Maybe you’ve noticed, maybe you haven’t, but we’ve recently expanded our operations over the pond. Meaning we’ll soon be rubbing shoulders with the type of folk who say “sidewalk” instead of “pavement” and “sneakers” instead of “trainers“.
We had originally intended to manage our new North American operations entirely by ourselves. But after a long, hard look in the mirror, coupled with an unwavering stubbornness not to change our dialectal patterns, we’ve decided to let another man do the talking for us, and that man is Joel Popoteur.
Runner, cyclist, boulderer, skater and general outdoor activity enthusiast, Joel is a jack of all (and we mean all) trades and a self-confessed master of none. He’s exactly the type of guy we want representing us overseas, and his can-do attitude towards just about everything is highly, highly commendable.
When Joel isn’t sprinting, cycling or dangling from rocks, he spends his time immersed in the world of clothing. Living in NYC continues to shape his approach to dressing, and the ever-evolving street style of one of the fastest-moving cities in the world means he’s got no choice but to stay clued up on everything clothing and footwear.
We had a quick catch-up with Joel to understand what life’s like across the pond, and to hear his thoughts and feelings on being the first-ever overseas Proper correspondent.
Hi Joel, how are you, and where are you?
Hi guys, I’m great. Currently in SoHo, but in NYC.
Can you explain a little bit about what you do?
I do a lot, but long story short, I work 40 hours a week and hang with my kid on the weekends.
How does it feel to be Proper Magazine’s new US correspondent?
Tremendous, professional yapper incoming.
You grew up in NYC, right? How did that shape your taste in clothing?
I did. I grew up in the Dipset era while I was getting into skating; constantly discovering new music and different types of people had me tailoring different aesthetics to who I was/am, not just LARPing swags. My playlists are all over the place.
Where do you think your interest in clothing first came from?
Mostly just being from NY, you gotta stick out a bit. It’s a jungle out here; how you move around tells the world what kinda animal you are.
Whereabouts in NYC do you live now?
I don’t. I moved to Jersey. I need a driveway for my van, my bikes and all my other toys, and most importantly, some peace and quiet.
You seem to be into every outdoor activity on the planet – climbing, cycling, running, skating. What do you personally get out of being active? How does it make you feel, and what are you like if you don’t do these things?
Move the body to quiet the mind!
Sometimes I think I’m running away from depression or burning enough calories to eat a number 9 from McDonald’s with no guilt. Everything is training. I wouldn’t say I’m great at any of these things, but I enjoy doing them and progressing. When I don’t do them, I probably bed rot and have an absurd screen time, then realise my life is being squandered away to Zuckerberg.
What’s it like climbing in NYC?
I love climbing in NYC, mostly for the juxtaposition. The trek to a proper crag kills me when I’m so far from the crib, and I probably have work the next day. The best climbing is uptown, so I can get my fix on real rock, then get to my house in 30 mins.
Do you think climbing and skating complement each other?
Not really. I hate comparing anything to skating. The only link I have between the two is when I started doing them, my peers told me, “That’s white people shit.”
How was running the NYC Marathon?
Incredible. You get a little bit of that ego death similar to when you rip an 8th of shrooms, only without the social anxiety you’d have being around 50k people.
Where do you go when you want to be outside of the city? Any good outdoorsy spots close by?
I’m not an expert. I like going towards New Paltz, but anywhere outside of my comfort zone is good.
Does your outfit and style change for each activity?
Naturally yes. But my swag will permeate through all the fits. You need the right gear to do certain things, but being under-geared puts hair on your chest.
What’s a typical outfit for you to wear on a day riding around the city?
My bikes are cosy. I don’t always rock the gooch pad, but if I’m riding more than 30 miles, I’m throwing that on. But my typical uniform is cargos, a bike jersey, a backpack with a speaker, some bike tools and a rain shell.
What’s your current footwear rotation for this summer?
Air Max 95, Arc’teryx Kraggs, Vibram 5 Fingers.
What are some of your favourite brands to wear? Any we might not know of?
My whole wardrobe is Supreme and Arc’teryx. Other than that, it’s vintage Marvel tees and anything the homies make/design.
Favourite retailers in NYC?
Third of June, Star Shop, Oma Shop, Procell, 194, Varsity.
Favourite spot for lunch in NYC?
Anywhere with no line and a good bench to people watch. Yes, I’m gatekeeping a lil bit.
What’s a typical Sunday look like for you?
Wake up. Get a lil 5k hopefully. If not, clean and organize for Monday with some laundry. Get out the crib like 1pm. Get to Vital Greenpoint like 2pm or 3pm. Rip like a 2 hour climb sesh. Sauna! Shower n change and get a cheese steak from Federoffs. Go home, sleep, then bike to work Monday.
You recently came to Dublin, right? What did you think of it? Did you have a good time?
I love Dublin. I love Guinness. Need to go back when it’s proper warm.
Have you ever visited the UK?
I’ve been to London a few times now. You’ll see me again for the London marathon. Call me crazy, but quality of life wise, London is a lot like LA.
Find out more about Proper North America here, and see what Joel is up to here.
