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Q1 When did you first want to be a designer?
We both felt an awakening around the age of 12 & 13.
Q2 What's a highlight of your recent design career?
It was creating$18,000 denim for Steve Wynn, for Wynn Las Vegas. It was 6.5kt in diamonds set in white 14k gold on our trademark pocket. Also our trademark button was incrusted with rubies. These jeans had a wash that had 12 processes. Mr. Wynn has set the standards so high, that it was an honor and a nerve racking moment all at the same time.
Q3 Please tells us about your brand. What is the concept behind it?
The brand is very modern and clean with an edge. It's our details, which separate us from the pack. The concept emulates the juxtaposition between men's and women's, and vintage and modern sensibilities. Having worked for fashion house such as John Varvatos, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Michael Kors has given us a different approach to making denim and trousers. We are a true tailored denim and trouser label in the market. We are not architects, actors, hairstylist, or rappers that decided to start a denim line and claim to be designers.
Q4 Is there a designer who inspires you the most?
Gianni Versace... we miss him... what a genius...
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Q5 Where do you go for inspiration?
There are many sources we get inspiration from, music, architecture and NYC. Our philosophy is bringing polar opposites together to create a perfect product. Since polar opposites exist in all things, inspiration can come from anywhere. You just have to know whether it is inspiration or delusion.
Q6 In the past, what was your favorite project and why?
One favorite project was coming up with trousers to coincide with our denim. We were told by everyone when we were creating trousers, that you can't be a denim and trouser company. You have to be one or the other. We have managed to put out trousers in the market that have received rave retail performance. They have been sold out at most retailers. Now the big boys are scrambling to do the same.
Q7 Tell us your secret favorite store.
Barney's New York |
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Q16 Please tells us your favorite fashion moment of all time.
There are so many... Mary J. Blige took Bishop of Seventh denim out of her gift bag and wore it on stage during her performance at Wynn Las Vegas' Grand opening. Also, Carrie Underwood is wearing Bishop of Seventh denim on her current tour with Keith Urban. Another big moment was wining the lawsuit against Cache, who has over 400 retail stores. They copied our denim and trademark pocket, as a result they had to destroy their inventory and pay restitution. We are very protective over our brand as if it was our child. Sharing coffee with Adriano Goldschmidt was a great moment for us. Not only is he a mega talent, who had labels such as Replay, Diesel, AG and Gold Sign under his direction, but he is the kindest sweetest soul you could ever know. There are not too many people in the industry that can hold a candle to him. We were much honored to have met him and talk shop. |
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Q17 Would you like to add anything for the Japanese fans?
We are headed to Japan next season with our line. Bishop was picked up by a distributor in Tokyo. We also have an exceptional Japanese fan. She is the talented actress Nae Yuki. We look forward to bringing Bishop to the fashion forward Japanese fans. |
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| Bishop of Seventh was started in Spring 2006. It means a presence from Seventh Ave (fashion Ave. in NYC) Our trademark cross logo reflects that. The vertical line represents Seventh Ave. in NYC and the horizontal line represents us as a part of Seventh Ave. We experienced working for some of the best fashion houses in NYC, so the name and logo coincide with our roots. Previously we were under the label Prasad, where we had a collection and denim. We were doing really well with the denim since it was ahead of it's time. At that time we had introduced a Tuxedo denim in its raw state, which no one was producing. It blew out of the stores. We decided to focus on one category to build our name. I packed a duffle bag and headed to LA, to produce the finest tailored denim possible. I ended up in the wash houses perfecting and creating new wash techniques. The factories in LA had to be shown how a tailored denim should be sewn, and the rest fell into place eventually. Our denim is timeless, it is one of the few denim lines, when hung next to others, you can actually see the difference between the two. So many lines look identical and the only thing differentiating them is the name or label. We were the first ones to utilize saddle stitching in our inseams as a trade dress. Other signature details include our menswear curtain waistband, and welt pockets on all denim. We have kept our signature treatments on all garments. It is a way of keeping our product consistent. Our approach is also different when it comes to branding. Our brand is exclusive, that is what you are purchasing on top of a quality garment. We don't want to over saturate the market with our product. There is nothing worst than going shopping or out on the town and a woman or man has the same pair of jeans on as you do. I don't understand how other companies say they are so exclusive and premium. This needs to be redefined. We do turn down distribution so we are not over saturated like other lines. It is all being a part of Bishop of Seventh. We are modern, clean with an edge. We are the next generation of denim and trousers. It is all about Juxtaposition, this is always our inspiration. I always say you cannot appreciate light without darkness. Together they let you have a fascinating and spirited experience. |
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Q8 What project you are working on right now?
Launching menswear, which consist of tailored knits, trousers, and denim.
We are also working on a Charity event with Earthrights International. It is an event to bring awareness of the human rights atrocities going on in the world today.
Q9 Tell us about your next collection. Any future plans?
Our next collection still holds the Bishop philosophy. We are working on launching a full fledged collection for Spring Summer 09.
Q10 Name three things we might be surprised to find in your closet.
Love our sweat pants big over sized ones are awesome although we have a soft spot for Adidas. In there you will also find tons of sneakers, loads of different hats, and vintage scarves. Levi's, Levi's, Levi's.... A true designer only wears Levi's or his own label, no other denim... why is that? |
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Q11 Whose closet would you like to raid?
Brad Pitt and Kate Moss for their street chic, polished style with a clean and modern edge. Maybe some other denim designers, just to see if they have Bishop hanging somewhere.
Q12 Music to live by
Virgin killer and Sinatra
Q13 If you can travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Africa or Tibet, you feel a kinship. They are places which make you humble if you already aren't.
Q14 Where do you live?
We just moved to LA from NY. We live in the Toy Factory Lofts, it is the closest thing to the meat packing district in NYC. It is also a few blocks away from Little Tokyo.
Q15 What is your favorite guilty meal?
Disco fries, ( French fries with melted mozzarella cheese and brown gravy) |
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