Filling Pieces Exposed!
WW: How did you come interested in designing footwear?
Guillaume Philibert: In architectual school I learned that designing is equal to ’ solving problems ‘
At the age of 19, as a student, i found out there wasnt alot of choice in affordable but cool footwear.
I was a big sneaker/footwear fan, and bought alot of nike’s, vans and so on. Didnt really have the money to buy alot of expensive designer trainers.
So I experienced this as a problem and a gap.
After sketching alot of shoes and silhouettes, I had this concept to design sneakers that would fill/bridge this gap.
Thats where the name and brand Filling Pieces started.
I collected some spare money, and started sampling the first models. As soon as the first 50 pairs were in, I sold them out within a week.
From that beginning i knew that this was all i wanted to do!
Do you feel more an entrepreneur or a designer?
Because this all started as a hobby and very small, everything went really fast.
Nothing was really planned out, and it started from desiging footwear I would like to wear. So because of that, i felt more like a designer than an entrepeneur.
Now that i’m working with more stores and doing alot of things at the same time, i often feel more like a entrepeneur instead of a designer ( which i dont really like)
If not working in Amsterdam would your project be the same?
I’m not sure if Filling Pieces would be formed like this.
Amsterdam really inspires me and because of that i also started the brand.
In Amsterdam we have a very strange and diffirent culture within footwear.
Alot of people dont really care about expensive outfits, as long as their footwear is on point.
It formed me, and if formed the brand.
Does music and hip hop culture inspire your designs? How?
I think music will always inspire everyone, including me.
Hip Hop does inspires me in some sort of way.
I get inspired from artist like the hip-hop roll models / fashion icons : Kanye West, Yassin Bay, Pharrell and more.
Especially Kanye West, look how every album he releases has a special life / fashion style combined with it.
What is our favorite piece of footwear that you could wear forever?
I’m a huge fan of Nike. its amazing how they are the leaders within footwear and sports.
Nike combines fashion with technology, and this is something very special.
I got a pair of Nike Flyknits, which i could wear forever.
Are you a sneakers collector?
Yes I’m. I do buy alot of sneakers/shoes from other labels if I really like them.
I havent got thousands of nike or jordan brand sneakers / trainers, but i do got some nice and special pieces you wont see alot.
Who do you admire most?
All people that work hard to be original and diffirent than others
What makes you happy?
Seeing people that wear our products and those who are satisfied with their purchase and understand the concept.
What are your next steps for your brand?
I would like to make steps with the brand that could turn Filling Pieces into a real footwear label instead of only trainers/sneakers.
And hope to expand more within the international market, and work together with more shops like Wrong Weather who care about good products and customers.
Studiopretzel Exposed!
House of Montague exposed
Who is House of Montague?
House of Montague was founded by me (Martin Ahn), I am in charge of the design, production and brand direction and my brother, Philip, oversees sales and marketing for the company.
Why you guys decided to start HoM?
I decide to start HoM for two reasons, my love for shoes and having hard time finding a creative challenge.
After I returned to Denmark, from almost three years in NYC, finishing my studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I hold an BA in Production Management, the global crisis was booming. Therefore nobody was really hiring in the clothing industry and after having worked on HoM as a side project next to my studies, I decided to realize the dream of making a sneaker company and create my own job.
How your origins are related to your design?
As a yougster, I spent my days skateboarding, listening to heavy metal and a lot of rap music and slowly I got more and more exposed to urban hip hop culture. All three things are still with me today even though I dress a bit different than I used too with some slimmer cut clothes. The whole skateboarding and hip hop scene really sparked my interest for sneakers and the culture that surrounds them.
With regards to production, I was very fortunate, since my dad also is in the fashion industry and therefore I was exposed to it at a very young age and I started designing my first hoodies, jeans, etc. at the age of 15. So I was rocking my own stuff growing up, which was pretty cool. During my studies I have been involved in streetwear fashion, interning at various companies including Wood Wood, Norse Projects and Staple NYC. My background is still heavily vested inside of me, but I think there has been a natural shift in personal interests, design and the exposure towards high-end fashion.
House of Montague is my personal perception of the high-end fashion industry, with a touch of streetwear.
Your collections features shoes names after your girlfriends. Are you romantic at heart?
Well each girl inspired me in some way, so I guess I am.
What is the design piece that you are most proud of?
Thats not an easy one. I think amongst all the styles it is a dead heat between Frederikke and Julie, a new style coming out in the Autumn 2013. Frederikke is a very clean and progressive sneaker with it’s sleek sillhouette and fashionable look. Julie is a mash-up between a snaffle loafer and a George Cox underground creeper, a conceptual piece I am very proud of. If I had to pick a more directional sneaker it would probably be the Rozanna velvet sneaker, with gold embroidery on the toe caps, saying Fuck You, Pay Me. I love that sneaker and think at heart it defines my self and love for hip hop.
What inspire you most?
I am inspired by so many things, I don’t even know where to begin.
Therefore I have created a tumblr where people can follow my daily/ weekly/ seasonal inspiration. Feel free to have a browse: houseofmontaguesneakers.tumblr.com
What is our favorite piece of clothing that you never get bored with?
This would have to be a classic Varsity Jacket, that I have been rocking that since I was a kid. Cityfellaz, a Danish streetwear company, made their league jackets 10 years ago and you can’t get them anymore I think, So I have two in navy and green and I am still wearing them today; never gets old and always looks fresh!
Who do you admire most?
As for famous people, Pharrell Williams. All things he has accomplished within music, clothing, art, culture, and in general life are truly inspiring.
Of the people I know personally, it would like to mention my good friend Henrik, really talented and has helped me from the beginning with various projects incl. our website. My parents, with out their support HoM probably wouldn’t have been realized. They have been a solid pillar in guidance, support and provided regular meals during the last two years.
What are your next steps for your brand?
We are in the middle of finalizing the preparations for the upcoming season, spring / summer 2014, where we again continue to push the design aesthetics within the realm of menswear shoes by introducing another style. I think it’s important we insist to show a natural progression in our brand and shoe design by introducing new styles and interpretations of our staples in the collection.
In modern footwear design, it is not enough to just keep showing the same style in a different color or material, therefore we allow ourselves to be playful with each style. As a brand we need to continue the path we set, move forwards and carry on the development of our own aesthetics and create a solid brand foundation for the future while staying true to our beginnings.
In addition to expanding our brand awareness we have been working on a few exclusives with retailers around the globe including; Storm Copenhagen, Wooyoungmi’s Manmade concept store and Level shoe district Dubai.
Take a look at Wrong Weather’s House of Montague SS13 here
Five Faves SS13 #2
Well the sun looks that is shy right now but we can’t wait to wear these anytime soon. Here another favorites from Wrong Weather.
KENZO Green Leopard Laced Up Trainers
BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB / ICE CREAM Ice Cream Green Crewneck Sweater
WRONG WEATHER Ribeira Casual Tricolor Shirt
PORTER YOSHIDA BAGS AND WALLETS
Since its creation in 1935 by Kichizo Yoshida, Porter has been a Japanese company that remains true to its “made in Japan” value and strive to continue putting “Heart and Soul into every stitch”.
In keeping with the founder of the company’s principal, the design and manufacturing of all Porter bags and accessories are strictly “made in Japan”. In this way Porter can monitor each aspect of the creation of its bags and ensure the best originality, creativity and quality.
All Porter bags and accessories are handmade by the company’s skilled craftsmen ; only using the very best fabrics and components, some of which are developed and treated specifically for the brand’s needs. Some of the lines were under development for three years before their launch, such is Porter’s devotion to excellence.
The new Collection includes wallets, briefcases, PC and Pad covers shoulder bags, duffel and tote bags, tote bags among other styles .
The brand has recently adopted INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand fabric that is light and friction resistant, for that appeal to anyone from the business professional to the world traveler, and even to the on-the-go parent.
Bags are each constructed with durable CORDURA® brand fabric making for a stylish yet practical bag and built to last.
“Inspired by the creative energy of Japanese culture and craftsmanship, Yoshida & Co. is committed to providing unique, stylish bag solutions that couples fashion with functionality,” said Takahiro Abe, PR team. “By using CORDURA® brand fabric in our designs, we are able to create quality, long-lasting bags – the essence of Yoshida & Co.’s ‘Made in Japan’ mantra – that offer the versatility our customers need for their day-to-day activities.
Style Pick SS13
From the catwalk to the lookbooks SS13 this is some Style ideias for your weardrob. Picks from Kenzo, Dries Van Noten, Stephan Schneider and YMC.
Wrong Weather Forecast #2 is out now!
This time was compiled by Sun Glitters who also designed the beautiful cover. WWF #2 is ready to listen and download for free here!
http://wrongweather.net/play/2013/03/16/wrong-weather-forecast-2
The White Briefs - Peter Simonsson Exposed!
Tell us the reason behind The White Briefs.
l had a dream to do something honest and well-made.
The White Briefs was born with the aim to be a idealistic project.
To create a one pair of briefs, perfectly made with good social conditions and with a pure content. It became several of “briefs” with the same ideals…
The White Briefs uses natural organic cotton fabric. How this eco consciousness is important for you.
Important, if you look at the world today with all unclarity, l want to know what l buy and where it comes from and also who made it.
Are the conditions ok etc. That’s why we are using GOTS certified production.
The White Briefs have been doing pretty cool collaborations with Fantastic Men Magazine, Nick Wooster and with Storm. Tell us how it happened.
Oh thanks, well it came naturally, the first collaboration with Fantastic Man felt just right, we share the same vision on how a product should look and perform aesthetically.
Nick Wooster, the same, though the camouflage was a new step for us. The relevance being involved in a particular camouflage exhibition curated by Nick made it really strong.
Storm shirt is a project for Rasmus Storm, the owner of Storm. An old-time friend wanted a fresh take on a granddad shirt, so we created it together!
Is underwear underestimated in fashion?
l do not know. l think the perception of underwear is confusing.
The underwear section has lived a separate life beside fashion, clothing and life for a long time.
There is very much to do in this particular category, we are trying to invigorate it constantly. l am not sure if it will work, but it’s worth trying.
You also been doing special photography projects with The White Briefs. How photography is important for you?
l really like photography. It mirrors your ideas and it also leaves something in your mind.
To tell a story through a visionary experience is therefor to me a wonderful way of speaking.
Will TWB move beyond underwear?
Yes. you will soon experience…
How do do envision your brand in the future?
The White Briefs will be a holistic brand with new expressions and products for a curious and quality minded audiance.
What inspires you?
Francis Bacon and music. For the instant creative rush!
What you can’t live without?
My family and good food including a nice setting.
When l am traveling, l am keen to bring (and before my briefs) with me my favorite toothpaste Denblan.
