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Q1 Could you tell us what's a highlight of your recent design career?
Having no money... that was a pretty big highlight! But I would have to say going to London to show Embyrs at a tradeshow was in my top two.
Q2 If you were to dress one person, who would that be?
Abraham Lincoln. No. He's dead. Elvis! No. He's either abducted or dead. Your mom. Definitely your mom. |
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Q3 I see "revolution" was your inspiration. Could you explain?
Well it was kind of weird. The Beatles came up with the whole thing with the "love" backwards in the word revolution, and we have a vision to influence culture with Love to see change. But when the idea for the name Embyrs came about, we were thinking of using the regular spelling. Then a friend looked up the word in an old English dictionary and found "embyr" which literally meant "a running, a circuit, a revolution". So we adopted the "y" and began to make clothes that were infused with this revolutionary meaning.
Q4 What are you wearing this spring?
Honestly, I don't really have an agenda on what I'm wearing. Of course some of Embyrs stuff will be on my list, but other than that, find a cool looking parka perhaps?
Q5 Whose closet would you like to raid?
Carrot Top or Cher. Still undecided. |
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Q10 What are your aspirations?
When I started Embyrs, I had the idea that I wanted this company to be an umbrella for other people with similar heart and vision to launch their dreams from. As we have been developing ourselves that is continually part of our vision. Also, I have a friend down in South Africa that is running a school and sponsoring orphans to enroll there. The place is called Pfunanane which means "let's help each other", and we have a heart to be a part of that as Embyrs develops. |
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Q11 Music to live by
Wow, you guys have some pretty deep questions. Um... Jad Souza did the music for our website, and there is this flow that happens every time you listen to his stuff. Your spirit soars and you feel connected more than most music that I have ever listened to. For a more earthy feel, I love the sound of An Dochas. They are a Irish/World music band that really has an amazing vibe to them. Music in general is a big influence in the design work and creation of Embyrs. Many lines choose to align themselves with aggressive sports and the like, but we chose to use music as the channel for our vision.
Q12 If you can travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Italy has always been one of my dream places to go. They know romance, wine, and pasta... what could be better?
Q13 Tell us your secret favorite store.
Toys R' Us. Seriously. |
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| Embyrs Apparel was started in 2006 by Chris Drake in Coeur d'Alene (pronounced 'Core d' Lane'), Idaho, just over the state line from Spokane, Washington. Originally conceived with borrowed embroidery equipment in a garage over which he and his wife lived, Chris had a vision to challenge some of the conventions of the fashion industry by creating designs that were spiritually as well as aesthetically appealing. His goal was to create clothing that was an extension of one's person rather than an empty trend that actually distorts one's individuality. After much enthusiastic feedback, the decision was made to take what was initially just another creative outlet and pursue it full time. In the spring of 2007, Embyrs caught the eye of two British investors, through mutual contacts, who backed Chris' vision and allowed a move from the garage to a building in Coeur d'Alene with proper equipment. This also afforded Embyrs the ability to transition from a primarily volunteer-only workforce to a small full-time staff. Embyrs continues the venture to challenge the boundaries of everything from marketing to design and break from the assembly line mentality. |
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Q6 What do you offer to consumers different than others?
Everything done on our clothing is right here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in the USA. We hand distress some of our garments and put a unique touch into each one that can't be done overseas in a large factory. Also, each item in our line has a great fit for this generation. Our garments have a spiritual aspect that touches a deep place inside of the people wearing it as well as those who see it as they pass by. We want the garments to be about the design and art and not about our name. Don't get me wrong: we brand our stuff, but our first priority is the meaning of the garment.
Q7 What do you see people wearing on the streets that you think is not tasteful?
That's an easy one. You know the fad right now that is basically repeated screen prints on fabric pre cut and sew? Then the garment is sewn together and that's about it. I think that is some of the most uninspired and uncreative apparel that someone could create. |
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Q8 Is there a designer who inspires you the most?
I'm actually more inspired by the various cultures I have been a part of. England and South Africa are among the top.
Q9 What project you are working on right now?
It's a new design called "Wheel in a Wheel" which is inspired by music and intimacy. So far it's my favorite out of anything that I've done and can't wait to have it sampled. |
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Q14 What is your favorite cuisine? Could you tell us a good restaurant in your area?
Greek food is one of my favs. Nikos is a restaurant in Spokane that is one of the best I have ever been to. Great food, amazing atmosphere, superb service. If you're ever in the area, definitely give them a try.
Q15 Would you like to add anything for the fans?
You know, as I was going through this questionnaire... I realized I have a tendency to take myself too seriously. I think we often try to wear clothing that makes us appear as someone we are not. We want to create the appearance of cool because we are not secure in who we are. So clothing can be a mask of sorts that actually hides our identity rather than actually being an extension of you. I'm not a celebrity, and I don't want to be one. I try to be me, and I want to see everyone else be who they are. No pride, just love. Simple and revolutionary. |
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