First off, happy Midsummer to you and yours. Or as they say in Finland, hauskaa juhannusta. Midsummer 2011 is here already, we’re already past the solstice and the day in Finland is at its longest. I would have probably missed the entire holiday unless people wished me happy midsummer. Since this is not such a big deal in Malaysia it comes as no surprise that we are not lighting up bonfires or anything like that.

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With majority of businesses at some point you have to rely on third parties for this and that services. Hosting is just one of those things that’s much easier handled by someone else. When something happens on that third party’s side it’s like all hell breaks loose for a moment. How do you solve these matters? Stay cool (as cool as you can), make few phone calls and do what you can on your side to solve the issue. Even if it takes your entire Saturday.

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It has been an eventful but prosperous start to the year of the rabbit, and it’s only about to get more eventful. It is no longer a secret that NDH Crew, myself included has been spending time in South-East Asia, Malaysia specifically and this visit is about to extend indefinitely. Although our business was established and runs from our offices in Finland, we like to think of ourselves as a global online boutique serving customers worldwide. With majority of our customers coming from outside Finland, it also makes sense to look outside the local borders and keep your eyes on the horizon. Expansion is a scary thought and for some it is more comfortable to keep defending the barriers instead of crossing the fence and checking out what’s beyond the local scene. This is not the case with us. Growth is inevitable on individual and business levels.

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Since last year, there has been an underground buzz about some new type of clothing made by a Fashion designer and a chemist. Together, the pair has created what can simply be called a ‘present, yet futuristic marvel’. The duo has apparently invented the world’s first ever sprayed-on clothing.

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We’re here. We arrived in Malaysia Wednesday afternoon around 2 pm Malaysian time (7 am CET). Naturally it took few more hours before we got home but we’re healthy and happy after a 27 hour trip. We feel somewhat blessed as it was not the easiest journey with three flights, 8 hour transit time in Abu Dhabi and we were traveling with our 2 month old son Maxwell. It has been quite a hassle with so many things to do and I was also unable to upload the pics from my phone until now, so this post comes few days late. Still better late than never.

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We’ve packed and we’re ready to make our way to Malaysia. I am traveling rather lightly with only my Duffel Bag packed with jeans, shirts and other valuables. I have some misc. stuff in our other luggage which is mostly full of souvenirs and Maxwell’s clothing, diapers and other necessities. Nonetheless, I have unpacked my travel gear inclusive of a fresh pair of Nikes just for this trip.

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I’m sure by now most of you have seen the interview of Masahiro Suwaki, the Vice President of the Japan Blue Group. In his interview, he stated something that tells a lot about the global denim culture and trend as a whole. “It is disappointing, but the population of people who truly understand denim are on the decline in Japan. This I feel is especially true for people who like fashion than the “average” person.” This does not only apply to Japan but it’s a worldwide phenomenon. The classic denim labels feel the pressure to adjust to the global demand and to people asking “why would I spend 300$ on a pair of jeans when I can buy a pair of this brand for half of that price?” It’s a fair question but kin of highlights the issue, where price and style often go before tradition (and in some cases quality). Momotaro Jeans, a brand under Rampuya and Japan Blue Group is no different from any other brand. They have goals to reach and the Momotaro Jeans brand, established in 2006 also needs to reach certain numbers not just in Japan but worldwide.

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2010 is in the bag, packed up and ready move to the year 2011. We’re not getting into too much of that Year Of the Rabbit stuff yet, let’s save that for the Chinese New Year which is about a month ahead. Nonetheless it has been an awesome year in so many levels.

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Still haven’t bought anything for your friends, family, girlfriend/boyfriend, neighbors and their kids? Do like I did to escape the horrible last-minute shopping and stress: bake your own gingerbread biscuits! Now, to avoid my Christmas-post looking like a home-cook’s advertisement, I’m telling you that I’m not a professional. Probably I don’t have to prove it, but if you read the last phrase of my previous post, you’ll certainly believe me.

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Monday might not be your favorite day of the week, but that’s nothing to frown about. Hey, I lost my car key this morning (or yesterday) with no idea where it could be and I’m still all smiles. My baby boy is holding his head up high and I’m just having a blast observing his growth. Little Tiger “Siew Fu” as we have come to call Maxwell is growing up so fast I can barely keep up.

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