Company/Designer Name: Intoxica / Kentroy Yearwood
How did you get started? Intoxica was founded in 2005, with the idea to create a high end denim line, which would work ethically sound and in a non polluting way, since the textile industry is a very polluting one, we would like to show that even a high end denim brand can work this way.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
We think Noblivity is a good platform to reach the independent retailer, who is not travelling far to see new collections and designers, but still would like to see and buy these new designers. For the labels it is an ideal opportunity to get in touch with especially the smaller US retailers/boutiques.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
Our ideal customer is a free thinking man, who likes to stand out and wants to wear cutting edge design, which is on top of the high quality and design, also made fair trade and with organic materials.
What inspires you?
The small things in life
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
For a starting designer label it is very tough to get noticed and to gain some recognition from the market. It takes a while before buyers understand the brand and place an order, especially when the PR budget is not existing. Also producing the complicated designs in small runs is a real challenge each season, as many designers will recognize.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
We keep going, and most importantly, we keep learning. Times have changed a lot since we started in 2005.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
To have shown the collections during Paris Fashion Week, and got noticed by some important magazines, like WWD, Sportswear International, WAD Magazine.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
The direction of the designs do not change that drastically, at first sight you might not see the complexity of the garment, but when you wear it and take a closer look (or even turn it inside out) you will see why Intoxica jeans are one of a kind.
What’s next for your brand?
We slowly would like to build the brand to a world known and sold brand.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
We would establish our own organic cottons fields, and support the people who work there, and along the process, establish spinning and weaving facilities, finishing and dyeing, and until the ready garments factory, all in a fair trade way, which we can monitor 100% and see to it is done the correct way.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best thing is that its like bringing a baby and show it to the outside world. The worst thing is that business is business and its not always going the way it should go.
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
I would set up the vertical production facility which could produce the quantities and quality the way we would like them made, in a fair trade way, and non polluting, as much as possible.
What is your philosophy of life?
Carpe Diem
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Keep the collection smaller for a longer period, and postpone the womens line.
When will you know you have made it?
If the term Fair trade has become a pleonasm.
