Dr. Woo started getting tattooed by the legendary Mark Mahoney whilst in high school, paying The Shamrock Social Club regular visits over the next 10 years. At the time, Dr. Woo was managing the clothing boutique - Halo - when Mark offered an apprenticeship to him; the thought of being a tattoo artist never crossed his mind. Starting as an apprentice at Mark's Shamrock Social Club on Sunset Boulevard, he spent years learning and honing his skills on walk-ins, absorbing the lessons given from other guys in the shop and Mark himself. In the fall of 2016, Dr. Woo parted ways with The Shamrock Social Club and created a space for the overwhelming demand for his signature style of fine line, compact and extremely detailed tattoos.

Finding a space within The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, it is a reflection of his way of life; though the landmark is in plain sight, his studio is tucked away and a sense of discovery is felt when it is found. Every project is chosen with a personal connection to his own life and everyday surroundings, the Chuck 70s tells the story of the Spider and the Fly through embroidered side panels that will fray, rip and fuzz over time. Allowing the wearer of the shoe to create a personal narrative of their own experiences.

For the release of his Converse Chuck 70s collaboration, we asked Dr. Woo a few questions about the project and what he's been up to.

How did the Converse collaboration project come about?

Just a natural organic fusion. My friend Paul Mittleman and Ian Ginoza invited me to be part of their program and we talked a lil' bit of what we loved and were inspired by, and for me,  it was a no brainer to get involved. 

It seems that you are deliberate in your choices for collaboration, from Modernica to John Elliott to Union. How do you decide who you collaborate with?

First it has to make sense and have an excitement to what can be created... also I love working with people I look up to, and that I am a fan of the work they produce.  Can’t go wrong working with creatives planted in integrity.  

I read in an interview that you love travelling to Tokyo, do you have favourite clothing stores you visit every time you’re there?

I usually hit all the obvious Japanese mens wear giants ( visvim, Neighborhood, Comme des Garçons) and I also visit the Goros fam...and do some BerBerJin vintage picks.

I’ve been told you own a nice collection of Neighborhood incense chambers from over the years. What drew you to start collecting them?

Honestly, I love anything that ages In an interesting way, and with the cool sculptures they always come up with, I love seeing how the incense oils collect and patina on the different chambers.  Plus they look fuckin' cool!

The aesthetic of your studio seems like an extension of your way of life, do you usually work with music playing? 

Usually it could be a mix of hip hop and folk singer songwriter stuff haha. So I’d say, Asap Ferg and Father John misty are probably on the playlist right now.

The Converse x Dr. Woo collection will be available in Supply Store, January 20, in both black and white colourways.

Questions by Anthony Kwang