We attended Concept Fashion Weekend where we fellowshipped with a room full of fashion curators, tastemakers and executives. We got a chance to indulge in fashion by way of informal fashion presentations, installations, and runway shows!
One designer that always stands out during Concept in Los Angeles is Mike Vensel. He’s one of those simple yet intricate designers who is clearly all about perfecting his craft and passionate about creating clothes that tell a unique casual story. In case you missed it or just want to know more the very talented designers out of Los Angeles, we’ve got the perfect treat for you!
Here’s a look into Mike Vensel’s world, as we got a chance to pick his brain about his current collection, what inspires him, his process for creating a collection, what it takes to be a designer and much more!
It seems he’s not too fond of fashion bloggers but read on to find out what he wants you to know about his brand and the fashion market in Los Angeles!
PinkGrasshopper (PG): Briefly, how did you break into the fashion industry?
Mike Vensel (MV): In many ways I didn’t take a traditional path, I didn’t know anyone when I started but I have always loved design and have always had a strong will to do what I set out to accomplish. I studied Architecture and Graphic Design in college, took some night classes and began to design a small collection. The brand has evolved over the years and continues to evolve every season. I still feel like and outsider in many ways but feel I have built up enough of a brand that I now get lots of respect and recognition for what I do.
PG: Who and/or what was your inspiration for your current collection?
MV: The current collection is titled “Alchemy” and represents various changes that I have undergone in my life and the struggle to constantly innovate and elevate myself as an artist while maintaining a strong cohesive brand with a specific viewpoint. The idea for the show came from going to art openings with friends and observing them observing the art and thinking how they looked like art as well. Knowing that we would do the shows in an Art Museum I thought it would be interesting to reproduce the idea of my models put in the context with my paintings to create a seamless idea that fashion and art can coexist and there doesn’t need to be a hard line dividing the two worlds.
PG: What is your process for creating a piece and/or collection?
MV: Usually I start with a couple of ideas and expand them by reworking previous silhouettes and playing with different fabrics and construction techniques.
PG: Fashion week, weekend, market week and other “big” fashion events in LA are slowly becoming a big deal, as very talented designers and notable tastemakers are participating. What do you think it will take for fashion in LA to get to the next level, like we see in New York?
MV: LA is a unique market, much of the worlds culture is heavily influenced by what goes on in LA in the entertainment industry, street style and board sports. I don’t think its fair to compare LA to NYC ad they are very different animals but it is exciting to see LA evolve over the years and see more and more of the big fashion players get involved in the market here and profess their love for the amazing city that is Los Angeles.
PG: Everyone sees the world differently, so how do you see/visualize/grasp/accept fashion & style? What does fashion & style mean to you?
MV: Fashion and style are individual things, its how we express our identity and show our values whatever they may be. I am heavily influenced by nature, art, design, travel, it all just goes into a mixing pot and from that comes my brand. My own personal style is very simple, a lot of black, comfortable t shirts, black denim, boots and of course my signature hat.
PG: What’s something you want to communicate to those looking from the outside in of your brand?
MV: I would love people to know my roots as a designer stemming from art, architecture, photography and know that the brand is produced locally with the most sustainable practices in an old world atelier setting where many of the items are hand made and one of a kind. Its not often in the mass produced world that we live in that you can own something made by the designer himself.
PG: What insight can you share with emerging designers?
MV: Fashion is a tough business that requires a lot of hard work and financial commitment. If you aren’t willing to loose blood, sweat, tears and money for 3-5 years don’t bother getting involved. Only do it if you are really passionate about it and cant do anything else. Its much easier to become a fashion blogger.
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