January 12^th, 2009 marked the launch of PUSH IT Magazine - Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina’s first international style magazine.

Conceived by Editor-In-Chief Gabriel Opoku, PUSH IT Magazine is intended to educate, inform and promote the best of eastern European talent alongside up and coming international trendsetters while raising awareness to a region often neglected by the fashion industry. Initially launched online, PUSH IT Magazine is now founded in printed/published form.

“I couldn’t be more excited about launching PUSH IT in an emerging market” says PUSH IT Magazine creator and Editor-In-Chief, Gabriel Opoku “The launch of PUSH IT is targeted at meeting the needs of the fashion industry and fashion conscious alternative young people, which for some time has been lacking a reliable, educational, informative, quality high-fashion magazine”

Meet…Gabriel Opoku

What is your greatest extravagance?

Hmmm, that’s a difficult one. Right now it’s Sky+ (a kind of Tivo) and Diptyque candles. Before the credit crunch it was Raf Simmons Astro boots, Westwood trousers and flights every 2 weeks. Sadly 2009 / 2010 is all about being wise and cost-effective… No one likes a broke fashionista!

What’s on your nightstand?

I don’t have anything on my nightstand as I feel it distracts me if I am trying to sleep. Maybe sometimes “Men’s Health” to remind me what not to eat, but I can only read “Men’s Health whilst eating a large chocolate muffin, so it’s kind of counter-productive.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Some say humour, or lack of humour depending on the situation. I would like to think people know me for “following through”. Completing what I start etc. Also honesty. I try and be as honest as possible within reason, obviously I would never hurt anyone’s feelings if it weren’t necessary. I mean no one needs to know that no one likes them!

What’s your biggest vice?

Well apart from sweet things, I do like to obsess.. There is nothing like analyzing something to the nth degree until you get so bored, you’re over it! It can be a love situation, can be an idea, can be anything I am unsure or excited about. I like to analyze something to the point that I don’t care the outcome.

What trait do you find unacceptable in others?

I hate people who are all talk and no action. If you are going to do something do it! If not let me know! Plus people who can’t keep secrets. I love keeping secrets and can’t bear people who blab!

What do you view as the most overrated virtue?

I think virtue is over-rated does that count?

What quality do you admire most in a woman?

Discretion – I love people who keep their mouths shut.

What quality do you admire most in a man?

Discretion – The same goes for men too. Men gossip more than women did you know that? Most men have never been bitched-slapped in school for gassing too much, unlike most women who have.

How would you like to die?

Ewww, probably in my sleep, but I’d rather not think about that now I’ve got loads of things to do before then.

Favorite curse word?

Probably shit, but I try not to curse, ‘cos I find those fucking curse words always slip out at the wrong fucking moment.

At home, what is the most important room to you, and why?

My living room, as its got bits of my favourite art, large TV and a lovely sofa that I always end up sleeping on even though I have a nice bed.

Last five Google Searches?

How to lose 10Ilbs in 3 days

Is Lady Gaga a man?

Vanity Six

Cheap flights to Zagreb

How to tell a friend they have bad breath

If you had two hours to relax, and a budget of $100- how would you spend it?

Hmm that’s about 80 pounds. I would have like 8 Lycee Martinis at Soho House and chat with my friends on messenger whilst flicking through a magazine. Alternatively I would book a cheap flight somewhere and dream about what I’m going to do there.

Do you have any reoccurring dreams?

Not really. I do keep having De ja vu. Dreaming something, and then have it happen during the day about a month later. I don’t know what that means. Bloody Beyonce and her subliminal messages in her songs. She has a lot to answer for… Actually I did dream I tripped on Beyonce’s wig once… that hasn’t happened yet in real life but who knows?

What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?

I get turned on by energy. I love people who are full of energy and doing their own thing. I love people who have ideas. They inspire me and I love bouncing off their energy. I like people who are a mirror of myself.

What turns you off?

Jaded people. It’s such an ugly trait! The fashion industry is full of jaded people. Been there, done that, no energy levels, catty, cynical.. I think when you get to that stage, the only place you should be is 6 foot under in a lovely wooden box. I try and avoid people with bad energy like the plague.

What turns you on?

Energy, life, nature, happy people… There is nothing more sexy in a person that someone with life in their eyes or touch of naughtiness.

Name your poison?

Amaretto. Amaretto on the rocks, Amaretto in coke, Amaretto in orange juice, Amaretto in biscuits, Amaretto in cakes… it really does go with most things and is truly evil.. That and Limoncello.

What is your present state of mind?

Hopeful, confident, daring…

New York or L.A.?

I’m more of a Europe person. If I had to choose I would say New York, just for the fast-paced way of life but for forward fashion, my heart belongs to Europe.

Sum up your personal style?

At the moment, I am really going through an all black stage with lots of layers. I tend to naturally always go against the grain. I miss the days when fashion wasn’t so mainstream and when everyone was a bit of a character.

Favorite Artist?

My favourite artists (can I have more than one?) are Warhol, Koons and Basquait I love their sensibility.

Favorite Photographer?

Again can I have more than one? Guy Bourdin, I love his work… and also Mario Testino for his candid work. I do enjoy flicking through his books and looking at the pictures he takes behind the scenes and at parties.

Favorite Magazine?

I don’t really have one at the moment apart from my own (PUSH IT MAGAZINE - wink wink). When I was growing up I loved the The Face and Sky Magazine. I lived for them; I had them plastered all over my walls… may they rest-in-peace.

Blackberry or I-phone?

Don’t get me started on the I-phone and the lack of battery. We will be here all day. I do love it for the apps, especially Nimbuzz and Beejive that let me talk to all my messenger contacts in every app all in one application. I used to have a Blackberry, I think I might switch back, but then I can’t check out pics like the I-phone. The phone I really miss is my old Ericsson T28. Slim, light and the battery lasted for days.

Worst trend of present time?

Mass fashion. I hate clones. Whether it’s good fashion or bad fashion I hate not being able to see individual style. Now everyone is dressing like they stepped out of the Satorialist. I mean he does get around and has a great eye, but the kids globally hanging around trendy street corners waiting to be papped is a fashion faux pas. Dress for yourself, not for a facebook like.

Your prediction on the next big thing?

I really see luxury brands coming back with a vengeance. With mass fashion being so the norm, I really see the people yearning for unique, individual pieces that aren’t so available. Real individuality will come back, plus a desire for luxury. Tailored and well-made goods meant to last will be hot again!

If you could wear only one designer for the next 10 years, whom would you choose?

I think Westwood, I think her clothes have stood the test of time and its all so wearable. Also Les Hommes.

If you were forced to pick a uniform, which you would have to wear everyday from now on, what would it comprise of?

All black, or a black t-shirt, blue jeans and white plimsolls. That look never seems to age. From the 50s right to the modern day!

Most overrated fashion icon?

Lady Gaga.

Choice of watch?

Anything with a huge face.

Favorite Hotel in:

Los Angeles? Hmmm my friends house, does that count?

New York? The Hudson, as I have very fond memories from many years ago. Dancing and having fun, and getting lost trying to find the damn place.

Surprise Me - I love The Regent in Zagreb (Croatia) its old school luxury of a bygone era. They are all so nice and polite. Can I get a free upgrade now?

Best place for dinner in:

Los Angeles? 25 degrees, don’t know how you get there, but it was cute.

New York? For me it has to be Indochine. I got taken there ages ago by my best friend and had such a good time I was pushed into a cab. Any restaurant that has that affect on you is a winner in my book! I also love Grays Papaya… It’s so something you can’t do in London.

Surprise me - If you are ever in London you must go to Bristotheque. It’s a super cute restaurant hidden away in Hackney and it’s just so cosy. My friends and I love sitting there for hours getting eye-balled by the waiters who want to clear the table, but it’s a must!

Best place for brunch in:

Los Angeles? Brunch in LA… hmm never done it. I must say though that the Chateau Marmont has enough to feast your eyes with, especially people watching..

New York? It has to be Soho House New York. Just to hear other English accents and have a full English breakfast. It’s a home away from home…

Surprise me – If you are ever in London you must go to Princi. It’s on Wardour Street and is the UK version of the famous bakery in Milan. It’s the perfect place for Brunch and meeting friends.

Best place to party in:

Los Angeles? It has to be my hotel room. People in LA call it a night way too early… The party only really gets going from 3am.

New York? I did have a blast at the W in Times Square bar once. Me and a whole bunch of German tourists getting down to 50 cent. I don’t know how security thought we were fighting. Obviously they have never seen drunken tourists dancing, and I kind of see how the un-coordinated arm waving can look like punches being thrown. Never the less, walking round Times Square in Comme Des Garcon without a coat at 2am is no fun.

Surprise me -Disco Bloodbath in Dalston (London) is kind of beyond… check it out.