Goliath Pins and Lace Locks
Photos by
Troy Paraiso
When thinking of Streetwear, I think of what I wear in the streets. When thinking of what to wear in the streets, I think of
Goliath in East Harlem. A boutique that has served the community the dopest in sneakers, tees, hats and more for the past eight years. Many know it because of what I just mentioned, some know it because of it's cool staff/team, but who really knows Rosemary, the owner & founder? Part 1 of my interview, below!
BrandTROY:
Peace. State your name, where you're from, and what comes to mind when you hear the word "Streetwear"?
Rosemary: My name is Rosemary, I’m from Brooklyn. Streetwear? When I hear this word I think Hip-Hop and rap. I remember seeing
Krush Groove in the movie theater, and I was so excited. The first rap movie I believe I saw, or at least the first my mother let me go see. I remember the people wearing colorful graphic tees, cool sneakers (mostly Adidas and Puma), hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts and jean jackets. That’s what I think of when you say Streetwear.
BrandTROY:
That movie is classic! Goliath, located in East Harlem, is a specialty boutique? Tell me a little about it, and what motivated you to build this establish in the community?
Rosemary: Yes, it was the first Streetwear boutique in East Harlem, known for our selection in both footwear and apparel. East Harlem back eight years ago when we started, didn’t have what we considered "Streetwear" and didn’t provide service nor selection to the community. Therefore we thought this would be the perfect place to open up, where we knew and could relate to the clientele. When we came along they said we wouldn’t survive and here we are in our eighth year. You can’t let what people say scare or turn you away from reaching your goal. Our goal were both to introduce new brands coupled with real knowledge of the brand and provide good service.
BrandTROY:
Goliath also has it's own brand, which I wear often. What's new in-store for the Fall/Winter '12 Season?
Rosemary: For Fall '12 we are starting to kick up a our designs. I think it’s time to grow the graphics as the consumer grows. We'll still have graphic tees, but we'll also have something for the guy who wants a graphic tee, but in a more mature fashion, that he can wear either day to day, in the evening to clubs with an Android Homme sneaker or something of the same style.
BrandTROY:
I agree, it's time to mature the brand. Also, your brand is heavily supported by influencers in entertainment. Who are some of those people?
Rosemary: Well, we get quite a few stylist and celebrities that wear our product and show support. It is more important to be supported by the community you are in than any celebrity or influencer, but I am not saying it isn’t nice though.
BrandTROY:
In terms of layout and design, Goliath's location appears to previously have been a bar. What inspired you to keep the decor?
Rosemary: I waited months to get this location. When I first spotted it, the building was in contact with the new owner so they weren’t looking for anyone to rent it yet. I just liked the neighborhood, the vibe, the proximity to all the boroughs and knew East Harlem was the future home of Goliath. Then when I saw the inside of the space I was like yes, this is it! A Bar represents a place to come relax and unwind, a type of therapy. Retail to most is a type of therapy, and this made it a good fit.
Table setup at Goliath
*Part 2 will be posted soon, check back for updates...
Goliath
175 East 105th Street
New York, NY
(212) 360-7683
www.goliathny.com
