Face game that I would consider "COLLECTORS." Just because I have a bunch of belts doesn't make me a belt collector. It makes me a guy following a trend or just buying something I like. A real collector actually has knowledge regarding the items they are collecting or you are at least trying to get information about the items (Not just what year something is.) I know a lot, as does my cousin, because we did a lot of digging. Most of the stuff people know about steeps and face today is a product of our research and digging (Not to blow smoke up our own asses.) To actually have a personal interest is what makes you a collector. I have been collecting face non-stop since my first jacket and I don't see myself ever getting rid of my collection or slowing down for that matter. That's also what makes me a true collector. I don't care if its in style or not, it just suits me. It also helps if you actually use these items to ski or board. I hate to imagine a steep that will never see a few days of real use.
CYPHA:
I feel that the game is gettin' fucked up cause all these hipsters are trying to get down, and at the same time, driving prices to skyrocket and playin' out our culture.
What would you say the favorite North Face piece you own is?
SERENE INSANITY:
I have some really good stuff, but I have a yellow highlander that's been in my closet for a long while now. It's my dirty junk jacket that's broken in and just fits me right. It would have to be my favorite (for now.)
* Are these just 3 of the same model steeps...?
CYPHA:
USA 1990 Orange Trans-Antarctic Expedition (Very limited. Only issued to the American Film Crew and the Gore-Tex Company.)
(Click on all images for close-ups.)
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