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Q1 Could you tell us about Name Ribbon? How did the line start and how do you define its style?
We started as a sperm, a sperm who might not have been as big or strong or as fast of a swimmer as other sperms, but by god, this sperm had heart. And with a little cunning, a lot of luck, and an unmatched sense of fashion, this sperm swam his little heart into the egg of freedom. That egg of freedom grew into what we are today; a butt load of weirdos, skaters, survivalists, and scientists. |
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Our style is simply defined by what we think is cool right now and what we think our friends will like to wear. We are not too complicated: a thousand monkeys at a thousand sewing machines would eventually make what we have made. The only difference is that monkeys don't own a book of pantone colors or have the phone number for the factory, so we get it done a little faster.
Q2 How did you get the brand name? What is the meaning behind it?
NAME Ribbon was born in a tattoo parlor on the Lower East Side, NYC. The tattoo artist had simply left the word 'NAME' on their sample drawing of the distinctive 'I love Mom' tattoo which incorporates a ribbon over a heart. It was striking how a meaningless graphic could be imbued with such life-long personal meaning just by adding the individual. The NAME ribbon is therefore a platform for expression that is given meaning by the individual who owns and displays it. |
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Q6 Your line seems to have lots of 80's hip hop culture influences, what's inspiring your work?
I don't think we consciously look at different eras or subcultures since the collective is so diverse. Instead we collectively absorb cultural data points from our environment and imagine what we'd like to look like in a few months. |
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Q7 Where are you originally from? What type of hobbies did you have or do while you were a teen?
We are a design collective so our members hail from everywhere from New York, to Tokyo, Montreal, San Francisco, Seattle, Copenhagen, etc... We try to keep a fresh perspective by having people from all over who live in different places. And we like to have different kinds of people; rockers, hiphoppers, electro-kids, skaters, bikers, fashion kids, artists, and industrial designers. Whoever is creative, relaxed, and accomplished can join.
Q8 How did you get into design?
Design is a lifestyle theme today. There is no excuse for things in your life that are not well-designed since you can design practically everything yourself these day. We try to design our whole lifestyle, from the clothes we wear, to the music we listen to, to the furniture we sit on, and the art we look at. |
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Name Ribbon was born in a tattoo shop in New York City, the idea was from the famous 'I love Mom' tattoo that the tatoo artist had simply left the word 'Name' on the sample. This meaningless graphic could be a life long personal meaning just by putting the individual name.
NAME Ribbon is a platform for expression for the individuals.
Check out their website for more details. www.nameribbon.com |
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Q3 Do you manage a tatoo parlor on the Lower East Side?
Nope, just hang out there.
Q4 Please tell us about Fall 2007 Collection. What sort of pieces are feature in the collection?
Actually there is a season between Fall and Spring called 'Resortwear' which we feel has been severely neglected. Therefore we are taking a stand against Fall '07 and holding our collection until Resortwear 08, meaning that we will release in Jan/Feb '08 instead. Fall/Winter is all about being cold, going back to work or school and that didn't sound very fun to us. We want our lives to feel like going on a cruise to a vacation resort all year, so we're using our clothing to start off the new year on the right note. Each collection is based around concepts, not just random designs, which generally include one industry commentary piece, one remix from the prior season, one experimental piece, one guest design, an accessory, and one or two pieces we just think are lovely and bananas. |
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Resortwear '08 will be no different and we are experimenting with one new production technique as well as adding a new item to the collection, but if I tell, the collective will strangle my pet rhinoceros, Gary.
Q5 Currently which stores carry your line in US and Japan?
We sell in a few boutiques that we like in major markets. Email us for specific locations. |
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Q9 What are some of your interest today?
Milkshake club, bad skating, unnecessarily high-concept remixes, surviving in nature, clothes that accentuate my junk, colored carrot-cuts, x-ray specs, meats with other meats hiding inside, beer that comes in wine bottles, art shoes.
Q10 For the future season, what else can people expect from your line? What is your goal as a designer?
They can expect us to keep experimenting, to chew with our mouths closed, and to not really give us f*ck. Our only goals are to make stuff we think is cool until we are so spaced out, we become fashion rocket men (and women).
Q11 Any last words?
Flashfilm has my baby and it's late on child support. |
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