Mix It Up: Asai

As the purveyor of fashion’s favourite Hot Wok top and best friend of London music artist Ms Carrie Stacks, designer and Fashion East alumnus Asai has put together a playlist for us entitled “Keep On Moving”, in his words a selection of “songs that carry me through my journey.”

What’s hotter, an Asai Hot Wok top or the designer’s music taste? Listen to the playlist below to find out.

Two Thousand And Seventeen by Four Tet

I love the sounds and samples in this track. It makes me feel calm amongst the chaos and reminds me of being by the sea.

Reckoner by Radiohead

I like to listen to this first thing in the morning, as it centres me and sets the tone for the day.

The Time Is Now by MOLOKO

This is a good song to start the day, reminding myself to be present in the moment. I remember this song coming out during my gap year after my foundation course - the first of many gap years!

Best On Earth Russ ft. BIA

I first heard this song when Rihanna uploaded a video of her wearing the ASAI Lagos dress to her instagram. My mouth dropped open - it was a moment, a whole summer mood. She’s the only one who has that dress! It was from the show in Lagos, where my friend Carrie Stacks also stormed the catwalk.

We Need A Resolution by Aaliyah

I love Aaliyah. It was hard to pick just one song from her, but this one is a mood.

Chill Bill by Rob Stone

This reminds me of my partner Joni whistling and bouncing down the street to the train station.

BB by Shy Girl

Shy Girl is major. I love her because she’s so unapologetic. I love working with her - whether it’s before one of the ASAI shows or doing fittings for her performance. Here in this video she’s wearing an ASAI coat from the AW19 “Ground Up” collection

Lilies Of The Valley by Jun Mistake

I became obsessed with Pina Bausch after seeing a quote from her on a New York subway station which read: “I am not interested in how people move but what moves them.” This quote preoccupied me for the longest time. Her shows are beyond - she presents so many feelings, emotions, visuals and expressions through her staging, sound, clothes and movement.

In The Mood For Love by Shigeru Umebayashi

This song reminds me of trips to Hong Kong with my best friend. Hong Kong is like a second home to me because of the friends I have there. This song is from a film about Hong Kong by Wong Kar Wai - his films are stunning. The colours and the mood make me feel less lonely.

Rain Ryuichi Sakamoto

I saw Sakamoto play live in St John’s Church in Hackney in 2014. It was such a cleansing and transcendent moment of calm. His music allows me to get lost in my imagination and I love the emotion and storytelling in his sounds.

Over And Over by Larry B

This whole album is everything. Me and Carrie Stacks (who stars on this track) met at CSM and from there we’ve become like family. There are too many memories and moments to list! She’s a rock and a guiding light for me as she is for many.

Real Girl by Mutya Buena

Carrie always makes mixes and music for my shows and we had this play as the finale for my first Fashion East Show in the Tate Tanks. I love Mutya - me and my little sister was obsessed with her in secondary school. The looks!

London by Benjamin Clementine

I love Benjamin’s voice and its clarity and emotion. I remember first hearing him when I was working on a stall in Portobello Road market. I love people watching; seeing everyone in their own world. There’s a line in the song that goes: “ I won’t underestimate who I am capable of becoming.” That carries me through any time.

Phone Down by Erykah Badu

The title is a good reminder to do exactly that!

Roads by Portishead

I love the live performance of this - it’s vulnerable and empowering. So many roads ahead…

You can also listen to this playlist on Spotify, just search for Browns Fashion to discover more music to enjoy.