"Introducing a new generation of designers"

Vinti Andrews is made up of the dynamic duo of Vinti Tan and Paul Andrews.  Their independent label focuses on music and subculture while reflecting British heritage.  Their collections are unique and full of visual interest. They also have done numerous collaborations with other brands and have shown great flexibility in their designs. We had a chance to ask the team a few questions!

--------------- Vinti Andrews's INTERVIEW ---------------

Susan Schell: What got you interested in designing clothing?

Vinti Andrews: We grew up in the UK 90s skateboard scene, and idolized the style and clothing on magazine/videos coming out of the US, as we could’nt buy clothes we looking at, we made our own pants and t shirts.

SS: What was it like when you first started designing, what were some of your first fashion experiences?

VA: We started our brand by hand making dresses from vintage finds.

SS: How would you describe your clothing line?

VA: Spontaneous and effortless yet detailed and thought out.

SS: What is your design aesthetic?

VA: Unique yet familiar.

SS: Can you describe your design process?

VA: Depends on the season, sometimes we pick a theme, or we are just inspired by someone we meet as a starting point, after which plan colourscapes to catch the feelings, then word on the form, shape of the garments.

SS: What separates your line from other brands? 

VA: I suppose there are 2 of us from very different backgrounds and very different characters makes our brand a little different from other brands. I am from South East Asia and Paul is English. In terms of designs I am spontaneous while Paul's designs are very thought out. It's a combination of 2 very contrast elements, and I think we have finally found our balance.

SS: Do you have a favorite piece (for men or women) that you have designed?

VA: Our favorite items are our ecco jeans – re-made from recycled denims.

SS: Where do you find inspiration?

VA: Inspiration can be found everywhere! People we meet, films, books read, music, travel.

SS: You’ve collaborated with many brands and companies like Nike and Fred Perry, how has that experience been?

VA: The Fred Perry project was our first collaboration; the brand is heavily based in UK music heritage, at the time we wanted to give an updated reference to the current music that we were listening too.

Nike is a progressive company with innovative design approach as the key, and our collaboration projects re-work these items for localized in-stores displays/ and interiors, our current project is working with Nike Shanghai.

SS: What gets you excited about fashion?

VA: The constant change, the challenge of the competitive Fashion industry and self-improvement.

SS: What are you doing next, what can we look forward to?

VA: Our design label is more 3d garment based, for the future we are becoming for interested in beauty area and make up for modern women.  

WEBSITE: http://vintiandrews.com

FACEBOOK: VINIT ANDREWS 

WRITTEN & INTERVIEWED BY: SUSAN SCHELL

PHOTO CREDIT: VINTI ANDREWS-

PHOTOGRAPHY: MASAMI NARUO 

STYLING: MARINA DE MAGALHAES