David Gensler

Sep 9, 2007 – – by Shane Ward

44 Comments

M W M
1

September 9, 2007
Trust & Respect.
son
2

September 10, 2007
king david stay mashin
phil
3

September 10, 2007
the girl in the FALSE graphic at the bottom is what “Dave” actually looks like.
jackson benaton
4

September 10, 2007
solstice book is heat.
Victoria Elizabeth
5

September 10, 2007
I am not a supporter of Gensler and his work….when was the last time he actually produced something that was honored AND sold??? The only things I read about him in this industry seem to be written by his friends. Lame.
in4ormant
6

September 11, 2007
Victoria Elizabeth… Perfect. Exactly my thoughts. It’s cool being at the top, but at the top of what? I’ve never seen anything worthwhile from this dude, yet he talks like his shit don’t stink…

bug off.
superfruit
7

September 11, 2007
I hate Gensler and everyone near him. He is trying to run a cult. more insanity http://www.inqmnd.ca/
massive wood
8

September 11, 2007
and his svsv collection is bespoke trash… he is about as “street” as poodle. http://www.svsv.net
albert
9

September 11, 2007
innovators will always exist and go against what you are used to and if you are on the top its for a reason.
at least he is saying something different and not selling you nike’s or tropical colored fitted caps , re-read and try and understand his points of view stop being SHEEP.
logik
10

September 11, 2007
you have to be kidding me, helping other designers is wrong? promoting someone else earn more is wrong? how is that bad?
P.
11

September 12, 2007
WoW. Did any of the people that commented on this article even read it? A guy who runs a desgin collective of 550 members isnt helping other designers? Are you serious? I know his answers are lengthy but damn, read them AT LEAST. He never said that designers helping other designers is WRONG he just said that people PRETEND to be friends in the industry instead of being honest about being in competition with on another.

Seriously, when was the last time, in the last 2 years at least, that you saw a design that made you want to go back to the drawing board? How many times have you seen a design that made you say “Man I can do better”…Far too many times if you ask me. At least Im being honest about it. Theres nothing new and nothing fresh right now.

The streetwear industry created a self feeding monster! Whats a collabo? Seriously…Can someone tell me whats a collabo these days? Other than 2 brands putting both their logos on a shirt. I have yet to see a collabo where there is actually a point to the end product. Its a catch 22, where 2 companies set out to create a product but the result is product sold on the basis of the two companies creating something (did you catch that?). Challenge me. Im waiting.

P.

look out for the Wack X Lame X Dull X Colorful shirt to come out.

Disclaimer: PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POST BEFORE RESPONDING. THANK YOU
valp
12

September 14, 2007
ahh, yeah!

Trust!
Victoria Elizabeth
13

September 14, 2007
Wow, looks like I started some spark and controversy.
Of course, all the people that have left comments have read the article…..you have to read the whole thing (word for word) in order to understand (and make sense) David’s run-on thoughts. His mind and vision is scattered.
And let me ask, what designers has he helped???
What is this an apiphony he has had? To “help” and “create”.
Haha
He’s a joke….the only thing I hear is talk from him, when what he should really be doing is listening.
Listening to the market, the industry and consumers.
He’s like a sad Andy Warpole with all of these randomn thoughts and these strange exclusive people that think he’s god.
It’s unrealistic and weak.
P.
14

September 14, 2007
Victoria and the rest of the naysayers. Im really convinced you are not fully understanding what is being said.

First off my disclaimer: I dont like the guy’s designs. I dont know him personally but I have been family with his work since Native (his old firm with The Roc). I dont know anyone at Format, nor do I care to know them. As for his track record, people who work in this industry know who he is. Just because you haven’t heard of him doesnt mean he’s not relevant. It’s like saying Steve Stoute is not relevant to the hip hop industry when you probably would have never heard of him if he didnt get attacked by Puffy with a champagne bottle.

A valid point is a valid point and he makes many of them. About consurmerism, healthy competition, just from many point of views. Yeah hes got some ideology behind his thinking but we need radical thinkers.

All the stuff we love about streetwear…like the elephant prints…Jordan..and the Haze inspired designs…Supreme..Stussy…and the original streetwear brand: Polo..Yes Polo by Ralph Lauren…All of these brands were created by NOT listening to the consumers, well at least by NOT listening to US..the younger market.Make you sure that you understand that.

Nike started looking to guys like Jeff Ng, Futura and Stash in early 2000 when they werent able to churn out their own ideas that made them leaders to begin with. Nike, Adidas, Timberland, Polo all became popular on the strenght of their originality and marketing, not necessarily because they were listening to us. Just look this up…look at their history. Look at the amount of limited this and that that has come out in between 2000 and 2007 in comparison to 1987 to 2000 and you will see how that the 00-07 numbers probably triple the 86-00 numbers. More stuff in a shorter period.

Designers and strategists should not listen to consumers. Work your art and your designs based on old school conventional design rules and principles while using unconventional thinking. Thats how you move forward. You dont tell the consumer what to buy but you suggest it to them by producing innovative quality design combined with the right marketing plan and let them bite. You think Nike gave a shit about us when they made the first Jordans? Or the first Af1 back 81? Not really…They knew they were the shit back then and they just tested the waters. They fed us whatever they felt was nice. Now they have all these consultants and focus groups etc..etc..So they can tap into this and tap into that And the new AF1 suck…The new Jordans suck…All their new models are terrible for the exception of the new Zoom Air line which Im kinda feeling. No frenzy over new models since the first LeBrons…I dont know. Just think about it thats all.

P.
Victoria Elizabeth
15

September 15, 2007
haha “P” wow you sound a lot like David Gensler himself. Real nice Dave putting comments on your own article.
I am fully convinced you’re idiot and like I stated before you’re scattered and bullshit your way through anything and everything.
You are hilarious Nike, Jordan, Polo HAHAHAHAHAHA
Also, as stated before…..stop talking. You will do entire human race a favor and start delivering on your words.
Best Regards.
P.
16

September 15, 2007
I guess my post was too long for you to read it. My bad.
Victoria Elizabeth
17

September 16, 2007
No you’re just an idiot. My bad.
massive wood
18

September 16, 2007
hey victoria… it is “epiphany”. spelling is a good thing.
thecallout
19

September 16, 2007
Victoria. some thoughts… Did Dave burn you? were you a rebound fuck after his marriage? were you a less than noble business partner that he tossed in the trash? have you worked with him? accusing someone that does more shit than his entire team can keep up with is strange. he feeds you what you want to eat and you are too dumb to realize that he has baited you to respond. Your emotions are his product, you childish fool. who comes onto a blog and spends tine posting shit talk on a person that did not attack them? and who takes shots at someone without giving an opposing point of view, or showcasing your own work. People that lead get shot at all day… the bigger the goals and the louder the voice… the bigger target you become. What have you accomplished? the world is waiting… lets see it. Lets see where you have put yourself on the chopping block for your ideas and have accomplished anything…. we all want to see who and what you are. it is pretty clear you have nothing to offer other than a day job and or some tee shirt graphics and maybe a sticker pack and poster. People like you are the fuel for the KDU thrive. you are teh consumer drone waiting in line with so many opinions and still nothing to ever say. We all know Dave and the KDU and the army is going nowhere… it is unstoppable and will only continue to quietly grow and accomplish as long as fleas like you suck on the ass of this broken culture. awaiting your 4 yeard old responce filled with excuses about why you want to remain in the shadows and why you wont or cant post your own work. a bitch is a bitch and a pussy is well… you get the rest. fuck off. Trust the KDU
this guy is bullshit
20

September 17, 2007
everyone knows this guy has nothing to offer. “creative director since 22″…bullshit, you did Camel production for Gyro and got fired. Everyone knows!! This man has nothing to offer, he has never physically designed anything in his life and has leeched off and dicked over more talented people than humanely possible…remember Human Brand? good, cuz no one else does…how about Native? or working with Roc? All failures and all symbols of this guys bullshit. Ask anyone who has ever worked with him; he is the very example of whats wrong with design: a loud, brash no talent who has nothing to offer but bullshit interviews and stupid “brand ideologies”. Get over yourself..like your wife did.
Victoria Elizabeth
21

September 17, 2007
David aka “thecallout” and “P” what are you talking about? You are so funny. So randomn.
I love what you are doing with your cult I hope it works out for you.
I’m sure you will be the down fall of yourself. Enjoy it.
mark
22

September 17, 2007
Just read the comments because previous interviews I actually did take time for to read proved that this guy’s only quality is selling himself to an ignorant crowd. Everything he claims he “invented” has been in literature since the late eighties and nothing he does is original. He’s a fraud and a con artist, but atleast he does that well. Respect to that.
P.
23

September 17, 2007
Honestly…I really don’t know dude. Ive already mentioned that I dont like his clothes. It doesnt really matter if I do or not anyway. Let’s just say that he’s not the beast that he claims to be..and the publication claims him to be or whoever else like the KDU claims him to be. The guy still makes some good points on the state of the industry. That’s all Ive been trying to say. Im not praising the guy, if he fooled me about who is..then cool, Ill take the insult of being a fool no problem. However, the guy makes some valid points when it comes to this streetwear stuff, whether their his point of views or not is irrelevant. If he’s not a designer, and he sucks, and he’s sham, and a fraud…All that is shit to me…Anyone who says something that makes sense..whether they’re from the outside lookin in. I give props to. Nuff said.

P.
john mullin
24

September 17, 2007
oh dear lord. my goosh. this dude beat my ass.
philly blunt
25

September 17, 2007
feed the fire. throw gas on the flame. marketing is a grand thing. you idiots feed the fire and it just burns hotter and hotter. I heard dude got a russian married girlfriend from boston.
roar
26

September 17, 2007
why doesn’t someone stop him? just kick his ass. walk right up and beat his little homo ass into pulp!!!!
mark
27

September 18, 2007
P., commenting on the obvious is not an accomplishment and neither is copying other people’s work and taking credit for it. I don’t care if you like him or not, but if you agree that this streetwear stuff is in a sorry state because there’s a lack of integrity and originality, you might want to question your support for this guy.
roar
28

September 19, 2007
who is he copying? i dont like the stuff personally, but i dont exactly know what to compare it to.
mark
29

September 19, 2007
mash culture aka the eclectic consumer is not new and certainly not something he invented. The idea of non-coherent target/consumer groups has been around for a while.
He copies and resites whatever he just read in one of his marketing books and claims he came up with it. I give him credit for applying the marketing techniques to promote himself though.
Maybe I shouldn’t be too hars on him but more look at the ignorance of the people who give him a podium without any critical note.
roar
30

September 19, 2007
actually I read the interviews and he is not claiming to have invented anything. I still hate him personally, but I am still not getting how economics even relates to marketing. coining a phase and inventing something something is two different claims. I also have to agree that anyone willing to talk shit should be doing so in the open. it is way too easy to hide on here and talk shit on anyone and anything.
mark
31

September 19, 2007
I’d love to explain how economics and marketing relate, but you could also read one of those fine books mr. Gensler suggested.

What is talking shit anyway? Is that when you eloquently challenge someone or something through reasonable arguments?

Do you think people should leave their real names and e-mail addresses? so they can receive huge amounts of spam? Maybe when you don’t need to ever have to worry about finding a job or a date you can take those risks, but since Google also reaches this page I’ll stay anonymous.

Format is giving this guy a platform which he embraces. Since he knows that he should be fine with any comments or shit that comes his way. That’s the price of fame. As he is argumenting himself, we are not all friends.
Loser
32

September 19, 2007
props to mark, Victoria, and this guy is bullshit……somebody needs to stop this cult running, non-designer, or brand maker dumb-ass.
He sucks and gets fired from everywhere becuase he talks shit, lies and manipulates everyone to get his way.
The dude sucks at life.
roar
33

September 19, 2007
how do you get fired from compnies you own? that does not make sense.
funny
34

September 19, 2007
yo you kids are funny gawking on dude. mad homo. design thugs are homos.
what?
35

September 20, 2007
roar, I suppose your hatred is self loathing. Clever disguise Dave. Still commenting on your own interview. Sad.
funny
36

September 21, 2007
i have cancer and want to move to germany
Fatoe
37

September 21, 2007
i’m in a cult - trust
cancer
38

September 21, 2007
I was paid 5000 dollars to write all these posts. the check just bounced.
cancer
39

September 22, 2007
i am cancer. i eat people.
cancer
40

September 22, 2007
cancer cancer yum yum gawk I eat people.
chemo
41

September 22, 2007
please eat David Gensler.
57 EVEN!!
42

October 7, 2007
Good thing I brought my hater off spray, damn. Great words by David though.
mister dude
43

January 4, 2008
this may be late, but i have to comment here.

i have met david gensler and had a chance to chat with him in person at a design event in nyc. i asked him about the kdu, because i genuinely did not understand the purpose or the idea behind it. he laughed at me and gave me a vague answer, with a good deal of arrogance in his voice.

i am an accomplished designer, and a creative director at an advertising agency, with considerable branding, design and animation experience, and work seen by millions. david gensler treated me like a sophomore student without knowing anything about me, and his demeanor was unpleasant and arrogant.

so i have to say: this guy is a fraud. his brands only exist within the kdu, and the product is only consumed by the members of the kdu. none of this stuff really exists in the marketplace. and most “members” of his team are the 18 year old “designers” that draw 3d-explosions and post them on their websites under “personal work” section. it’s laughable.

in conclusion: fuck the kdu, david gensler and his bullshit
David Gensler
44

January 6, 2008
Hello Friends and oddly anonymous foes.
thanks for all the comments. I am glad you took the time out of your busy lives to write comments. A bit of advice - if you plan on talking shit about someone, have the balls to do it openly and from your own name.
if i have ever intentionally or unintentionally insulted someone, I assure you it was done directly to their face. I think this is simple code that can be agreed to by friends and foes.

It also amuses me that we are just here doing our own thing not bothering anyone and it seems to pull so much emotion from people. I dont need to justify myself to anyone except God, My family and fellow KDU members. I am quite comfortable and proud of what has been created and have no intentions of stopping it anytime soon. so how about we all just keep doing what we do, spend less time talking shit behind peoples backs and man up if we decide something is so important. Our address is listed on the website. Find the sand to stop by and say it out loud. You might be surprised how good courage feels.

Trust the KDU.

DG

I hope everyone has a great

David Gensler

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