As a small, independent brand, almost all our business is based on personal relationships. As true fans of sneaker culture, we are deeply invested in this retail game. We have strong connections to everyone we work with, and to introduce the people behind the tight circle of global Patta stockists, we decided to include retail partners in our Get Familiar series. This time we're sitting down with Jem, the founder of Crossover, read down below what the Malaysia based retailer had to say.
How did you guys start? It was back in the year 2005, in my hometown JB, Malaysia. I started off with a store, didn’t think much on going big or anything of such. I was fascinated with the fashion subcultures and wanted to have a platform to share it with the community and those with the same interest.
What attracted you and your founders to retail? I have always been interested in retail. What I did was to take that interest and see how I could combine my passion into a retail setting. So, I created Crossover, a platform for us to connect with the community, grow as a brand through our own way.
What’s the thought process behind your brand mix? Our thought process behind our brand mix revolves around this concept of niche-ness or selective interest. Crossover is about individualism and being different, we strive to bring niche products or something that does not necessarily appeal to the masses but have their own unique values & spirits that we believed in.
What do you look for when adding brands to your portfolio? We see our partnership with each brand as a long-term commitment that requires a lot of support and years of cooperation. These brands are different in their own ways, identities and sets of value that resonates well with what Crossover stands for.
What made you want to carry Patta? As I mentioned above, I saw that Patta possess its very own identity that I find very interesting. This brand exudes authenticity and individualism, which we have the highest respect for. And the partnership Patta establish worldwide is really admirable and the brand is indeed on the right and relevant path in the industry.
How did you learn about Patta? Patta is a very well-known brand that needs no introduction. At the same time, Patta has established many partnerships with a lot of good brands. We have been observing the brand for a while, and since the brand started, we can see that Patta remain true to their principles, with strong momentum throughout the years.
Since most business is conducted online these days, set the vibe of your store for us. To us, physical store remains essential to a brand. We admit that with the current growth on online platforms, revenue is shifting towards online purchases. However, our main focus at our offline store is on giving exceptional shopping experience, that human-to-human interaction that only our offline stores can provide, and this may lead to a sense of satisfaction that is not possible to be attained through online exchanges. The vibe that you would most probably get when you step into our store is great music in the background, incense burning at a corner to set the right mood and ambience.
What do your customers look like, what music is playing, how do the store clerks approach us? Our customers are a mixture of the older well-seasoned fans of the brands we carry & a much younger generation that is just too curious about the brands we carry. The music that would be playing mostly will be of the indie genre; from post-punk to hip hop, nothing too commercial or mainstream. Our retail team are made up of individuals that are more than happy to share their passion for the brands and how the customer themselves can relate to a specific brand that appeals to them.
What sets your store apart? I guess what sets our store apart from others is our brand selection. As mentioned before, we aim to bring brands that are different or collections that are limited or not easily available here. And for most of the brands, we are a sole dealer here in Malaysia and we also hold the highest tier for a lot of the sneaker brands and a few selective Japan names such as Wacko Maria, Neighborhood, Challenger, Mountain Research & Kuumba.
How did you experience COVID-19 as a business? Has it hit you hard? Yes, we were hit hard since March. We had to cease operations of our offline stores due to the lockdown. But always looking at the brighter side of the conflict, we found that our online platform increased tremendously. Of course, as the situation slowly returning to normal, and our stores are gradually resuming business, we are constantly looking to give our customers the reason to return to our stores.
We are all about empowering creatives and aspiring entrepreneurs: Do you have any piece of advice for anyone wanting to open a store themselves? There is no one successful formula that all need to follow. I guess from my experience, what I can advise for anyone wanting to open up a store themselves is to first have a clear direction of your brand and your store, at the same time try to bring something new into the industry.
From my experience, stick to your brand’s identity. In the longer run, those with the same principle and relate to your spirit will recognize you and connect with your business.
Patta Amsterdam are excited to invite you to a special in-store event with two of the most exciting names in the game right now - Ants & Sainté! Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering their work, this is the perfect chance to meet them, chat with them in person, and get a behind-the-scenes look into their world. Ants & Sainté are making waves with their unique sounds, fresh style, and undeniable energy. And now, they’re taking time to meet you - their fans and the Patta community - right here in Amsterdam.Ants & Sainté will be in-store at Patta Amsterdam, Zeedijk 68 from 18:00 until 20:00 on November 7th.This is your chance to snap a pic, ask questions, and vibe with the artists up close. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, music lover, or just someone who appreciates good energy, you won't want to miss this event! So grab your friend and come down to Patta Amsterdam for a legendary meet & greet. Can’t wait to see you there!Get familiar with Ants here.Get familiar with Sainte here.
Tales From The Echobox 016
Tales From The Echobox 016
Interview by Joe Leonard-Walters | Edited by Passion Dzenga Launching in 2021, Echobox has been forging a path for community radio by showcasing the diverse characters and concepts that surround them. In this feature, we will be looking into a few of the broadcasts that you can tune into so get lock
Music
Boris Tellegen - Final Fantasy
Boris Tellegen - Final Fantasy
Get ready for an exciting new exhibition by Boris Tellegen at Backslash Gallery in Paris, running from November 9 to December 21, 2024. The opening reception is on Saturday, November 9, from 2 PM to 8 PM, and you won’t want to miss it! Tellegen, known for his vibrant street art and intricate designs
art
Get Familiar: MANSO̶U̶R̶
Get Familiar: MANSO̶U̶R̶
Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Adam ZMMeet MANSO̶U̶R̶, the rising star making waves with his new psychedelic EP ‘not disturb’ featuring Sam Wise, Kadiata, El Londo and Rxlls. From spinning sets for big names like JEAN PAUL GAULTIER and NIKE to crafting his own sound, MANSO̶U̶R̶ is bridging the gap between Paris and London’s underground scenes. Raised in an Algerian and Guinean household in Paris, he soaked up rich cultural influences that shaped his eclectic style. At just 21, this esteemed DJ blends hip-hop, jazz, and electronic vibes, creating infectious energy on stage. As he continues to rise, his DIY spirit and creative edge are positioning him as one of the most exciting new voices in the game. Let’s dive into his journey and the sounds driving his artistry!Congratulations on your brand-new EP 'not disturb'. Can you walk us through the creative process and collaboration behind it? What were your inspirations and what do you want listeners to take away from it?My inspiration behind it was honestly just everyday life, you know. All these same questions we all ask ourselves — “not disturb“ is based on real-life experiences. It's about recognizing and handling our emotions in a mindful way. People often fear their emotions, but to me now, it’s fine —you can’t escape who you are. It’s also about knowing when and how to step back from the noise, to protect your own peace and mental space. I’m part of the #albumteam. I really love albums. Especially the ones that resonate with me, my experiences, whatever I’m going through. I love how an album can speak to me, even from miles away, make me feel understood. So I thought why not do the same with my own music. 'not disturb' is my way of capturing these emotions and experiences we all face, through my own creation. That’s why I want people to not just hear it, but actually listen to it.Also, side note - never underestimate a project that a friend sends you because it made them feel something, an emotion they chose to share with you. I love my friends, they build me up, and to me, that's powerful, ngl.Growing up in Paris with Algerian and Guinean roots, and spending time in London, your sound is a unique blend of cultures and influences. How do you think your upbringing has shaped your approach to music and creativity?Long story short: Mumsy listened to Tina Turner, Dad to Miles Davis. She’d play a lot of Disclosure, he would have Mary J. Blige on. You get the idea. So I think that naturally when you see how music can deeply move people like that, it can make you want to feel that same magic. I will say though, I think when you’re a music nerd or neek (or whatever people are calling you) it can feel kind of overwhelming. You’re exposed to so much music that you end up liking a lot of different things. But yeah, my life has always revolved around music; it's really that simple. I will never stop [creating music]. I need that.You’ve worked with some major fashion brands like Jean Paul Gaultier and Nike. How did you go from DJing for these big names to stepping into music production? How do fashion and music intersect for you?First I wanna say I’m thankful for that. I wouldn’t say I stepped into music production though; I was more like 'floating' around it for a while. I’ve always been creating music, even before I started DJing. What I love about production is that it’s all about creation — that’s priceless to me. I just love creating, and I know I always will. Now, it's more about putting in the work to bring those creations to life.Both [fashion and music] are forms of self-expression and creativity, each with a unique ability to influence culture and connect people. That’s why I’m always excited and intentional about continuing to explore music, fashion, or any other paths I choose.Your debut EP 'DO YOU GET IT' made waves in the alt-rap scene. What vibe were you trying to communicate with that project, and how do you feel it's been received?With ”DO YOU GET IT”, I just wanted to capture what I was feeling and going through at the time, without worrying too much about how it would be received—just like with everything else I do. For me, it was more about releasing ideas and creating a sound that resonated with me, rather than trying to please or overthink the reaction. Once the music is out there, it doesn’t really belong to me anymore. People can interpret it however they want. Me, personally, I’m a fan. The most important thing is that it stays true to who I am.From collaborating with artists like Len, BXKS, and Odunsi, to playing alongside Sainté and Ragz Originale, you’ve been making moves in both the Paris and London underground scenes. What do you think draws you to these collaborations, and how do they inspire your sound?These are artists I’ve been listening to from the start, and I know I’ll always come back to their music. Collaborating with them feels truly organic, and it’s something I’m genuinely grateful for. What draws me to these collaborations is simple: I create, they create, so why not work together and see where it takes us, you know?I will say though, working with each of them, they didn’t just take the easy route but really embraced the vision. They weren’t afraid to dive into more challenging beats, and that’s something I really respect and that inspires me. Shout out to all of them. What I’m also realizing more and more now is that your sound is really shaped by who you surround yourself with. That’s the lesson that I’m learning right now—how much your circle influences and pushes you creatively.You’re known for mixing genres like hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. How do you decide which elements to bring together when producing a track? Do you have a specific vision going in, or does it evolve naturally?I don’t really overthink it. Creating, at its core, is just an extension of who you are, right? So I naturally end up expressing whatever I’m feeling in the moment. There’s no specific formula or plan I follow—it’s more about letting things flow. The mix of genres happens because those are the sounds I connect with. Whether it’s hip-hop, jazz, or electronic music, it all just blends together based on the vibe I’m in. I’m just vibing. I let the track evolve on its own and trust the process, without trying to force it into any kind of box.Your live sets are described as energetic and eclectic, with a real communicative vibe. How do you prepare for a set? Do you approach live performance differently from studio production?Same here. It’s all about selecting and seeing what unfolds. If you’re strictly bangers, that’s totally fine— But for me, the track selection is what matters the most. A great set isn’t just about flawless transitions; it’s about curating tracks that resonate with you as a DJ first. That’s the essence of the job, right? Allowing people to discover new sounds. Each track I play, I connect deeply with, and then it’s up to the audience to embrace the experience and the vibe. That’s what I’ve always done and will continue to do with my performances.The alt-rap scene is exploding right now, and you’re positioned right at the forefront of that movement. How do you see this genre evolving, and where do you see your place within it?I’m not exactly sure what defines alt-rap, but what I do know is that I’m focused on making the music that I love. I believe in staying true to your sound and expressing yourself authentically. At the end of the day, that’s what lasts. Contributing to the growth of something I’m passionate about, while staying genuine to my own style — that’s the only approach I’m committed to.You’ve quietly been pulling strings behind the scenes for a while now, not just in music but also in fashion and community projects. Can you share a bit about the vision or mission that drives your work beyond music?My entourage. I truly believe that when you have ideas, it’s essential to put them into action and involve your friends in the process. Also, I love stories, every story carries a unique message and is worth telling. That’s why I’m committed to crafting my own narrative and bringing those stories to life, whether through music, fashion, or community projects. Ultimately, it’s all about human connections and building something meaningful together.What’s next for MANSO̶U̶R̶? Can we expect more collaborations, a full-length project, or any new directions in sound? What should your listeners be looking out for?All I can say is that we’ll keep going, and that’s something we’ll always do. #dyougetit
Get Familiar: Manso̶U̶R̶
Get Familiar: Manso̶U̶R̶
Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Adam ZM Meet MANSO̶U̶R̶ , the rising star making waves with his new psychedelic EP ‘not disturb’ featuring Sam Wise, Kadiata, El Londo and Rxlls. From spinning sets for big names like JEAN PAUL GAULTIER and NIKE to crafting his own sound, MANSO̶U̶R̶ is br
Get Familiar
Patta 20Yrs Anniversary Sale
Patta 20Yrs Anniversary Sale
The Patta 20 YRS Anniversary Sale is coming to Batavia Stad in Lelystad. Join us for a special event where we've set aside Patta staples and exclusives. Team Patta curated a huge selection of recent releases, old gems, mainline apparel, collaborations, and accessories. Don't miss out on budget-frien
Partnerships
Get Familiar: Macksta C
Get Familiar: Macksta C
Interview by Victor Crezée & Passion Dzenga | Photography by Henrik Dieber & Jonathan Pieterse Get familiar with Macksta C , a prominent Memphis rap-focused musician, collector, designer and archivist. Originally hailing from Hamburg and now based in Amsterdam, Macksta C has made a significant mark
Get Familiar
Loced Out At Warmoesstraat 67
Loced Out At Warmoesstraat 67
Loced Out is, in essence, an exhibition and event that highlights the bridge between old-school and new-school Memphis Rap. In the 90s, while hip-hop was tumultuously dominated by East Coast and West Coast sounds, Southern music was heading in a different direction. One of the most notable cities in
Art
Sideshow - F.U.N.
Sideshow - F.U.N.
Here is the latest music video from Sideshow; he can be seen wearing the latest collection from Patta AW24.
Music
Get Familiar: Sabri
Get Familiar: Sabri
Interview by Passion Dzenga Today, we’re chopping it up with SABRI - a soulful artist blending R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop with her own raw edge. Born to a Moroccan father and Algerian mother, SABRI got hooked on music early, vibing to icons like Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, and Mary J. Blige before she could ev
