Jackets are both a fashion statement and an essential tool within graffiti culture. Beyond their aesthetic role, they function as a second skin, absorbing physical toll through exposure to harsh environments. For graffiti writers operating during late-night hours, jackets provide warmth, storage for paint and tools, and a means of blending into the landscape.
Jackets from OJAE FYC, ZE ONE ACID, POST VSOP, ACET WH, SMOE LNE, REBOE LNE, SOUTH LNE.
Full segment featured in Issue 13 of Living Proof Magazine
OJAE FYC
1990s U.S. Army Gen-1 ‘ECWCS’
“This jacket was issued to me in 1997 Okinawa, Japan. It’s been around the world twice, and seen some shit while in the service and out. This ‘jacket’ has gotten me through many missions, but the best ones were the painting missions. Climbing shit, hiding in some nasty spots you couldn’t imagine – well maybe some of you can. This ‘jacket’ has also seen many people come and go. It’s always been my go to. It’s never failed me. As of last year, it’s retired.”
ZE ONE ACID
Columbia ‘Bugaboo’ Omnitech Ski
“Those Columbia ‘Bugaboo’ jackets were my favorite. Of course my boys and I rocked Polo, but I went hard with the Columbia 3-in-1 jackets. I had a lot of different colorways. They were reversible and came with a fleece liner. I used to wear them with 555 Soul rugbies, sock hats, and all-white K-Swiss Lows. In Forbidden Art (1991-92), filmed by ID UGG, I was jumping off the platform doing motions while RUSH was doing outlines on the station in broad daylight on the elevated F line. Crazy times—and I’m still doing it.”
POST VSOP
1996 The North Face ‘Nupste’ Bubble
“When it’s time for action, the coat comin’ off the hanger is my rare 5XL Black ’96 ‘Nuptse’ Bubble. When I put that shit on, it feels like Jordan throwing the jersey back on….. and no, that isn’t a retro. The amount of spray paint cans, markers, clothes and everything else that’s been through the sleeves of that jacket is still mind-blowing to me. There’s been 100s of thousands—if not a good million in merchandise—that’s been in and out of that jacket. Fuck the rain and snow. That jacket has absorbed all types of grit and grime, noise and chaos. Pockets full of paint stains.
Stitched-up holes. Balled up into pillows or blankets in central booking and precinct benches. Hiding in cold concrete and steel city crevices. That dark nylon ripstop fabric done held me down and went to war for me in unimaginable ways. Through all of it, it kept me lookin fly. That jacket is one of illest bombing partners.”
Read the full article in Living Proof Magazine Issue 13, available on the Living Proof Patreon and Online Shop.
Photography by Sam McKenna
