It’s 1 am and I just got off the phone with my agent in China. For the last 2 weeks I’ve been talking to him up to three four times a day 10AM, 10PM, 2AM, 8AM, and anytime in between. Then add email and instant messaging, we stay in touch like lovebirds. As JUZD is days from being an overnight success I feel as if I am the most unlucky man on the planet. It would be an overnight success to have your first collection in Holt Renfrew.

The shirts that was suppose to be in Holt Renfrew two weeks ago are still stuck at the Chinese border. It is exporting from one of the city that’s hosting the Olympics. The government is now examining every single package leaving China in that city. They are especially concern with apparel. To change their image they are cracking down on counterfeit apparel, knockoffs. They rejected the express shipment the first time because they didn’t recognize the logo. On the second try they are saying that the images are too violent and would not release the shipment.

My shirts are too violent? Well, maybe but what right do they have on censorship for Canada and US? How about the shirts that have pornography on it and swear words? It is aggression, not violence. It is art.

You would expect the country that’s importing the product to give you hassle not China that’s exporting. Maybe with the recent chemical toy paint issue still imprinted in our consciousness, they are overcompensating?

Going through customs should be a breeze. This is further proof that I’m the most unlucky guy on the planet. What are the odds that Beijing will have the Olympics around the same time that I need my shipment? This is the first time the Olympic games are being held in China in its 112 year history. Odds? Let’s say one month in 112 years (1 in 1344). For my Private Party in March, Toronto had one of its biggest snow storms in about 10 years. Odds? 1 day in 10 years (1 in 3650). And when I attended my first trade show, the Green Living Show, the TTC (Toronto Public Transit) went on strike for the exact two days of the show. Odds? two days in four years (they go on strike about every four years) (1 in 730). Total odds of all this happening? 1 in 1,815,072,000

All this happening in my first year you would think I would have thrown in the towel long time ago but nope. I’m pretty positive. Well, my first collection will be in Holt Renfrew. Besides, I really can’t continue to be this unlucky, think how easy things will be once this unluckiness is over.

This past weekend the JUZD street team joined the thousands of Enviro-friendly activists at the 2nd annual Green Living Show, Toronto’s premiere consumer show dedicated to all things green. Booths ranging from energy conservation, transportation to health and wellness and eco-fashions (just to name a few) filled the Direct Energy Center. Think shopping in a calm natural setting minus our furry friends and sunshine. We definitely saw some imaginative solutions to the global environmental crisis we are facing today. Who knew there were so many types of organic chocolate? I’m sure not complaining about all the free samples! Aside from organic nibbling, there were great green fashion initiatives too from t-shirts, to shopping bags and even enviro-friendly slippers. It was a one-stop shop for all the green enthusiasts out there.

Of course, the JUZD booth was bumping with beats and showcased this years Spring/Summer Bamboo collection which drew the interest of all- both young and old. With our big, bold and larger than life booth, it was hard not to miss the energy and excitement our team generated.

Former U.S. President Clinton took the stage on Friday to voice his concern about the challenges of globalization. He shared his unique insights, values and observations about today’s green initiatives which drew a large captive audience and media entourage.

Not to be out done by the former president, Jamie Kennedy, a legendary chef, also took the stage on Saturday. His commitment to organic agriculture and efforts to minimize damage on the environment drew a healthy audience to see what was cooking.

Whether people were there to learn about new green initiatives or to see the infamous Bill Clinton, it was great to see so many people come out to support and defend our environment. The Green Living Show estimated a 20% increase in attendees from last year’s show and it proves that being green is just not a trend but it is here for good. Our children will thank us later!

Next door to the Green Living Show, The Elle Show took place which was convenient for attendees to enjoy the entire day at the Direct Energy Center. Fashion shows and a special guest appearance from Steven Cojacaru, a fellow Canadian and West Coast Style Editor (better known for his honest but hilarious Red Carpet Analysis on Entertainment Tonight) proved to be entertaining as he gave the audience a good laugh with his Hollywood insight.

It was also exciting to see Evan Biddell and Lucian Matis (from Project Runway Canada) display their Canadian talent with their new Summer collection. It’s easy to see why Biddell won Project Runway Canada – his collection left the audience begging for more.

Despite the TTC strike, we had a great turn out as we saw numerous people carrying bike helmets and rollerblades in support of keeping the pollution at a minimum either by choice or necessity!

Three full days of Fashion shows, shopping, health and wellness and eco-friendly initiatives proved to be a success not only for our environment but for the JUZD team. We learned about new and exciting green initiatives andwere inspired to be even more eco-friendly. We are definitely looking forward to next year’s shows!