Los Angeles Fashion Council

Brand / Designer

Together / Lily Chehrazi and Benedict Barrett

Category

Contemporary Women’s & Unisex / Clothing

Brand information / About the designer

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

Lily has been a fashion designer almost since the time she could walk, while Benedict has been a photographer mainly focused on alternative processes since he was 13. Our deep and expansive love and appreciation for different colors, styles, culture and the weirdness of being human.
We both think art and clothing are the most interesting reflections of our self expression and want to provide wearable art to people.
Color and beauty are what truly make us happy and we want to spread that message of happiness.

―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?

We want to encourage more harmony amongst humanity and nature as a whole that is why we created Together. Combining hyper real photographic prints made on recycled textiles we feel like the world needs to know about breakthroughs in science and technology that could provide for a new paradigm for how and why we buy clothing. Our logo is of two funky koi fish swimming head to tail in a continuous circle, this not only represents Togethers designers working together in harmony to design our clothing, symbolizes the label Together co-creating a new paradigm in sustainable fashion with our customers,it is also the original thought behind the Yin Yang symbol.

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

Our designs are initially created by searching California and the globe for beautiful places. By connecting with nature using photography and light we develop constructed landscapes that spark a feeling. We are also heavily influenced by anything “kawaii”, divine and fantastical. We believe if you can’t find the beauty in something you’re not looking hard enough, so we live and are inspired by appreciating everything.

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

Together-Clothing.Com and taking orders for Spring delivery from several very special retailers to remain nameless for now.

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

Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake, Vivienne Westwood are some of the more popular designers that we adore. We are also very influenced by Japanese culture and design and all sorts of diverse global textiles.

About 2014-15 A/W collection

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

Because we feel an important connection to Japanese people and their culture as a whole. Our clothing and principles are very aligned with a lot of Japanese beliefs. Showing in Japan has been Lily’s biggest dream, this honor is extremely humbling and rewarding. Also when Lily used to work at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC she always wanted to one day present her own line.

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

High Tech Active Glamwear.
Conscious Comfort. Our clothes are wearable art pieces meant to make people feel really good. We think it’s cool to care about where and of what your clothes are made from.

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

Large Recycled Polyester photographic prints, backlit, High Resolution. Our collection in front of or next too.

Future

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

To go global and and start a conversation about sustainability and COLOR!!

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

A society who is deliberate and intelligent about thoughtful design in all medias while appreciating funk and art.
Tokyo represents a modern avant-garde style steeped in tradition and zen which is a rarity in todays day and age.

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

Koenji, because it is super funky and loaded with fresh emerging talent. The independent shops, boutiques and creators are very rootsy and authentic.