Interview Roundup

meganzanke — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:36:02 -0700

Team Coutorture is in San Francisco this week, missing New York a lil' bit, but busy and happy in the meantime. To tide you over, here's a roundup of our most recent designer interviews (that's really the good stuff isn't it?) for content-therapy. We're not willing to beat you over the head with the quick stuff, so we figure we'll just send you over to the pockets we think are worthwhile, until all resumes normalcy next week. Thanks for being such a lovely reader, oh, and have you seen the Naeem Khan Resort 2009 collection? Gush, gush, gush. Makes us think of cougars and martinis and pool boys. Designer Steinunn Sigurd gave us a few kind words in conjunction with our One Train photo shoot. She was a Senior Designer for Tom Ford and lives in Iceland now, working on her line and hanging out with her dog. Sue Stemp is another lovely designer we've created some crazy content around. In addition to shooting her Fall 08 collection post-fashion week, we interviewed her about the process both before and after the show, and, funnily enough, added her blog to our network. For independent designers, we've recently gotten a hold of The Hellers, a brother and sister street wear design duo, Layla Pakzad of Salt Swimwear, and Jesse Finkelstein of JF&Son (on his way to becoming a straight-up household name) whose clothing we shot in a rooftop photo shoot and who, at the moment, is over in India maintaining production facilities so that young, emerging designers can ethically and affordably access the textiles and craftsmanship that the country offers. For video interviews, we have many, but most recently we caught hold of Charles Nolan at his Resort showing, where we sipped lemonade and watched an easy to wear, Americana-themed collection, be presented on a stage equipped with American flag streamers and old fashioned summertime props. In case you didn't know, we also venture away from designer interviews on a regular basis. Our Garmento video series is the best example of this effort. In this series we interview everyone from screenprinters to boutique owners. Also up on the site recently was a cool little interview with the buyer of New York boutique OAK, and one very meta interview with the perfumer behind CB I Hate Perfume. Enjoy!

Interview: Just Another Rich Kid

coutorture — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:39:01 -0800

Ken Courtney's t-shirts draw on pop culture without being entirely sincere nor overtly ironic. His shirts are actually quite funny which works out well because the sort of people who spend a hundred dollars on their t-shirts, definitely have a sense of humor. For a nicely fit, high quality cotton t-shirt, with a print that says a lot with a little bit of space, it's not like we think the purchase isn't justified. In fact, Just Another Rich Kid t-shirts really move beyond 'basics' because, though appropriate as layering pieces, they're just as fit to be strong-minded garments with some major real estate in your closet. After the jump, Ken Courtney gives us the break-down of his collection and the other aspects of his brand, namely his killer blog and designs beyond t-shirts.
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What was the concept behind the s/s 08 collection? Live Fast, Die Young !! The collection consists of our design team's take on the darker side of humanity. Influences include: tragic pop culture icons, death and dying, Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven, Easy Rider, Rebel Without A Cause, The Outsiders, Satanism, punk rock zines, religious iconography, Joy Division, illustrated alphabets & ornate manuscript letters, drips, Bauhaus, death metal, and infamous front page headlines.

How does it, if at all, fit in with what’s happening with other labels this season? I have no clue!!

It’s a deal breaker, we know, if a t-shirt doesn’t fit well. Aside from the imagery on your shirts, can you tell us about the fit and quality? The fit is amazing: it’s been tailored to fit my specifications. Slim fit with a super soft enzyme-washed cotton. It’s all about the fit for Ju$t Another Rich Kid. I’m meticulous with all of the details.

this.heart’s.on.fire. is a perfect example of the element of lifestyle encouraging brand identity. Though I don’t suppose it began as a power point presentation, in what way did you anticipate that the blog would illuminate the brand and contribute to its success? It’s intention is to give another level of insight into what Ju$t Another Rich Kid is all about. It’s definitely an extension of the brand in every way.

As your business grows, do you find it more difficult to be cool? In other words, with everyone watching, is confident conceptual thinking compromised or encouraged? That’s a tough one. I don’t think it has anything to do with everyone watching. When everyone’s watching, it’s easier to be cooler. It has to do with sales. You can’t do FUCK GUCCI tees and ever think any other large US department store will carry your line. And as we all know, you’ve gotta make money to stay afloat.

So, what’s in store for a/w 08? Men’s crewneck tees, raglan sleeve hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts, long sleeve henleys, tailored slim-fit button up shirts (these are amazing!), Italian wool military jackets, and a new series of Indulgences gold dipped jewelry. It’s 7 charms based on the concept of the “7 Deadly Sins”.