Built by Wendy is one of the most recognizable names in independent fashion. Most people light up with the slight mention of the name, and have probably visited one of their 3 namesake boutiques, as well as their praise worthy online shop. Wendy Mullin, the driving force behind the label, took time out of her overwhelming schedule to chat about the impending season, her inspirations, AND what the future holds for her growing empire. SFers listen up, Wendy mentions you...Enjoy:
S.B: Before starting Built by Wendy in 1991, you worked at record stores I believe, and actually started gaining a lot of momentum for the line by selling your now famous guitar straps. Music must be pretty influential for you. Aside from your guitar straps, how do you incorporate music into your brand? Are there specific bands, albums or genres that particularly influence your design process?
W.M: I'm influenced by music as much as I am influenced by other things in the world like art, film, books, people, nature, etc as far as design goes. I would say the style that goes along with certain types of music and the things associated with it is what influences me more but only if that influence works with my other inspirations for a collection.
S.B.: You have worked on various collaborations in the past: From what I have gathered, you started a series of sewing books called sew u and served as creative director for wrangler's specialty denim line. Any other side projects or collaborations in the works you are allowed to share with us?
W.M.: Nothing right now.
S.B.: You're probably finishing up your fall '08 collection, any hints you want to share? Inspirations, references, or underlying themes we can look forward to?
W.M.: It's sort of the theme I have been working with for awhile. Kind of waspy old money east coat preppy, Swiss Family Robinson, Fanny and Alexander.
S.B.: Your Built by Wendy indie empire is expanding(we are very happy, the more bbw, the better) Do you have any plans on opening up additional stores in the future?
W.M.: I'm looking into SF. It's so nice there.
S.B.: When you aren't incredibly busy running Built by Wendy, what are some of your favorite past times?
W.M.: I spend a lot of time taking advantage of all the things NYC offers: checking out museums and galleries, movies, restaurants, shopping, rock shows, the usual stuff....hanging out with friends.
S.B.: When you aren't dressed in Built by Wendy, who else are you rocking?
W.M.: I wear mostly BBW, so I usually only buy shoes and accessories and things I don't make. Brands I like: Barbour, LL Bean, Ralph Lauren, Chloe, Isabel Marant, APC, Phillip Lim, Vanessa Bruno, Tsesay, Jil Sander, Marni, and vintage clothing.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Q& A: Wendy Mullin, Built by Wendy
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4 comments:
Wow I'm gonna have to check out Barbour - don't think I know anything about that line. She seems really on point. Great interview.
http://www.barbour.com/
Classic British country/lifestyle wear. You can definitely see its influence on her clothing, esp. this past fall.
Great interview. So related with my review of Sew U, don't you think? I also like the brands she mentioned a lot.
I know, great minds think a like. Built by Wendy is in the air. Its funny because I saw that nylon.com did a short write up on her as well, the other day. It was about how bbw is def. opening up a boutique in SF. Looks like Wendy was a little more open with nylon, she told me they were merely "looking into" SF.
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