Claudine Gumbel sat down with Peter James Lee, who in addition to being a photographer, blogger, dj, and gardener also happens to be the founder and designer for Cassette (www.houseofcassette.com). The work of Peter James Lee can be found in the most respected fashion retailers around the world. The likes of Barneys, Fred Segal and Oak to name a few have picked up on House of Cassette.

1. What are you working on?  What is taking up the majority of your time right now?

It changes from day to day…. If you want up to the minute tabs on me, friend me on twitter.. www.twitter.com/nyc_paris. Aside from Designing/Consulting…. I’ve been focusing on my photography and have been DJ’ing more and more…. And have started a new blog. www.nycparislondonhktokyola.com my six favorite fashion cities..

2. What are your favorite places to chill out + what cities are they located in?

Depending if it’s in a city or a remote location.. If it’s city (work related)it would be hanging out with friends and seeing the morning sun peep through the roll down gate of the bar that has been long since closed.. A sure sign of good conversations worth the headache of the next day.. My favorite remote location would have to be deep inside of huge mack’n barrel in Bali or Hawaii. Or snowboarding on top of a freshly powered mountain like Mammoth.

3. Who is your best friend and why?

My MammaCita cuz I’ve known her forever and she still loves me..

4. Do you believe in past lives and if so what/who were you in your past life?

I try to stay Present…

5. What was your best trip ever and where do you want to travel next?

I swear every trip I go on can be turned into a movie… http://www.nycparislondonhktokyola.com/blog/2008/04/15/concert-in-hong-kong-bong/ (I took those photos on stage..)

6. Who is your favorite artist, musician, photographer – who inspires you?

Modern Artist- Matthew Barney’s Cream Master Cycle
Musician-Bob Marley / Led Zeppelin / Sade

7. Do you have a photo you took or a link to a piece of music or a video that speaks to you? Will you share that with me?

Here’s a photo of me charging the famous Bonzai Pipeline in 2006. When ever I look at it.. It says why aren’t you doing this now..?

8. If you were stranded on an island what book would you take with you? And who would you take with you?

I would trade the book for a surf or a body board.. And I would bring my MommaCita so we can start the world population all over again.

9. Who inspires you fashion wise – what is your staple uniform?  If you had to live in one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Steve McQueen is a classic Dudes Dude fashion icon. One outfit for the rest of my life.. would have to be something durable if I am suppose to wear it for the rest of my life.. Leather Jacket, Tee shirt, Cassette Jeans, and some Redwing boots.. If it’s actually one piece of clothing then I would ask for a pair of Katin Surf Shorts and to be stranded on the island mentioned earlier with surf/body board and my MommaCita.. (smile)

10. What was the most memorable day of your life thus far and why?

This is always a tough one and it always changes cuz there’s been so many.. For today I’m remembering that I had a pretty big smile on this day.. http://www.nycparislondonhktokyola.com/blog/2009/01/29/mammoth-0921/

Bonus question:

11. Leave us with a quote – something you make up or a quote that you just love to repeat?

Give Thanks.