Growing up, Derek Curry engaged in really typical Cajun activities. Playing the accordion. Skinning raccoons. Eating jambalaya. Dating his cousin. Then one day, everything changed. He discovered skateboarding, and from there other elements of street culture. He became fascinated with sneakers and fashion. He moved on from backwoods behavior, only to keep the slightly off putting accent.

Most of that is a lie. What is true is that Derek Curry knows sneakers and streetwear. So well, in fact, that he hedged his bets and opened Louisiana's first premium sneaker boutique in 2006. Located in Lafayette, Politics has become a destination for the South's finest skaters and rappers alike. Derek has received visits from luminaries like Rick Ross, Mike Jones, and the late Pimp C, each leaving their respective marks on the stores history.

As far as accounts, Politics is up there with the best. The shop stocks The Hundreds, Crooks, Orchard Street and Diamond. Its got sneakers from New Balance, Nike and Puma. Whats more, Dereks own store brand is building, so make sure to check for the New Eras and tees in the near future.

In the heat of the primary elections, I thought it appropriate to catch up with Derek and talk Politics.

Pants: Quickly, whats the background/history of the store?

Derek: I just graduated from college and instead of staying in school to get my MBA, I decided to do something I'm passionate about. Politics.

Pants: What draws you to "street culture?"

Derek: Always was involved in it. So I guess there is no draw I just live it.

Pants: Everyone knows the south is "country," and lets be fair, "trapping" ain't "street culture." Thoughts?

Derek: I think Louisiana gets a bum rap on being overly country. Yes occasionally I have to wrestle a gator to get to the front door of my house, but doesn't everyone?

Pants: Zydeco in-stores? Could be good!

Derek: Nah, I can't deal with it.

Pants: Who has the best boobs in the world?

Derek: Butter Bean or this chick Ambere David that lurks around the store. Email me for naked pics of either of them.

Pants: What is the best story you know about Rob Heppler?

Derek: Fuck, hard to pick one, but I guess him getting jacked by a Mexican pharmacist is great. Banging the hooker in Vegas while the Weekly Drop crew was trying to sleep is funny too. Get the details from that clown.

Pants: Are there any challenges related to your retail niche in Lafayette?

Derek: Yep, trying to get big names brands to pay attention to us. Hint, hint, Nike upgrade our account.

Pants: Favorite brands of the last few years?

Derek: Nike. The Hundreds by far have the best service and organization. Crooks kills down here. At this moment though I'm really into Diamond Supply.

Pants: Favorite sneaker of all time?

Derek: I'm a huge Air Max fan, but the 90s are definitely my favorite. All of the huf versions and the DQM 90s are definitely in my top 10.

Pants: Shoe you are looking forward to in '08?

Derek: Nike Air Max Structure and the Air Max 90 Free hybirds.

Pants: Shop brands/labels are a growing trend, what are you brewing up for the Politics line?

Derek: We have a long list of things we are trying to do this year. Keep an eye out for the New Era's and Tees coming out for every holiday.

Pants: Does streetwear increase or decrease ones chance of scoring high class trim?

Derek: If you are ugly, you are ugly no matter what you wear. So get that straight first.

Pants: You have had some pretty high profile visitors to the shop. Who has been the most hilarious customer?

Derek: Mike Jones has to lock down the top spot for hilarious customer. He came in with eight other dudes and just balled out. The funny part was when the whole group gets in this heated argument about living on the tour bus together. And the guy in a kilt that came asking for Greedy Genius. (See the attached pic)

Pants: Where is the oddest place you have put your finger?

Derek: I went deer hunting for the first time a few weeks ago and had to clean the deer. Rubbing down a skinless deer trying to get the ovaries to fall out was not too normal for me.

Pants: What are the biggest trends in your area? What trends make you shake your head in confusion/disgust?

Derek: Everyone has on a fitted and a hoody. I hate those damn graphic tees with skulls everywhere, tight ass jeans, and the worst of all, FAKE shoes with matching FAKE outfit.

Pants: Shout outs?

Derek: Mr. Awesome, Ambere, DJ Gaudin -- this kid is the next big thing in skateboarding, so look out for him. Leakly Faucet and the Politics Skate Team, Concepts front man Deon Point. All of my friends and family. A big shout out to every one that supports the store! Thanks.

Off topic: You can now find my sports related commentary here.