STYLE OVER COMFORT
SPRING 2014
OJAY BAYANG
RICK AND JON
MIKE SUMOTO
ACCUAIR
JULIE MAI
Welcome to VOL 1 of Style Over Comforts quarterly lookbook. Our whole look and feel has been given a makeover so we hope you like the changes. We would like to give a big thank you to all of our friends and supporters. Without you guys we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing. Make sure to check out the new layout of our site and also stop by our online store to check out our new products. Enjoy the festivities of the day and keep a look out for our next issue dropping June 2014. Thanks for looking and tell a friend :)
Contributing Photographers: Ryan Acain, Jon Tran, Mike Sumoto, Accuair
AUTOFASH10N
www.autofashionusa.com
www.trendyvape.com
N
AD
AD
POPPIN CHER
N RRIES
Jon Tran SOC: What made you choose this particular platform to build? Jon Tran: I like Korean BBQ so why not get a Korean car. Jk I liked the sexy body lines Did you run into any issues with your build so far to get it the way we see it today? Bag, and fitment issues. I wanted the fitment nice and tight
It has come to our attention that many of your peers have been calling your builds “rice” (which is a horribly misused term these days). How do you feel about that term in general and how the word is being overused so much lately just like the term “JDM”? I love rice, especially in bo luc lac. People these days really misuse the that term, it really doesn’t phase me when they call my build
rice. I just sit back and laugh at all the comments they have to say about it. “Word on the street is that you are called Mad Dog? Whats up with that? I drink mad dog 20/20 all day everyday. I don’t pop bottles of vodka or henny at the club, just MD’s. It’s more classy. Orange flavor preferred.
Which is y installment and the Furio why?
All of the o Brewster is in sexy lady. Bu ones becau star of the S2000.
Tell us one many peopl you… and b
I have OCD needs to be
your favorite of the Fast ous series and
ones Jordana n, cuz she’s a ut the first OG use I was the movie in my
thing not too le know about be truthful.
D so everything e perfect.
What’s the best thing you like about the “scene” and what do you hate most about it? (if you have hate in your heart, let it out..) It’s cool to always go friends, with hangout whether it being at car meets or helping put shit together. I’ve met a lot dope guys/girls in this scene that I can truly call my friends. I didn’t build my car for attention nor features, working on my
car pleases me and that’s all that matters. What I hate are the people who tell you what to do with your own car. It’s your car, do what the fuck you want with it and who cares what people say about it. What’s next for your build? Too make my car more rice
Shout outs: Styleovercomfort, Concept 3, all the homies who’s been there and helped me out, and to my girl Aly for putting up with me
Rick Granado What made you choose this particular platform to build? I came from a car that I had bought for my high school years to get me to and from school and work. It was a Mitsubishi lancer, not a bad car and did it’s job never had problems. I came across the Genesis
through a neighbor from down my street as he told me a lot about the car. I did my research for about a few weeks and fell in love with the car. I’ve always had love for the car community and when I seen the genesis I thought what not a better way to step in and do something different that we haven’t really seen. So mainly my goal is to push the limit of a vehicle that we
hardly see modified and do my best to encourage that the “KDM” scene is definitely something to pay attention to and not to sleep on it. Did you run into any issues with your build so far to get it the way we see it today? major into ran I’ve problems a few times. The first I would say was having
poorly built 3-piece set of wheels that no matter what I did they’d debead like every other week. I had to get rid of those wheels asap it was a pain to deal with. Second would have to me a lot of wiring and electrical problems with my air system. Which that can be blamed on me for having a horrible installer of the air. It
has
come
to
our
attention that many of your peers have been calling your builds “rice” (which is a horribly misused term these days). How do you feel about that term in general and how the word is being overused so much lately just like the term “JDM”? The question. Funny term is definitely misused more now than before People personally.
anything call would rice nowadays if you really pay attention to it. It honestly doesn’t bother me because in reality when looking at the bigger picture you should be proud of your and accomplishments goals you reach with that car. Not everyone is as fortunate as you are. Besides that fact, the haters which usually first to scream rice sometimes I
feel should be put in place and should pay attention to what a real build is. “Are you Jon’s friend? And if yes… lets say if he was dying and the only way to save him was to touch his penis, would you?” Of course duh that’s my bae! Which is your favorite installment of the Fast
and the Furious series and why?
Tell us one thing not too many people know about you… and be truthful.
I’d honestly have to say the original nothing ever beats a first movie from a franchise movie. It’s great because it shows what hard work and determination can do for ya. May not be the best thing to get confidence from but the story line is on point.
Many people always ask and wonder why I have Dj in front of most my social networks and yes it’s because I do deejay. I’ve played a lot of clubs from IE to LA and now I’ll be live and direct from Vegas June 19th off the strip for EDC weekend.
What’s the best thing you like about the “scene” and what do you hate most about it? (if you have hate in your heart, let it out..) I love the scene for different reasons. It shows you the life if a car can be made out to be truthfully a beautiful car. It shows you how to socialize, and outgoing to meet fellow enthusiasts. Best of all creates new homies all the
time. What’s next for your build? Next for my build I have to say definitely new wheels after this summer and also new Bride Euro II seats, and hopefully maybe wide body and start building the motor. Shout outs: Shoutout to my boy ANH for having me definetly.
Shoutout to FittedTho and My fam Joel from Nite Grind Transmissions Shoutout to Khartunerz and Concept 3. Shoutout to AirRideEquipment for all my air installment needs. Finally shoutout to all my close friends and family love y’all.
JON TRAN 2012 Hyundai Genesis Exterior:
M&S Front Lip Custom front splitter Side splitters VIS VIP rear diffuser BBM lip spoiler RMR carbon fiber grill 13 tail lights black chrome with LEDs exposed Black housing headlights VIS carbon fiber fog bezels VIP puddle lights
Engine
CNT exhaust CNT test pipe CNT downpipe CNT o2 housing
Wheels/Suspension
VIP Modular VX610s 19x9.5 +10, 19x11 +10 Accelera 215/35/19, Nankang 235/35/19 UAS over Megan Coiloversv
RICK GRANADO 2013 Hyundai Genesis Exterior: Cuper Styling Front Bumper GCTuner Carbon Fiber diffuser Korean Import LED SideMirrors Spec-D Audi style Headlights 2013 Genesis Coupe LED tail lights HC Racing Carbon Fiber Hood Sarona Side Skirts ARK Carbon Fiber Trunk Interior: 2011/2012 R-Spec Cloth/Leather seating with custom fa bricated Bride Panels and backseats Parta by Max Gold extended shift knob JBL 1000w Sub 10’ Sony 1200w Amp Grip Royal Quick Release with NRG hub. Engine: 2.0L RS Turbo Synapse SRI TurboXS BOV Custom 3in catback y-pipe exhaust w/quad tips Cusco Oil catch can Suspension: Megan Racing Coilovers W/ UAS Bags over coil Manual R-Spec camber bolts (OEM from Factory) R-Spec sway bars (OEM from factory) Brembo big brake system (OEM from factory) Wheels: Rotiform WRW F: 19×9.5 v+5 offset Hankook v12 225/30/20 R: 19×11 +5 offset Hankook v12 245/30/20 Muteki extended gold chrome lugs
REP SOC DOT COM
AD
AD
AD
AD
A collection of photos by San Diego based photographer Mike Sumoto
SOC: What initially drew you into photography and how long have you been taking photos? MIKE SUMOTO: I have been shooting since 2003. I started because I wanted to document the things around me. What are the biggest inspirations for the photos you take and why? My son Jared and daughter Julia are my biggest inspirations. When it’s all said and done, I want to leave them a body of work they can be proud of. I am also heavily influenced by Hip Hop and California Culture. What kind of Equipment do you use? I shoot with a Canon 5DMKII/2470mmL & a Canon Rebel XTI. Tell us a little more about this “3200’s” we’ve been seeing around... Why yes. The 3200s. Back in December of 2009 my good friend Robeast found a hack that enabled us to shoot at the iso of 3200 on
our Rebel XTi’s. I know today that might not sound like a big deal, all DSLRs can shoot 3200 and higher. But back in 09, shooting at a iso of 3200 on a Rebel was unheard of. It was great, we were running around the city taking some grainy ass hand held night shots. It was like my camera was on steroids. We would tag our posts “3200’s” in honor of our new found iso range. Little did we know that later the 3200’s would become a collective of photographers. The crew consists of myself, Robeast, Still1, Deeohz, Def2 and Jeff Dojillo. We have members in San Diego,
Los Angels and NYC and you can find our Instagram feed on www. the3200s.com. What would you say is your “STYLE” of photography? That is a good question. I guess you can say its a “Photojournalistic” style with a little Southern CA mixed in. I’m always looking for different vantage points and alternate angles. In my younger days I wrote graffiti, I apply that mentality when I got out and shoot. You go out, get to the spot, execute and then its on to the next location.
Tell us about your favorite/ most memorable photography achievement/moment.. Thats an easy one. When the Beat Junkies asked me to photograph their 20 year anniversary party in LA. I’ve been a fan of the Junkies for so long, I was honored when I got the call to come and shoot. I remember it like it was yesterday. That night they premiered LRG’s short film “For The Record” (http://vimeo.com/44995287). I was sitting on stage watching the documentary, shit was dope! At the end they gave some special thanks. I thought I was seeing things when I looked up and saw my name amongst some heavy hitters. WTF! Needless to say, that was a all around epic night! What’s your biggest pet peeve? People that bite, and cats that “Over Cook” or photoshop the shit out of photographs. When does a photograph stop being a photograph, and become design? Bottom-line keep your photos dope right out of the camera, it’ll save you a lot of time in post. Any upcoming events/projects
that you want the readers to know about? I have a group show at Basic Urban Kitchen (410 10th Ave. SD. CA) on Tuesday April 22nd. I’m also working on shooting/editing video. slowly but surely... Tell us one thing not too many people know about you.. be truthful. from 1996-2000 I was in the United States Marine Corps. I was a gunner in a LAV infantry company. Shout outs: Jared, Julia, my girlfriend Naomi. the 3200s, SSC, The Crown Royals, Battlestar Massive, 5 and A Dime, RBST, Innate The Beat Kid, Nsubordinate, the Armory, Thumbprint Gallery, Arnold Santos, Photo Union and the good folks at SOC. Thanks for letting me contribute to the first issue! Respect. www.mikesumoto.com Instagram: @Mikesumoto Twitter: @Mikesumoto
AD
OJ
JAY
We all know you are no stranger to the VIP scene. Why did you choose this particular platform to build in the “VIP Style”, Why purple and what obstacles did you have to overcome to get it looking how it does today? When I sold my LS400 back in January 2013, I really had my
heart set on an Infiniti M45 Y34. But after stumbling across some VIP builds in Japan that were of minivans... I thought to myself that these would be something totally different from the usual mold of VIP cars stateside... so I jumped right in. Purple was a random choice. I knew I
wanted House of Kolor as my paint... but when I flipped thru all of the paint schemes, I already pictured purple as a color that’ll definitely pop out. What are your thoughts in the current “vanning” scene in the states and do you think this subculture will become as
widely accepted here as it is in Japan? Right now, I am noticing its a trend that’s slowly being accepted here in the US. Of course you get your usual people that hate on it... but in due time, I’m sure you will see more Japan inspired vans. It’s a
love it or hate it kinda thing right now. People are usually scared to “be different” when building cars... alot of people like to play it safe which makes the scene pretty boring. To me, I feel that watching a fixed up van roll up to the show is for sure a neck breaker LOL.
How do you really feel about “JDM”? That word is so watered down nowadays. It seems like all you need to be called JDM is a set of wheels and dropped on some coils. Shit... it doesnt even matter if you have XXR’s on, tow hooks everywhere and some makeshift
chinese x-brand springs. People rockin such wheels/setup have a “JDM as fuck” sticker on their back windshield LOL I’m like really guy? I think “JDM” is more used as an image of what a Japanese car should look like rather than the authenticity of its parts. But whatever.... it’s your car not mine. Dont mind me.
Which is your favorite installment of the Fast and the Furious series and why? For some reason, Tokyo Drift is my #1. Mainly because the overall setting of it was based in Japan. Although the acting was very dry, it has its moments. Oh and Bow Wow’s Hulk car oh damn! “My
life be like oooooo waaaaah” LOL 2014, Will you be defending your “BEST OF THE VEST” award and how did you get that title? HAHA oh for sure I will be defending that title. Although I see a bunch of the homies bringing their A game cuteness
on IG, I be watchin out for them! The story goes back to wekfest SF 2012, when I ran out of clean clothes to wear the day before the show. I had no choice but to wear my clubbing attire I brought with me in case all of us went out drinking. I rolled up to Wekfest ready to party LOL
What is the craziest/strangest/ weirdest reaction you have gotten from someone about your van? LOL I’d say when the homie Angelo told me some dude from Wekfest SF 2013 kept saying “gangster.... gangster... gangster...” like a creeper when I rolled in
for setup LOL. Or when people say shit on instagram like “why would someone waste so much money on a van like that?” Oh well I don’t care.
Tell us one thing not too many people know about you.. be truthful. Even though im tatted up, bald, and look like a thug.... deep down I’m really a nerd. I watch alot of anime & cartoons, comic book stuff. Shit i even used to play Magic: the Gathering when I was younger.
What’s the best thing you like about the “scene” and what do you hate most about it? (if you have hate in your heart, let it out...LOL) I love the friendship I have with the people in the scene. If it weren’t for my good friends who continue to build new projects,
I’d be out of this scene a long time ago. Since they keep building I might as well keep doing it too. What I hate about the scene is that alot of cars nowadays don’t have character. Truthfully, back in the ricer bodykit days, everyone would do whatever is on their mind and apply it to their build weather it be crazy colored
interior/paintjob, funky roof & hood scoops and headlight conversions. Those had personal touches that only the owner can think of. Nowadays, all it takes to be a “show car” is some nice rims and airbags or coilovers. No more custom paint, custom interior, body work, car audio, etc. And then you see those people with
little to no mods bitching about not winning a trophy. Just so you know... alot of car shows have a category on their judging sheets that say “originality”....Guess what those guys scored. Just bein real.
Whats next for your build? Not sure just yet. But I know for sure that I’m gonna scrap this current aero and work on a oneoff kit for the van, hopefully before the year ends. And a crazy interior setup similar to a limousine with the biggest flatscreen TV I can shove inside it LOL.
OJAY BAYANG
1994 toyota previa Exterior: House of Kolor Pavo Purple Metallic, Avanzare Aero Kit, Rear Mid Wing, OEM Previa roof wing, JDM OEM Estima headlights and taillights, Sessions exhaust. Interior: Allante black diamond stitched front and rear seats, diamond stitched door panels, custom center console, Garson VIP front table, cherrywood flooring, Sessions steering wheel Audio: Carion indash monitor, Alpine Type R speakers, Image Dynamics amp and 12’ subwoofer, custom trunk enclosure housing the air setup. Suspension: JDM OEM Estima independent rear suspension, Silk Road front top hats, KYB shocks, Universal Air bags, Accuair VU4 management, T selection rear camber arms, Wheels/Tires: 18x9.5 +5 and 18x10.5 -23 Work Emitz rebaralled. 3’ front lip, 5’ rear lip. Accelera UHP tires 215/35/18 and 215/40/18. -4 camber front, -9 camber rear. Props: The wifey Stephanie Ek, Style Over Comfort, AutoFashion USA, vipstylecars.com, Accuair, Infinite Auto Design, VanKulture, Auto Explosion.
AD
AD
ACCU
UAIR A look inside one of the top manufacturers of air suspension management
SAN LUIS OBISPO CALIFO
O ORNIA
EST 2001
R&D
12,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY
AD
SOC: You are a familiar face on our site. Being our very first model feature and a good friend of ours it was only fitting to have you apart of our site revamp. How have things been since your last feature with us? JULIE MAI: Hey studs! I’ve been doing well thanks guys for having me back for the revamp, the shoot was fun and I couldn’t be happier to be part of it. Thank you :) I’ve been really busy since the first model feature with you guys I have not done any new projects recently. But I promise I’ve been productive :) SUPER STREET COVER/ F E AT U R E … . M B N ! ! HAHA!! Tell us a little about that experience and what was your favorite part about it and can we get a signed copy? OMG yes!! Superstreet. My very first national published print magazine cover. Superstreets reputation precedes itself and I was really
excited to have the opportunity to be on the February 2014 cover. Thank you to StickyDilJoe from the Chronicles for setting it all up for me and RyWire for the place; I greatly appreciate the bubble cape that was provided LOL. So law school is almost over for you.. how pumped are you and does it have you feeling some sort of way? I am extremely excited!! I have been in school for 15 years now and it’s time I just join the masses and stop using my brain at 5pm. But in all honesty law school has been a A blessing in disguise; as hard and discouraging sometimes it was to get through I found a beneficial push from God to not give up and that his plan for me was this. Plus I actually use big words correctly in conversations. What are your plans once school is over with? I’m going to lay on my couch with a glass of wine and maybe watch the movie that inspired
me to take the LSAT; legally blonde. Hahah. I know; I’m wild. Professionally I am currently in my emphasized field of study for a global logistics company so nothing will be different for me job wise other than a large bonus; hopefully. Will you be our lawyer (if need be) and model for us still? LOL.. I will certainly be your lawyer pro bono! But let’s assume none of yo u will need any legal representation. I’m pretty sure people are intimidated/ mesmerized by your toned bod, but let us ask you this one question… do you even lift, bro? I lift. squat. Dead lift. Lunge. Box jump! I try to get in two (2) full workouts in with my trainer a week but the key to a fit life is diet. Plan your meals! If you don’t know where to start, come over I cook and prep every Sunday for the week; but bring your own Tupperware!
Any upcoming projects/events coming up that you want the readers to know about? No new projects planned but I only hope spontaneous project arise as this one did with SOC x JulieMai, And that all my family, friends and followers continue to support me along my spontaneous journey as I get back into modeling more. Shout outs: Of course the studs of SOC; thanks guys for having me once again and totally keeping it real with me in the project. shout out to anyone who is reading my questionare! Because let’s be real; pictures speak more than words.