WORTH THE WEIGHT
An Interview With Kilo Goods Designer Erik
by Phillip Holmes

 

Is it worth it? You know the way the economy is going now days the price of gold keeps fluctuating. But Kilo Goods proves its weight in gold with their fresh and innovative style. Their spring line which draws a huge influence from the art deco style has been seen on many of the music industry’s hottest from Chris Brown to Lupe Fiasco. Art Nouveau Magazine had the chance to catch up with Erik the creator of Kilo goods in this interview. It’s definitely worth the weight.

Art Nouveau Magazine: What is the background and history behind the brand?
Erik: The Kilo brand was established in 2005, the brand blends luxury, sport, politics, and art in a progressive palette. It’s a new sportswear with a focus on illustrating a “New-Americana.”

ANM: For those of us who aren’t familiar with the brand, what is the significance behind the name kilo?
Erik: Kilo came about at a time when Kenshin and I were working remotely around the world. Backpack and laptop style in 2003. The name has the same meaning around the world, but since the US is so infatuated with Hollywood and crime, the word kilo has this taboo about it. Go figure… it didn’t sound so “dangerous” when I heard an old Japanese woman say it at the post office in Hon Atsugi.

ANM: What is the design process you take in order to create?
Erik: We get amped up on uppers and just bang out more than we can handle. Then the bar keeps rising. The key is, we have fun and we’re all good friends. Our environment is ideal because we made it so; I think it shows in the work and collections.

ANM: How does art deco influence your latest collection?
Erik: Art Deco is a big influence in Kilo in all of our collections to date because we draw from the attitude of the movement. Not always a literal influence, but rather the feeling you get from a structure that is so precise and stylized. Art Deco is flare all day, so confident that it’s tasteful and classic.

 

ANM: What are some of your favorite clothing labels?
Erik: Comme des Garcons, Crooks, Y3, R&D, RR, Hectic, 10 Deep, L&D, Cipher, Nike, McQueen, Gucci, Complete, Public School, Sixpack, Supreme, Polo, Wesc, Patta, Muse and a few others.

ANM: If you could collaborate with any artists and create a line who would it be and why?
Erik: Either Andy Warhol or Serge Gainsbourg. Warhol, because what I think he would make now would be insane! Way beyond all that licensed Warhol estate art on clothing now. Gainsbourg, because he could compose theme music for our office that would inspire us to create at an epic level.

ANM: As far as personal style where do you draw inspiration from and does that influence you when you’re creating for kilo?
Erik: We draw inspiration from each other. We’re all creative, our whole damn team….from our designers to marketing to sales to distribution, fashion, music, video, conceptions etc. There are five of us plus Dap. We bounce ideas and try to make Kilo that outfit you rock when you want to impress. Holler at the ladies and shit.

ANM: How did the label and Rocksmith brand link up and can you tell us a little about the partnership?
Erik: It started with me, and my business partner Kenshin. Then we made a little cash and brought in our friends, one by one.

ANM: How do you get yourself to stay focused?
Erik: Stress….lol.

ANM: For all of those aspiring clothing designers out there what are some key elements you feel they should know that might help them to become successful?
Erik: Hard work bottom line and desire. Rent Stand and Deliver and listen to Mr. Escalante “GANAS”. If you don’t got it, go home, do something else. Get a 9-5.

ANM: Good or bad what is one thing you learned about yourself that you didn’t know before from being in this industry?
Erik: How much I liked purple.

ANM: What are some things you do that help you stay grounded and remain loyal to yourself?
Erik: Hang out with the Kilo family, friends and chill with my girl.

ANM: Where do you see the brand escalating to in the future?
Erik: To the top we’re not a fad or trend. We are a group of artists and individuals, not a corporate company trying to cash in on our culture. We all passed out flyers for something we believed in, paid dues and keep grinding…eye of the tiger type savvy.

ANM: What can we expect from you this coming fall?
Erik: We just shot a video look book today with Theophilus London. Be on the lookout for the premiere before Bread and Butter, we got the internet going nuts. Also, if you’re in Barcelona July 2-4, come check us out at BBB. This will be our first time showing our collection in Europe. Our booth is on Level 5 Rocksmith and Kilo. We are doing some Top Secret shit with our folks at 24 Kilates in Barcelona as well. Sssshhhhh!

For everything Kilo Goods please visit www.kilogoods.com