SKY Interview with Vaughn De Heart

A couple weeks ago RoyLyn of Vaughn De Heart hit us up and with both thought it would be a good idea to something a lil different (from our POV) and decided on an interview so here it goes. Full all who haven’t checked the slide show previous to this do so to see what is currently available, oh and all the pieces are limited so when they’re gone…they’re gone. Click read more to read the full interview.

Q. For those who don’t know your journey into fashion was more than interesting, where did you see yourself in 10 years when you were studying?

I finished college with an accounting degree so in 10 years I saw myself becoming a CPA and working for one of the, “Big 4” accounting firms. Then later in life striking it out on my own and opening up my own CPA practice. That was my plan until I met Nick. I met Nick on a weekend after I graduated college while I was living in northern California and vacationing in southern California. I went to the Brea mall and I was wearing a shirt that I had designed for my fraternity a year earlier while I was going to school in Washington State. While I was walking around the mall I thought I spotted a guy wearing the same shirt as me. Upon getting closer I realized it was the same shirt. I went up to the guy and started talking to him. I asked him where he got the shirt he said he bought it at a thrift store nearby. When I thought of the odds of he and I crossing paths and not one of us, but both of us wearing the shirt that I had designed it was too substantial. Also the shirt was only sold in Washington State, and it travelled all the way to a southern California thrift store. To me the event was too big to ignore and I finally got the courage to start my brand, Vaughn de Heart.

Q. Designing can be a very difficult thing so what inspires you or what thoughts run through your mind while designing?

I have discovered is that if I don’t exercise I can’t design. So almost every day I go to the gym to work out and play basketball or soccer and afterward I hit my computer to design. Whenever I play sports, I feel like a kid again. My brother and I would play sports in our front yard against the fierce neighbourhood competition, risking our lives racing out into the street to capture a loose ball or a stray puck. Sloshing cool water from a hose that served as our water fountain. The fury of fakes and special moves that we used on our home turf. Those were some of the best times and much of my brand is derived from that time in my life.

Q. If you do listen to music while you’re designing what is most likely to be playing?

More than likely I will have a Maestro Knows episode, or a Jeff Staple interview playing in the background while I’m designing. Listening to creative people who are passionate and driven while I’m designing that really works for me. If I am listening to music while I design it is probably The myriad of musical talent led by the unique voice of Zach Condon that is the band Beirut, or the witty punch lines and clever metaphors of the rapper Drake (Mostly Drake’s mix tapes). Beirut for it’s distinct foreign sound, and Drake for the clever narration of the struggle of a young creator.

Q. What advice would you give to a young, up and coming designer?

Make your designs have a story or a message. I feel the most powerful part of my brand is the story of how it began and the story behind the products that are released. To me this is what gives a brand and product that extra push over the top. It gives the project a reason.

Q. Where do you see Vaughn de Heart as brand in 5 years time?

In 5 years I see my brand keeping its devoted followers as well as creating a lot of new ones. The best part is being able to make people happy by giving them a great experience with my brand. I do this with exclusive products, special packaging, and having a great bond and connection with the fans, old and new. I see a lot of growth and keeping the Vaughn de Heart products and orders special and limited.

Q. Lastly, do you have any advice for someone who is thinking of starting up a clothing line?

1. Pick a name that is unique on search engines. When I type in a lot of brand names into a search engine I get a lot of other things that aren’t their brand. Try to avoid this.

2. Try to get your product in some stores. The biggest reason I say to do that is not so much that you will get sales from the store but that it gives your brand credibility. When I tell people I have a clothing brand, they say, “Oh that’s cool.” And that would be it because everybody has a clothing brand and unfortunately most of them aren’t very appealing. Then when I tell them the brand sells in 5 stores around the world they say, “Oh….really? Well I want to see your clothes!” Stores give you credibility. They let people know that you aren’t the only one that thinks your brand is good.

3. In my opinion you should stay award from words like, “Fresh” “Apparel” and “Clothing” in your brand name. Everybody already uses the word, “Fresh” in their brand name. You should only use, “Apparel” in your brand name if you are selling blank t shirts and other clothing like American Apparel does.” The word, “Clothing” is unnecessary in your name. Think of all of the well established brand names you know. Most likely none of them use the word, “Clothing”. Again these are all just my opinion.