Los Angeles Fashion Council

Designer

Bohemian Society / Victor Wilde

Category

Contemporary Men’s & Women’s / Clothing & Accessories

Brand information / About the designer

―What inspired you to become a fashion designer? Describe developments leading up to the brand launch.

I grew up in Brooklyn, NYC where you had to have stlye to survive. I quickly developed a strong personal style of my own even as a child. I also started making works of art and even sewed hand made dolls at age seven. The first suit I made was for myself to wear in my band in 2001 when I first toured Japan. All of these interests finally came together when I came up with the idea for Bohemian Society. Just two weeks after finishing our first garments, Lisa Kline and Lisa Kline Men carried Bohemian Society in the windows of their shops on Robertson Blvd in West L.A. Soon after Bohemian Society collection Spring Summer 2003 premiered at Smashbox Fashion Week in L.A. and soon started writing large orders across the U.S. for our first collection of distressed and embellished men’s suit jackets.

―What is the brand’s concept? What do you want to communicate through fashion designing? What are the images of men and women you want to project?

Bohemian Society is a truly individualistic lifestyle brand that celebrates Freedom, Love, Truth and Beauty through men and women’s fashiona apparel and accessories. We wish to communicate through fashion that life is meant to be lived to the fullest and to be yourself. Our customers are confident in themselves. They are art lovers, sexy fashionistas, rock and rollers, actors, performers, lovers, fighters, travelers, and Bohemians – people who are not afraid to live their lives to the fullest and tell their story to the world.

―What is your source of inspiration in creating fashion? What is your process of developing a design concept?

I literally get inspiration from everywhere. Even a crack in the sidewalk can be a beautiful piece of art when seen throught the right eyes. It is the artists and designers job to see the beauty in small details. My process can start with an inspiration from a certain person, a certain period or a certain topic. I love technology and science and seek to blend these with fashion. I will often seek inspiration from many sources and combine all these sources to create something totally new.

―Who are your current stockists (areas, retail formats, etc.)? Describe the typical followers of your brand.

Church Boutique in West Hollywood; Odd Boutique in NYC; Online at www.Farfetch.com; Bohemian Society’s online store at www.thebohemiansociety.com
Typical followers are people in the entertainent business, celebrities and rock stars, artists and models.

―Which brands, designers, styles and cultures have had the most impact on your fashion designing, and why?

I really like Yve Saint Laurent and Rudi Gernreich. I really love Japanese street style and Manga. The incredible technique of Samurai Armour is also fascinating, I love the past, the future and most importantly, the now.

About 2014-15 A/W collection

―Why have you chosen Tokyo (or MBFWT) as the venue for presenting your collection?

I have always had a deep connection to Japan since I was a child and my business partner (and cousin) Marc Fuoti has been living and working in Japan for many years. I really appreciated Japanese folklore, culture, fashion and food. I am into learning history and love to read and know the customs of other cultures. I first came to Japan in 2001 and I immediately fell in Love. I come to Japan as often as I can since then (6 times) and I really feel at home here. In fact, Bohemian Society worked with a Japanese wholesaler from 2006-2008 and continues to collaborate with Japanese designers. It is my hope the Japanese people will welcome Bohemian Society with open arms, open minds, and open hearts.

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2014-15 A/W season?

Elegant and stylish yet rough, adventurous and, at times, dangerous.

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

To portray Bohemian Society for what it is: A unique, artistic and individualistic lifestyle brand produced and based exclusively in very exciting Downtown Los Angeles.

Future

―What are your brand’s future outlook and goal for 2014?

I am part of a new Downtown Los Angeles Co Op of designers helping to shape the future of fashion in Los Angeles. We plan on creating new interactive ways for our customers to shop on Bohemian Society’s website as well as produce more fashion related videos. We aim to increase our boutique presence by 100% in America, and of course, to reenter the Japanese fashion market and gain more clients and boutiques in Japan. Our ultimate goal is to open a Bohemian Society flagship store in Japan.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

A city of great progress, culture and style. A beautiful dream of the future. I have witnessed first hand the greatness and passion of the Japanese people. Tokyo respesents to me my future and second home.

―Which parts / sites of Tokyo do you like most? Why?

The Red Temple (Sensō-ji) and Askakusa for its history and beauty; Yoyogi park because I am from NYC and it reminds me of Central Park; the national history museum in Ueno because I love Japanese crafts, artistry, and history. I like Shibuya for the cool restaurants, night clubs, shops and street culture.

―What are your favorite / recommended shops (of any genres, e.g. fashion stores, homeware stores, food services), facilities and sites?

Loveless, Restir, Candy, Bedrock, Opening Ceremony and Pass the Baton. I love small ramen/soba noodle shops and Gompachi. Trumproom and Redbar are my favorite clubs. I love Japanese hot-srping onsens.