Our brother from Hawaii, Aisea, recently came back from the Big Island where he tattooed using traditional Samoan tools. We are proud of Aisea for helping the people of Fai, Micronesia and bringing back a part of their culture that was lost for many years. Stay rooted. Stay humbled.
On April 21, 2012 i was honored to bless a once lost art which has been revived and awaken again to remind us of our ancestry and responsibilities as an individual. This day has been marked as a very important day in history for the people of Fais island in Yap for reviving their once lost art, Fais tattoo. Jeremy who has spend numerous hours shedding blood and getting ink tapped into his skin, wanted to honor his ancestors by awakening the Fais tattoo. I am very proud of you Jeremy, it was a honor to have met you and bless your “mak” and hopefully this will be the beginning for your people to bring back something that has been lost back to life.
I would like to recognize several people who had made this happen, Uncle Don who has been a close family friend and a great mentor to the people of Fais, an individual from Yap by the name of Ike (who first did it using the machine) and a pupil of the Tongan tatatau revival and a very close friend of mine whom I have been mentoring through traditional tatatau, Rodney Powell from manulua tatatau. I thank you Rodney for sharing your talent with the people of Fais. With this craft that we both are blessed with, we will continue to help other people to revive their tattoos that has been lost. To the people of Fais, may this be the beginning for the “revival of Yapese tattoo” to continue to live on.
Malo apuito,
Sua Suluape Toetuu Aisea
Reposted from Soul Signature Tattoo
New Releases from Cukui! May 12, 2012
It's starting to warm up outside, spring is in the air. So don't miss out on the limited edition releases online and instore releases from Cukui.
In collaboration with Booger Kids we are proud to bring you the "Shaka". The shaka is a common greeting gesture. This design features distinct tribal patterns. Available in a Black tanktop, Athletic gray and Black T-shirt. Solid cukui woven labels on the right sleeve.
Sizes from Small - 3XL
Here it is, making its appearance for our summer collection. Many thanks to everyone that supported the brand. We' ll see you at the top!
Muchos Mahalos Tanktop
White and Turquoise Tshirt
Sizes Small - 3XL
Rereleasing the heavyhitters, Cukui x Chris Gonzales Black Tshirt
Small - 3XL
Hey ladies! Mucho Mahalos Tri-Blend Racerback Tank in Athletic grey.
Generously cut arm openings and a slim racerback in an ultra soft Tri-Blend fabric.
Sizes XS - Large
For the kids! We have the BK x Cukui Shaka Tshirt.
Sizes available
2T -7T
YS, YM, YL
Fitted Hawaii Mua Hat. The hat features a dark brown crown, white 3D raised Mua design and Red top bill and underbrim. Fitted logo on the back. 100% Twill Wool. Sizes 7 1/8 - 7 7/8
Cukui x BK (Booger Kids) Snapback. We teamed up with the good people at Booger kids, to bring you the Shaka Snapback hat. Made of 100% Cotton, and featuring a directly embroidered logo on the front, polynesian tribal underbrim, Cukui and B.K. logo on the back side, this is sure to turn some heads.
Cukui Spring Cleaning Sale! May 11, 2012
This weekend only! May 11 - 13.
The social network. May 8, 2012
Follow us for the latest deals, new releases and more!
So who would be your favorite character on Sesame street? Some would choose Big bird, Oscar the grouch, even snuffleupagus. Let's take a trip to Known Gallery on Melrose..
Pictures from B. Shigeta
Serving The Masses. May 2, 2012
Last weekend we had a special in-store appearance from the Los Angeles native Dumfoundead. This included having DFD bless the mic, getting tattoo'd from Orly from Cukui/Humble Beginnings and short appearance at Studio 8 (San Jose Club). Be on the lookout for more projects with DFD in the future! More pics below - Enjoy!
More Force Than Judgement - Poesia @ Anno Domini May 1, 2012
In this exhibition entitled, More Force than Judgement, Poesia draws inspiration from a quote by renaissance biographer Giorgio Vasari describing the work of Tintoretto. The quote resonates with Poesia because of his involvement over the past two decades with the graffiti movement.
Graffiti as an art form has not usually been taken seriously because it is perceived as consisting of actions and aesthetics that have to do more with force than judgment. Art historians and collectors in the past have been unable to make the connections between the power of a spray painted tag on the street, a Pollock drip on a canvas, or a Tintoretto sketch on a piece of paper. These relationships are made synonymous on these canvases as a pointed metaphor about the importance of the graffiti writer's mark on art history, as well as on the physical world itself.
Join us for the Cukui x Booger Tee Release party as we unveil the new Shaka tee, tanks, snapbacks and kid's tees! Event will take place at the new Booger Kids Headquarters at 224 N 27th Street in San Jose from 11am-5pm. Exclusive tanks and kid's tees will only be available at Cukui.
Eye of the Tiger May 1, 2012
Peep the trailer for Jesico's upcoming art show at Cukui on May 11th!
New Releases from Cukui! April 27, 2012
New from Cukui! Now available online and in store. Limited quantities, don't miss out!
Here it is! Paying homage to the sarape blanket. Multi-pattern print tanktop, preshrunk to minimize shrinkage, bound collar and armholes, double needle bottom hem. It's time to look fresh for the summertime.
Sizes: Small - 3XL
Mexican sarape blanket T-shirt in White and Black
Sizes: Small - 3XL
Cukui Three points T-shirt.
Available in Black and Cardinal Red.
The front print features a gray tribal print and the cardinal in a gel ink, making the print raised.
back print comes with the Cukui logo running off to the side.
Sizes Small - 3XL
Cukui Three Point Sweater in Black
50% cotton/50% polyester 7.8 ounce set-in sleeve crewneck sweatshirt. The three points of the Polynesian triangle are Hawaii in the north, Easter Island in the southeast, and New Zealand in the southwest.
Sizes: Small - 3XL
Back by popular demand, here is the Native By Nature Tanktop!
Athletic gray tanktop with Native by Nature print.
Sizing: Small - 3XL
For the kiddies! Get your kid fitted with the Cukui de Moustache tee with tribal moustache.
Sizes: 2T-7T
Fitted Hawaii Snapback.
3D Raised Embroidery, white snaps and fitted crest logo on the back of the hat.
New Era Fillet Finesse Fedora - Black
This porkpie hat features a striped band around crown with a metal New Era flag affixed at wearer's left side. Allover straw fabrication. Interior includes a bold printed EK lining, with an overall clean, finished look. Instant classic!
"S"=57cm, "M"=58cm, "L"=59cm, "XL"=60cm
New Era Bayou Fedora - Brown
Vintage style headwear with an updated and modern design. This solid trilby is made out of a woven paper straw that created great detailing and is fashioned with a solid band and a metal New Era flag affixed at wearer's left side. Interior includes EK lining moistures absorbing sweatband.
"S"=57cm, "M"=58cm, "L"=59cm, "XL"=60cm
We 'Bout to Get Dumb April 26, 2012
Cukui is proud to host the following meet & greet with one of the most noteworthy emcees of this generation. MC Dumbfoundead has been a force to reckon with in the global battle scene. A veteran at the infamous Project Blowed and his home of L.A. California, Dumbfounded has traveled all over the world competing against the best of the best.
Aside from battle emceeing he is also an accomplished recording artist with several albums under his belt. Touring with artists here in the states and abroad. As also a part of the music and culture media hub Knocksteady he and his team help contribute back to the community through educating and exposing the rest to what’s out there in the world.
He will be doing a meet and greet with a short performance to boot. So stick around before and after and vibe out with the Knocksteady crew and us. It's going to be a good time. The Japantown Beer Walk is also happening this day, so for you "of age" folks it should be a great time!
In-Store Meet and Greet @ Cukui
Saturday, April 28th
4-5PM
Customers of the Day! April 26, 2012
Like father, like son. Anthony, sporting his Cukui x Rey Res Old Rust New Bang 2 tee, always keeps his little Cukui monster Tony fitted from head to toe! We think Tony is gonna take over the world one day .
Preserving Pasts Presence While Creating the Future April 24, 2012
For our next art show at Cukui, we will be featuring the homie, Jesico. As usual, this is a family-friendly event so feel free to bring the Cukui youngin's! A special Cukui x Jesico collabo tee will be released that day.
Jesico Serrano is a student in the artistic traditions of fantasized ideology and vivid practices rooted to cultures from our past.
"Preserving Pasts presence while creating the Future" is a coming to terms show, filled with fantasy and responsibility, an exercise and transition from expression to execution. This show is an homage to a splinter of earths exquisite vibrant past and practice... Echoing from toasts centuries ago, "To a bright fortunate future!"
Sound Selecta: Jay Yzer
Out for FAME. April 22, 2012
Showcasing new Cukui spring 2012 exclusive drops. This weekend don't miss out.
F.A.M.E. is a bi-annual event that strives to collectively gather fashion, art, and music to exhibit the work of passionate artists of every caliber and every medium. F.A.M.E. : The Masquerade not only shares this unique experience with the general public but also the opportunity to take home a piece of it.
DATE
Saturday, April 28, 2012
TIME
6:00PM – 10:00PM
LOCATION
240 North 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95112
ADMISSION
$9 Pre-Sale
$12 General
A portion of the ticket sales will benefit FutureArtsNow!
HOST
Dem One
DESIGNERS
BOLO Vintage
Eufia by Kathryn Guinto
With Love, Made From Hate
FASHION
BOLO Vintage
Booger Kids
Breezy Excursion
City League Champions
Clout
Colorwood x Blank Shoppe
Cukui
Elusive
Fully Laced
Girls Night Out Society
Halloway
Homegrown Blends
Intwined
Jayne Chen
Miss Levy
MKP
Nail Jerks
Oak Creek Vintage
Petals And Peacocks
Stoops And Kids
Suhreal
The Goods
The Imaginary Zebra
Umbrella Salon
Unscripted
With Love, Made From Hate
Yamamoto Industries
The homies @ Supreme. April 18, 2012
Today we are visiting our good friends at Supreme - London. Supreme grew to be the embodiment of the
downtown culture, playing an integreal part in its constant regeneration. Skates, punks, hip-heads - the young
counter culture at large - all grvitated towards supreme.
www.Supremenewyork.com
The art of freestyling.. April 16, 2012
The homie Dumbfoundead (DFD) reigning from LA. Project Blowed, Grindtime champ, be on the lookout for his
his upcoming project DFD. Check it out!
Feeding the next generation. April 15, 2012
In case you haven't done so yet, cop the latest mixtape from The Bangerz x Cukui! Go and get you some of this
musical destruction!
Like them on facebook and get free music, click here.
New Releases from Cukui. April 13, 2012
New from Cukui! Now available online and in store. Limited quantities, don't miss out!
Cukui ombre script in Black and White. Features the gold outline script front design.
Sizes S-3XL
Stay warm with the Cukui Ombre Navy crewneck sweater. Heavy 10 oz. 80% Cotton / 20% polyester.
Fabric is pre-shrunk and pre-washed for a soft hand feel.
Sizes S-2XL
Just in time for Baseball season! Cukui Pirates in Black and Athletic gray.
Sizes Small - 3XL. Front print design, the C Logo on the right sleeve.
Always serving fresh designs! Cukui Lunch truck in Tshirt in Black and Creme colorway.
Cukui logo on the front left chest, design on the back.
Sizes Small - 3XL
For the kids! Cukui Pirates in Athletic Gray
Sizes 2T - 7T
For the women, we got you! Ombre oversized Viscose tee and Cukui pirates womens 3/4 Raglan Henley.
Ultra-light oversized T-shirt made with Viscose, a rayon material that has a silky appearance and feel.
Sizes +1, +2
Women's Cukui Pirates 3/4-Sleeve Raglan Henley. Made of our vintage-inpired, sustainable Eco-Heather,
this color-blocked henley features 3/4- length raglan, three-button front. Unisex regular fit.
New for your head! Fitted Shaka ( Chee-Hu) Snapback - White/Teal/Orange
Fitted Kamehameha New Era (Black / Black)
Cukui x Abe Menor Artshow. April 12, 2012
Abraham Menor is usually known for his street and documentary photography. Little do people know, Menor
also dabbles a little in drawing, painting, and mixed media. Menor’s upcoming show “Something Different” wil
l explore other side of his artistic abilities. Photography will still be the main focus of his show, but the show will
have a little artistic twist to it… “Something Different.”
For more info on Abraham: www.brainsoiled.com
Sounds for the evening provided by members of the Dj Jencyde, SJ BEVMO & Gigantes squads!
Now in Maui. April 12, 2012
Let's take a trip to 180 Boardshop located in Kahului, Maui. Now selling Cukui!
180 Boardshop
275 West Ka'ahumanu Avenue.
Kahului, Hawaii 96732
New Hats from Headliners April 10, 2012
Here we have it. New hats from Headliners. Exclusive custom colorways this Friday the 13th.
San Jose Giants 59Fifty featuring a dark green hat with a yellow bill and a grey underbill along with white logo
(Oakland A's - home game hat colorway)
Golden State Warriors 59Fifty featuring a cardinal blue a hat and a grey underbill along with white/grey logo
(Air Jordan IV Military inspired)
Making moves April 9, 2012
The homie Swype..Check it out!
Orly Locquiao x Steve Caballero 20th Anniversary of the Vans Half Cab April 7, 2012
2012 marks the 20th anniversary of the Vans Half Cab shoe. In celebration of this occasion, skate legend
Steve Caballero has invited 30 of his favorite artists, including Orly Locquiao, to create custom painted
shoes for a benefit that will take place sometime this summer at the House of Vans in New York City.
When Orly was asked to be part of it, he said "It is an honor and privilege to be chosen as one of Steve's
favorite artist. Growing up, he was always a hero to me, especially since he's from the South Bay."
These shoes will be for sale via silent auction with 100% of the proceeds to benefit the A.skate Foundation,
helping children with autism through skateboarding. Vans has agreed to match every donation, dollar for dollar.
Originally released as a mid-top version of the classic Vans Caballero high top, the Half Cab was created
in direct response to the demands of a new generation of skateboarders changing the game and taking
skateboarding back out into the streets after the vert-riding heyday of the 1980s. "In '91, I noticed that a
lot of street skaters were cutting my shoe halfway down and wearing them that way," Steve Caballero
remembers. "So in '92, I gave Vans the idea to make a lower cut shoe and call it the Half Cab." Vans
listened and a new silhouette was introduced; an icon was born and countless other shoe companies
would eventually go on to release their version of this original Vans classic that has remained in Vans’
footwear line-up to this day, making the Half Cab the longest running, continuously produced signature
skate shoe of all time. - VANS
The Untold Story Behind The Tattoo of Celebrity The Rock April 7, 2012
Ok, we admit it. We're fans of The Rock and we dig his tattoos. The artist that tattoo'd The Rock was
not only one of Orly's teacher, but he was Orly's biggest mentor and inspiration. Peep the video.
Back by popular demand. April 4, 2012
For those who missed it. It's back like a chiropractor!
Digital Snaps. April 3, 2012
Photos of the day! Enjoy.
Big City Dreams. April 2, 2012
Look what we have here! Shortyfatz on Hypebeast.. Lowrider car shows and flea markets set the scene for
Samuel Rodriguez’s debut of his art & design studio, Shortyfatz, where he was offering out xerox-made comics
of his previously graffiti-ed characters. The Bay Area kid then tuned things down and focused on gaining
experience through corporate design studios – a culling of his creativity – and thus focused on propelling
Shortyfatz to the heights it’s at today. Apart from his collaborations with the government, architects and
fabricators to name a few, Rodriguez still manages to personalize his work by filling his sketchbook with
graffiti-style lettering, cartoon characters, Hypebeast logos and detailed, realistic (and alluring) oriental
women.
- via Hypebeast
For all you non believers. March 28, 2012
On behalf of the Cukui fam, we are very humbled and blessed by the love and support all of you have given us.
Thank you everyone for believing in our brand, supporting the local artists that exhibit on our walls, and wearing
our t-shirts! We could not be Cukui without you guys and if it weren't for you, we wouldn't have made Best T-Shirt Designs of Metro's Silicon Valley 2012.
Artist Spotlight - Shorty Fatz. March 28, 2012
The backbone of Cukui, the man - Samuel Rodriguez, aka Shortyfatz. Give it up to the dude of many styles. Get
to know him yourself.
Exclusive designs @ Brooklyn Projects. March 27, 2012
S/O to the guys at Brooklyn Projects - New exclusive colorways only at Brooklyn Projects on Melrose Ave.
What up Dom!
Brooklyn Projects
7427 Melrose Ave. LA, CA www.brooklynprojects.com
The creative space. March 27, 2012
If finding a tattoo artist worthy enough to disfigure your body wasn’t already difficult, landing one with a tranquil
shop conducive to spending a few painful hours in is just as hard. Luckily the people of Honolulu can now visit
the peaceful open space that is Lucky Olelo’s Tattoo Studio. Lucky just recently opened this private shop having worked previously with Soul Signature Tattoo and Art Studio, so be mindful of the sprawling space, as it is
certainly a work in progress. His artwork however, is anything but. With art and memorabilia lining the walls,
we offer a look at the various stations inside his bright workshop, from his drawing desk to tattoo station to
cleaning area. If interested, check out some of Lucky’s unparalleled work here.
Photography: Brandon Shigeta/Hypebeast
The homie Lucky can be followed here - http://www.hisuerte.com
*Look at the posters above (Looks similar doesn't it?)
King of the Town. March 26, 2012
Pass the Pate! Cause we are about to visit Colette in Paris, France. Neighboring stores include Carhartt, Vans
and Starcow. Colette specializes in everything from fashion, music, shoes and more! Bring extra cash because
you are about to be broke.
The growth outside the box. March 24, 2012
Be on the lookout for something in the works from our long time friend, #aarondelacruz... Always killing them
softly.
http://www.aarondelacruz.com
Living by the Culture. March 23, 2012
Buenos dias! The homie Jared Mendiola. The highlight of Love and Guts Show @ Cukui.
New Releases this Friday, March 23rd! March 21, 2012
Bringing back a fan fave tee is the Cukui x Rey Res Old Rust New Bang 2 design on black tee and black crew
neck sweater. Design features the butterfly knife, with tribal designs. Available in sizes Small - 3XL.
SJ logo on black cotton/poly blend V-Neck for that soft and comfort fit. Available in sizes small - 2XL.
Also a fan fave is the Big Boy tee
complete with two shakas and tribal tattoos on burgundy tee and now black
kids tees! Adult sizes available in small - 3XL and kid's sizes 2T - 7. \ooo/
Something Different March 21, 2012
On April 13th, our homie Abraham Menor will be exhibiting mixed media work at Cukui, enttled,
"Something Different."
Abraham is usually known for his street and documentary photography. Little do people know, Menor also
dabbles a little in drawing, painting, and mixed media. Menor’s upcoming show “Something Different” will
explore other side of his artistic abilities. Photography will still be the main focus of his show, but the show
will have a little artistic twist to it… “Something Different.”
Introducing the latest tribal tiki design of the Cukui x Material6 iPhone back replacement! Compatible with all
carriers for the iPhone 4 and 4S.
Koa was at one time so revered for its beauty, physical and medicinal properties that it could only be owned by
the Hawaiian royalty.
The Hawaiian word, Koa, means bold, fearless, warrior-like and brave and was historically
prized for making ocean-faring canoes. The ancient Hawaiians felt that by making the long voyaging vessels
out of koa, these qualities would be imbued in their canoes as well as in the sailors.
The Doc. March 13, 2012
Video of the day! Doc (THA) Killing the walls. Check it out!
The Root of My Smiles // Aaron "Woes" Martin Art Show Opening Reception March 13, 2012
World traveling artist, Aaron Martin, is always on the go, and always ready to put on a show! The world may
not be quite ready for his quasi-cute, quasi-mean lookin fuzzy animals, but somehow Aaron's signature pandas always wins the heart of the viewer. The show primarily focuses on the War Party Collection, a series of hand
painted pandas on 3-1/2" wooden boxes. During our opening reception, we were entertained by San Jose's
Far East Dragon Lion Dancing. Come see the custom Woes-Lion head displayed at Cukui. Show will be up
until April 11th. Special shout out to Aaron "Squareweezy" of The Bangerz for holdin down the event with his
dope beats.
