Our guest this time is Martin Potter, the official image character for DONT PANIC, an eyewear brand popular among active and fashion-conscious surfers.DONT PANIC, the official image character forMartin PotterKnown by the nickname Pottz, he was one of the pro surfers who energized the surf scene from the 80s to the 90s. We spoke with Pottz, who was in Japan for INTERSTYLE 2020, an exhibition for board culture and fashion including surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding, about everything from his views on fashion to his feelings about the ocean.

Sukezane Tomoki (hereinafter Sukezane)I've spent my career in fashion, and you've excelled in the world of surfing. We might not have much in common, but since we're close in age, I felt a sense of kinship.

Martin "Pottz" Potter (hereinafter Pottz)We were both born in 1965! While our industries are different, fashion is undeniably integrated into surfing. In my younger days, surf style meant board shorts and a T-shirt, but now there are more stylish options, and the crossover between fashion and surfing is becoming very apparent. Kelly Slater launched a brand called Outerknown, and Gucci sponsored a young Italian surfer named Leonardo Fioravanti. The emergence of many fashion-conscious surf brands is proof that surfers' awareness of fashion is growing.

SukezaneWeren't surfers in your generation stylish too?

PottzYes, many surfers were into fashion, and I collaborated with various surf brands myself. I don't think I was the only surfer who wanted to wear cool clothes both in and out of the water. Back then, I exclusively wore Lycra® shorts for surfing. They weren't just good-looking; they were fantastic for performance. They offered almost no water resistance, allowing me to glide through the water like a fish. Functionality is key in the ocean. Also, when I visited Japan, shopping in Tokyo was one of my favorite things to do. I remember buying a beautiful denim jacket that was a remake of old jeans. Everyone complimented me on it, and I was so happy. I had long hair back then, styled in dreadlocks. I always wanted to be different and cool. That's how I got involved with GOTCHA, and fashion played a very important role for surfers.

SukezaneGOTCHA, that brings back memories. The 80s, right?

PottzThat's right. GOTCHA was the number one sportswear brand back then. It was cool in terms of design, functionality, everything. They always proposed fashion that was not only comfortable but also cool and uplifting.

SukezaneWere you involved with GOTCHA as staff?

PottzThey sponsored me. But I also tried on samples, gave feedback, and was involved in the design. Surfers generally have athletic builds, so I'd suggest making the shoulders wider, for example.

SukezaneGOTCHA also made wetsuits, didn't they?

PottzYes. They offered a wide range of items as total fashion, not just surfwear.

SukezaneDoes it not exist anymore?

PottzIt still exists, but after the owner changed and it went through several rebrandings, it feels like a completely different brand from back then.

SukezaneWhere did the brand originate from?

PottzThe US. Michael Tomson and Joel Cooper, pro surfers sponsored by Quiksilver, founded it because they felt there weren't any cool clothes they wanted to wear.

SukezaneYour outfit today is very cool, Pottz. It's different from the surfer fashion I imagine, but is this your usual style?

PottzYes, I tend to wear clothes like this in my daily life. On workdays, I wear collared shirts, and I don't wear jeans much in my private time. Nowadays, I often speak in public, so I always try to dress smartly. When I was young, I could get away with any kind of attire, but I'm a grown man now (laughs).

SukezaneThe gray tones are nice. And your socks are cute too.

PottzThank you. They have a crocodile print. I like them. When I'm working, I need to dress smartly, so I have fun with my socks. They're hidden by my trouser cuffs, you see. I enjoy collecting fun socks.

SukezaneThat's great. You mentioned earlier that you wear collared shirts for work; could you tell us your reasons for that?

PottzHmm, I wonder. Perhaps the biggest reason is that I want my children to think of me as a cool dad. Also, I like to take inspiration from the fashion in movies. For example, the men in old films starring Burt Lancaster were all so dapper, weren't they? Men back then often dressed up in shirts and suits when they traveled. Gentlemanly fashion looks neat and proper. Nowadays, people tend to wear T-shirts and shorts for travel, right? But I feel like the younger generation is starting to bring back that sense of propriety.

SukezaneI think that's a wonderful thing. By the way, do you use DONT PANIC reading glasses too, Pottz?

PottzOf course, I love them. My eyesight has deteriorated rapidly recently.

SukezaneMe too.

PottzPerhaps it's because I'm doing more commentary for WSL and using my eyes more to look at scores and rides on screen. That's why my vision has worsened. So, I'm really glad I found DONT PANIC. They're stylish and make me look young and cool, so I don't have to think about my age (laughs). I also like that they're completely different from the reading glasses my father used to wear. They suit you well too, Sukezane. The two-tone frames look great on you.

SukezaneThank you. Where do you live now, Pottz?

PottzI live in Melbourne, Australia now.

SukezaneThat's a wonderful city. Could you recommend any places in Melbourne?

PottzMelbourne is a multicultural city, so you can enjoy cuisine from all over the world. Italian, Greek, ethnic, Asian... There are many fantastic restaurants, and the food is delicious wherever you go. You might not immediately think of "Australian cuisine," but the Italian and Japanese food are superb, and you can't go wrong with anything you choose. If you want to enjoy fashion, Chapel Street is a must-visit area. It has a vibe similar to Tokyo, and everyone is smart and very stylish. I also recommend strolling through the laneways and small arcades. There are all sorts of shops, and it's fun. Taking a tram to see the beautiful cityscape, including tourist spots and markets, is also a great idea.

SukezaneWhat about the ocean?

PottzIt's great with big waves! Melbourne is a port city on the southernmost coast of Australia. Big storms frequently pass through, so the waves coming from the south are large. It's also relatively uncrowded and quiet, making it a suitable city for surfing.

SukezaneHow often do you surf these days?

PottzAlmost every day.

SukezaneWhen you travel around the world, do you always go into the ocean?

PottzI travel for business more often than for leisure, so it's not every time, but when I have spare time, I always go in. No matter where I go in the world, when I enter the ocean, I feel like I've come home. Although water temperature and salinity vary by region, the feeling of being in the ocean is the same. It makes me feel at home and calm, no matter where I am in the world.

SukezaneThat must be a unique feeling for surfers.

PottzAlso, perhaps because I've been surfing for so long, I don't feel my age much. After all, they say age is just a number. I still want to surf, and I believe I can. The longer you surf, the healthier you become. For me, the ocean is like a miracle cure. Even if something bad happens or I feel down, it's a happy place where I can quickly heal and feel better. In the ocean, I forget everything else and just focus on the sea stretching out before me, waiting for the next wave. The blue ocean is so beautiful that it makes me feel like whatever is happening in the world on land doesn't matter. And perhaps the next wave could be the best wave of my life. That's the charm of surfing. Waves are constantly changing and moving; they never stay still. Even if I enter the same ocean every day, I have a different experience. Through surfing, I am constantly learning about the ocean, the waves, and myself. All while waiting for that wave of destiny.

SukezaneThat's a wonderful story. A surfer friend of mine is involved in picking up trash in the ocean, and I've been meaning to join him. Do you do that too, Pottz?

PottzOf course! Surfers who benefit from the ocean have a responsibility to protect it, like being on the front lines of a battlefield. I want to give back by keeping the ocean beautiful, as it gives us so much.

SukezaneThat's absolutely right. It feels good to do it together. Let's both keep striving to stay healthy. Thank you for your time today.

DONT PANIC
For adults who are still passionately playing sports like surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. An eyewear brand offering "hybrid reading glasses" that can be chosen according to your lifestyle.
Official Site |https://dontpanic.tokyo/
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