MMWOS Fashion Talks To Fabrice Tardieu

Hello all my MMWOS readers! I am so happy to bring to you a exclusive interview with fashion designer Fabrice Tardieu.  After great success with his Bogosse shirt collection, Fabrice create his namesake fashion line in 2014. Fabrice Tardieu collection takes inspiration for streetwear from all over the world. Today, I am talking to Fabrice Tardieu about his latest colections and more.

Here is MMWOS Fashion Talks To Fabrice Tardieu!

Photo courtesy of Fabrice Tardieu

What is your earliest memory of fashion?

When I was 12 years old I had a pair of bass canvas sneakers from my mothers shoe factory and decided to cut a piece of leather to apply to the front, which reinvented the design. Twenty years later I came across designs from Lanvin that shared the same aesthetic.

In what way did that Experience encourage you to become a designer?

This experience taught me even at a young age that I had the natural ability to be a designer.

Photo courtesy of Fabrice Tardieu

When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?

Working for Giorgio Armani was an amazing experience that immersed me into the industry. The problem is that when you work for someone else’s brand you never truly have the ability to fully express yourself. Because of this, I decided I needed my own brand as a platform for my creativity.

What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?

I always played around with designs and making sure my own garments stood out amongst my friends. I’ve designed several items that are still in production, 16 years later!

Photo courtesy of Fabrice Tardieu

How did Fabrice Tardieu come to be?

I had the vision to create my own brand for years and decided in 2013 it was the right time. I jumped on the next flight to Italy and began searching for a manufacturer.

How is Fabrice Tardieu different from other menswear collections?

Fabrice Tardieu is unique brand because it has an uncompromised level of craftsmanship and features design conscious details that other brands do not offer.

Photo courtesy of Fabrice Tardieu

What are some of your proudest accomplishments as a designer?  

In 2006, I was fortunate to see the rapid success and industry recognition for my shirt brand, which featured leather cufflinks, oversized collars and unique button designs. Another milestone for me was launching my own namesake brand, Fabrice Tardieu.

What matters to you most as a fashion designer?

You always need to be well grounded and understand current design and consumer trends. My garments are made to be versatile so that a variety of different consumers can wear my products.

Photo courtesy of Fabrice Tardieu

What do you hope to have achieved in the industry, 10 years from now? 

I hope to further expand the collection and to develop a womenswear line.

How would you define the style your line exemplifies?

Fabrice Tardieu offers men the ultimate in laid-back luxury lifestyle.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is the greatest form of self-expression.

I would like to thank Fabrice Tardieu for the interview
Until next Time 
Milan Malan Word on The Street 

MMWOS Fashion talks to Jon Okagak of Elliot Havok

Photos courtesy of Elliot Havek

Hello my music lovers and style icons! Today, I have a great new interview just for you. I had the chance to talk to Jon of Elliot Havok.  The men's fashion line Elliot Havek has added a new line of belts called the Quarter Century Belts, QC Belts for short. QC belts are hand crafted leather belts and are a stable in any stylish man's wardrobe. 

MMWOS: Tell us about a day in your life.

Jon of E.H: I currently study at UCSB & work with Elliot Havok.  In between attending classes, I maintain customer relations, deal with promotion and media opportunities, and work on future projects.  

MMWOS:How did the Elliot Havok collection come to be?

Jon of E.H:  Our founder, Steven Elliot, started Elliot Havok with the aim of providing quality accessories designed for convenience of use without sacrificing aesthetic.  Our initial offering, the Dash Wallet, was met with universally positive responses from tech blogs and media outlets such as DudeIWantThat and Gearculture. Subsequent projects including the Keydisk, Dash 2.0 & Trim Wallet garnered similar positive responses.  Collaborating with designer Noah Eckhous opened the door for Elliot Havok to expand our offerings to include leather goods.  

Photos courtesy of Elliot Havek

MMWOS:Lets talk about one of my favorite items from Elliot Havok collection, the Quarter Century belt. How did Quarter Century beltcome to be. 

Jon of E.H: Noah created the Quarter Century Belt to be an accessible staple for any wardrobe that is guaranteed to last.  Noah’s background in classic American crafting and leatherworking is evidenced through his works; our leather goods are made with time-honored constructed methods proven through the test of time. The Quarter Century Belt emphasizes strength through simplicity.  Designing the belt with only 3 key components-leather, chicago screws and a center bar buckle-effectively minimizes failure points & thus minimizes risk of damage or construction errors.  Doing so also allows for us at Elliot Havok to allocate the bulk of our resources towards choosing the the finest input materials.  Minimizing the possibility of error and maximizing the reliability of the materials used was the basis for offering the 25 year guarantee that became the belt’s namesake.  

Photos courtesy of Elliot Havek

MMWOS:How long does it usually take you to construct a Quarter Century belt?

Jon of E.H:  The simplicity of the Quarter Century Belt’s design also serves to expedite the construction process.  As Kickstarter backers pledge before receiving product, we at Elliot Havok work to deliver our products on time, every time.  Our track record displays exactly such; each of our previous products were delivered to backers without delay.  Nonetheless, ensuring that our products are made exactly to specifications is our first priority.  Founder Steven Elliot’s considerable experience with manufacturing and product execution is pivotal in doing so.

Photos courtesy of Elliot Havek

MMWOS:What makes Quarter Century Belts different from other belts on the market?

Jon of E.H:  Most high-quality leather belts are made by high-fashion brands, which unfortunately bring along increases in price due to their branding.  The Quarter Century Belt is made with the same emphasis on construction and quality without the subsequent effects of branding upon price point and availability.  We sidestep the distribution and branding markups at a wholesale rate. Rather than offering our products through boutiques and high-end retail stores, we chose to make the Quarter Century Belt available and affordable through our kickstarter campaign.  

Photos courtesy of Elliot Havek

MMWOS:Describe the Elliot Havok man.

Jon of E.H:  With a clean, classical look, Quarter Century Belt fits into a variety of different looks and wardrobes.  The Elliot Havok man could be a young fashionista, a man whos’ style is refined with age, or a man who works in active or strenuous labor looking for a belt that holds up through the strain of an active lifestyle.  Furthermore, our belts are offered in women’s sizes, so the Elliot Havok person is not even necessarily male.  

MMWOS:What are some of your pet peeves in men's fashion?

Jon of E.H:  My main issue with men’s fashion is elitism and exclusivity.  Many high end brands, focusing on leather goods or otherwise, aspire to exclude customers that do not fit the lifestyle portrayed by the brand.  High price points and lack of availability are methods of control used by brands for this exact purpose.  Doing so may increase perception of a brand as being superior, but subsequently bar potential customers from access to one’s products.  

MMWOS:What do you hope to have achieved in the industry, 10 years from now? 

Jon of E.H:  Our products are designed to last for the length of the guarrantee and more.  We at Elliot Havok aim to become a mainstay in the leather goods market. We always ensure the highest quality customer service and product as well. We offer full refunds, no questions asked if the product does not live up to expectations. That being said, we are very confident in the product and our company culture which will lead us to long term success.

Photos courtesy of Elliot Havek

MMWOS:Where do you get your inspiration?

Jon of E.H:  As mentioned earlier, the Quarter Century Belt embodies strength through simplicity. Elliot Havok products come from various influences; Steven’s understanding of functionality shines through the sleek silhouette of the Dash Wallet.  I draw my brand philosophy from growing up working in the clothing and fashion industries.  Noah’s traditional  American construction methods come alive through the Quarter Century Belt.  

MMWOS:How does music influence your brand?

Jon of E.H:  I grew up listening to various kinds of music.  From growing up around soul, hip-hop, jazz, classic rock to more recent genres, music has been a consistent influence upon my life for as long as I can remember.  Similarly to the fashion industry, presentation and artist perception plays a part in determining an artist’s fanbase, success and the content of their music.  Analysis of this phenomenon in both mediums helps me determine how I present our products.  Artists that make music that is universally enjoyable and accessible without posturing and pretention are recognized for doing so.  We at Elliot Havok strive for the same functional, universally likable beauty in our products.