Insider: Brain Wood
Posted on June 15, 2009
Filed Under PEEP THIS!, DOWNTOWN FASHION, VISUAL ARTS
Age: 29
Hometown: Elizabeth, NJ
School: Pratt Institute (2001) You studied at Pratt Univ. in Brooklyn.KS: You studied at Pratt Univ. in Brooklyn. Has studying at Pratt influenced your creativity?
BW: Of course. I entered Pratt with out any knowledge of Fashion Design or the Industry. While at Pratt I learned pattern making, sewing (fashion construction), Fashion Illustration, Light Color and Design and Textures. It was a great foundation.
KS: It seems as if you have a love thing for Brooklyn: you are doing a collbo with Vinnies Stlye. Speak on that a bit?
BW: When I went to Pratt I lived in BK and I stayed there a year after I graduated so I will always have a place for Brooklyn in my heart. My brand has been carried in Vinnies since mid 2008. We have done a few successful collaborations, and it has been a lot of fun working with Jacob and P. Vinnies is one of the better boutiques out there so I am happy to be working with them. When I sell to retailers I look to build and grow relationships not just sell for 1 season and be out.
KS:What is your process for creating a new line each season?
BW: When I develop a collection it is always a fun process! First I figure out my Inspiration and direction for the season which can come from EVERY DAY LIFE, CASUAL CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS, SEEING OTHER ARTISTS WORK, PEOPLE WHO LIVE LIFE WITH PASSION, SOCIAL ISSUES AROUND THE GLOBE, NEW YORK CITY!I then hand sketch designs, the edited styles then are drawn digitally.The next stage is picking out fabrications that will be used for the season. The computer sketches are then put into tech packs. If it is a new style there will be a pattern and muslin made before sample production. If it is a reissued style it will go straight into sample production.
KS: What does the brand B.Wood mean?
BW: B WOOD is confidence, youth, rebellion, artistic expression, an appreciation for art, innovation, truth Your line is embraced by many upcoming hip hop acts. Such as Mickey Factz, Fresh Daily, Homeboy Sandman, Peter Hadar. etc.
KS: Why is that you think?
BW: I think there is an appreciation for what I do, which I am extremely grateful for. Also it is a recognition of talent from one artist to another. I definitely get inspired by the music Mickey, Sandman, Fresh and others make and I hope I am able to bring inspiration to them as well. Your line is branded as “Street Wear.”
KS: What are the pros and cons to that?
BW: Really I didn’t know that.I feel like the word “STREET WEAR” has been worn out and whored, it basically is the new word for “urban” clothing. I consider my brand in the “designer category.”
KS: What are your plans for the brand in the next five years?
BW: Currently I am self financed, but seeking financial backing that would enable me to expand into children’s t-shirts and womenswear. In 2009, I definitley want to do more product collaborations! I also would love to be brought onto design collections for other design houses. It’s an awesome experience to step outside my box and help bring someone’s vision to life. I love to create and I am always up for the challenge.
KS: What is your new spring/summer line about?
BW: Spring/Summer 2009 - Flash The Queen - was inspired by a view through the eyes of the anti-establishment within the old English club. The colelction is inspired by rebellion and is sprinked with sexual undertones a la FLASH THE QUEEN. I had a lot of fun designing this particular collection, I wanted to take the customer into a creative new world known as my imangination.
KS: What’s your favorite design to date?
BW: Hands down “The Ninja”! We reissue it every season with a slight twist. It’s orgin was spring 2007, “Ninja Garden.” It always is cute in a water repellant fabircation and has a zip up mask with ventilation and inset clear plastic at the eyes for the wearer to see while the mask is unzipped. It looks awesome and is quite functional which is the most important part.
Lastly, all I can say is “OUR RANSOM IS LOVE.” See you next season
- Courtesy of Keith Selby
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