MADGOD
By Neil Guban
Where did the inspiration come from your last collection?
I am a big history buff, for the collection, It was based on The Cold War. The Berlin Wall being torn down. Back then, they had to make fashion work for them. If a garment was too big, they would cut it up, or if they stained a shirt, they would tye-dye it. I want to show the hardships of what that era went through but with my take on it.
How did your start as a designer?
My friend, Neil is the designer of Jonas. I have helped out in the past, He asked me to help out at Fashion Week. We ended collaborating, and that’s how I met Shelia who pushed me to start my own label and attend fashion week the following year.
What was the moment you realized you turn this into more than just a passion?
It wasn’t until I saw my work on the catwalk. Hearing the applause of the crowd gave me the self-confidence I needed to realize what I meant to do.
What is one thing you wish you knew before you started?
I wish I would have known to bring in a team. I am my biggest critic. And not having that team to bounce ideas off of.
What advice would you give the new designers?
You can make anything out of something that is already there. You can take an old shirt and put your own graphic design on it. Don’t be afraid to be original - just go for it. There is no better time to start than now.
What do you do to stay inspired?
As funny as this sounds, I love old-time movies and using that as my inspiration, just by adding a modern look to it.
What is one thing you wish you could change about the fashion industry?
The waste, there is so much waste What I aim to do is go thrifting and repurpose items.
You are working on a new collection, What is the reason behind it?
The reason behind it is ‘post-apocalyptic.’ Inspired by the movie ‘Ghost in the Shell’ I like oversized silhouettes and thick military coats. I hope to show it here very soon.
Final Thoughts:
Suitability. If you have an old sweater - turn it into something you are proud of.
Tell us something about you & your background?
My mom was born in Vietnam and came to Canada alone as a refugee in her late teens. Her first job was as a seamstress in Medicine Hat. She loved sewing and even made her own wedding dress. She transferred this passion onto me - I remember doing embroidery as young as four. She passed away when I was 17 and I still miss her every day. I started FAUN in her memory; as a way to empower people in Vietnam through our production but also to keep her love of fashion alive.
Describe something that excites you about the fashion industry
I love the fast paced nature of the industry. Time flies by when I’m working on designs, on a photoshoot or backstage at a show. I also love the people. I studied Political Science and Economics for my undergrad and didn’t connect on a deep level with any of my classmates. But when I got into fashion design at the London School of the Arts it was completely different. I developed fast, life-long friendships with everyone in my program. It was so refreshing to meet other high-energy people who share the same love for art and fashion.
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
I think most of my greatest strengths are connected to my weaknesses. Firstly, I get bored easily and can’t do something unless I’m interested in it. It is a good thing when it comes to innovating new designs and dedicating myself wholeheartedly to my passions. But it’s a bad thing when I need to do things like invoicing and taxes. The second one is my empathy. I really care about people and love that about myself. But that is often riddled with anxiety and worrying too much about what others think.
How do you stay updated with the trends in the fashion industry?
I follow all my favourite designers on Instagram and love watching live feed runway shows during Fashion Weeks. I also attend WWD’s biannual trend forecasts online.
Who is your favourite designer?
That’s a tough question! I can’t just pick one. I love Phoebe Philo for her innovation, Alessandro Michele for his vibrant maximalism, and Stella McCartney for her commitment to sustainable design.
What do you do to stay inspired?
My designs are inspired by people and nature, so I love to travel. The combination of people watching and seeing different landscapes always triggers ideas for new designs. When I’m home, I stay inspired by playing around with different creative mediums; painting, photography, dance, guitar, and jewelry makers are some of the ways I like to work my left brain.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met and talked with?
Miss Jay from America’s Next Top Model attended my AW1920 show at New York Fashion Week. I had the opportunity to talk to them after the show and I was completely starstruck!
What is the best pair of shoes you have owned?
My most worn shoes are the Van’s Old Schools and my most fabulous pair are these navy velvet over the knee boots I got from a boutique in Paris - I wear them to most fashion shows because I love how they make my legs look.
What music do you put on when you want to get pumped?
ABBA! Or Shania Twain.