Interview with “The Loots”
By Ackley Kidd
Persona Magazine: So where are you guys originally from?
Lee: I’m from South Carolina and Aaron is from New Jersey.
PM: What were some of your early influences that affect your design approach today?
L: Growing up, we were always paying attention to what we liked and what we thought was cool. A lot of that inspiration came from culture and movies from the 80’s and early 90’s.
PM: How did you guys partner up and start designing?
L: Aaron and I met while working at Ecko’ back in 2006 and started designing The Loots in our spare time, eventually it gained enough momentum to free us from our corporate shackles and here we are.
PM: What do you feel The Loots adds to the clothing market?
L: Between the two of us and the experience we have, as well as our respect for the products and materials we use, our collections have always managed to stand out and get attention. The garments speak for themselves when it comes to the construction and attention to detail. The proof is in the pudding!
PM: What are some of your goals for 2009?
L: Obviously to expand the line and continue growing the business. Right now with the economy and retail being the way it is, you just have to stay focused and keep it moving. Pick the right projects and navigate accordingly. We also know how important it is to not take ourselves too serious and have fun with it.
PM: What person or thing do you feel best explains your brand?
L: As we have always said “GET WHAT YOU WANT”. At the end of the day nothing is given and anything you want will have to be taken or earned. If you don’t do it no one
will. No one was making the clothes we wanted so we did it ourselves.
PM: Who are some of your favorite designers?
L: Collectively we are into a wide array of subjects and fields of interests that contribute to the end result of our collections. Anywhere from Ralph Lauren to Frank Lloyd Wright.
PM: What are some of your favorite material to use for your designs?
In terms of graphics and subject matter we gravitate towards cultural iconography & classic aesthetics and offer it in a fresh new way. As for the actual garment we are always working to pair up new fabrics & techniques, which have kept us on top of our overall product development.
PM: Where do you see the fashion game going in ‘09?
L: It’s back to basics when it comes to design and color. The customer will be looking for items that will last longer for less. I believe right now is going to be a “weeding out” process. It’s not going to be an easy year and it will all come down to customer service (i.e keeping your vendors and the consumer happy).
PM: Do you have any collaborations in the works? If so describe that experience for our readers.
L: We will obviously be continuing our relationship with New Era, there will also be a headphone coming out with Aerial7 to look out for; and of course there are always the ones we can’t mention yet…we will keep you posted.
PM: Who do you guys think is the best dressed cartoon character?
L: Hands down…Jiminy Cricket. Clean your game up kids…
For more information go to www.theloots.com
What: New Tee from Red Clay
