BUILT FOR THE BOLD

Timberland is an iconic brand that we've all come to know and love. With its roots in workwear, the brand was mostly worn by people who worked in factories & on construction sites. As the brand grew in popularity throughout the 90s, we began to see a shift that would position this boot as a cultural phenomenon. Having since becoming linked with NYC street culture & donned by some of hip-hop and R&B biggest artists such as Biggie Smalls, Wu-Tang Clan & Aaliyah, the boot was embraced as a fashion staple within the urban community.

INTERVIEW BY LITTLE BURGUNDY 

How did BULLY mag start and where do you see this collective in five years?

BULLY mag started with Bobby and Alex working together at closing days of Nomad when it was on Queen Street. Alex was the Creative Director in charge of shooting all the content for the brands digital channels while Bobby worked alongside him doing the styling and casting for the shoots.

At the time Bobby grew frustrated with the lack of representation in the ‘Canadian fashion industry’ and felt bullied from not having any support from retailers & Canadian publications.

“If I felt this way, imagine how many other artists of colour feel the same way, so I was like I need to take matters into my own hands and not allow these old institutions to validate and dictate my work. I created my own platform to bully dem back” – Bobby 

Since 2018, BULLY mag has cemented itself as a physical publication, a growing collective, global brand and a creative agency. In the next five years we hope to be doing everything we are already doing now but on a much larger scale. This would include collaborating with more brands in designing culturally relevant products, securing global distribution for the magazine and ultimately, establishing BULLY as a household name within the creative community that continues to champion and hold space for the next generation.

What does BULLY mean?

After doing some research Bobby discovered that the word bully was a term of endearment meaning gallant, admirable or jolly in the late 16th century. Bobby shared this information with Alex since they worked so closely together which sparked numerous conversations on references, mutual influences from their youth. With Alex also having a background working in magazines over the years, this was the beginning of a perfect relationship and in 2018 BULLY magazine was born.

What story does BULLY tell in Timbs?  

We all grew up wearing timbs! Built for the bold, it's one of the most iconic footwear brands - classic and cultural. The BULLY Timbs story shows a sense of community and culture. Shot in the iconic neighborhood of parkdale, a place with a large sense of community and home to many Afro-Caribbean, Filipino and Tibetan immigrants. We walk in these places, we eat in these places and move as a family. #BULLYLAFAMILIA

What can we expect from BULLY mag ISSUE TWO? 

For ISSUE TWO of BULLY magazine our overarching theme is “Roots & Culture”. This means telling origin stories, stories of different subcultures, global stories of the diaspora, underground perspectives all while remaining unapologetically bold. At its essence, ISSUE TWO will document beautiful images and interviews from contributors all around the world.

Who is THE person you'd all love to work with in the future? 

We would love to work with so many iconic people that inspire and influence us - Frank Ocean, Honey Dijon, Diddy, Dennis Rodman, Hype Williams, Tyler Mitchell would be a dream come true.