In the age of hyper-saturated social media, it’s relatively difficult to stand out. There are a number of young designer labels appearing the backs of some of our favorite artists. One of these talented individuals who has sparked our interest in a big way is Chicago based designer, GEORRGE OLIVIER®. His pieces have been seen on a number of prevalent underground artists and models that have helped build up his reputation. It’s clear he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Before today, not much was known about his background in design or his influences but over the past the week I was able to get to known the man behind the designs. In his first interview ever, I was able to pick the mind of the talented GEORRGE OLIVIER®…
Underground Underdogs: Tell me about yourself. Where are you from and what inspired you to get in to the world of fashion design?
GEORRGE OLIVIER®: I’m a 21 year old designer. I was born in Venezuela but currently live in Chicago. I started designing clothes when I was 12/13 years old because of my grandma. She was always making her own clothes and making my brother and I clothes. Just from years of that watching her sew and design inspired me to start my own brand. My grandma once told me this story about how she always wanted to have her own clothing brand but she never got around to it and that inspired me to start designing and get my own brand going.
That’s pretty dope, your grandmother sounds like a tremendous inspiration. While we’re on topic of inspiration, how would you describe your style? Would you say living in Chicago or Venezuela has any sort of influence on your design style?
model credit: Alex Cacioppo (@jebidiyahryder) photo credit: Jamaal Josef (@jamaaljosef)
I say my style is definitely somewhat dark. I’m not really into super bright colors. I’ve only used red a couple times just because I believe it fits with certain pieces but mostly all my pieces are black and white. Moving from Venezuela to Chicago definitely plays a big role in my life everyday since I really came from nothing to having a way better life in the USA. So yeah, both cultures definitely inspire my clothing designs.
I actually purchased the joggers you made with the red stripe going down the leg and I can tell you have a keen eye for detail. How important is it to you to utilize top-notch material for your product?
Thank you. Appreciate it. What were your thoughts on them when you received them? I always try to get the best fabric possible to give the best quality possible. Details are always important. I try to make sure every little detail is perfect and everything comes out how it’s supposed to come out. That’s why I always make one sample before I release; to see what could be changed and fixed before I release the final product
I really like them, very subtle and comfortable and they fit my personal style very well! That’s great that you pay so much attention to detail, really says a lot about you as a designer. So what’s your creative process like?
model credit: Harley Suarez (@cultleaderharley) photo credit: @tokyotaee2k
To be honest it’s just me watching movies, listening to music, pictures, going to thrift shops, seeing what my friends wear… all that stuff plays a role in the creative process.
Interesting, so it seems that it can be various elements that inspire you to begin your next idea. It’s also no secret that various underground artists have been seen wearing some of your pieces, including the likes of Lil Aaron and Bones. How did that come to be?
Well, Bones, I have no idea how he came across my stuff but I’m glad he did. When he found my stuff he bought the plaid pants and from there he copped almost all the other stuff I released after the plaid pants. Aside from him buying my stuff, he and I talk pretty often. I show him what I have coming out next and we also worked on a collab that’s coming out next month I believe. No official release date yet but the two pieces are beautiful. Also, he’s a super cool guy. Very thankful we met and that he found my stuff. He has definitely helped my brand grow and seeing how much he believes in me makes me want to keep improving and growing as a designer. And Lil Aaron, I first met him when I was doing artwork for artists. He liked my work and I did the artwork for his song “I Know” and from there we became friends. I released my first cargo hoodie and he bought it. That’s the hoodie you can see him wearing while performing in those pictures on my Twitter and Instagram. Another great person I’m glad I met and became friends with. Also another person who really helped my brand grow and get to where it is. I also want to say another friend of mine who’s an artist, 014, helped me a lot. I always show him everything before I release as well. He’s a great person and helped my brand grow a lot. I’m very thankful for all the artists that wear and support the clothing I design. I appreciate all the support they give me.
Lil Aaron (@lilaaron911) photo credit: Doryy Miller (@doryymiller)
Must be pretty surreal having that kind of support from fellow artists like that. It must really make you want to grind harder as a designer. Speaking of which, where would you like to see your brand two or three years from now? Any specific goals?
The goal from the start has always been being able to do a new collection every season. Doing runway shows, eventually getting into womenswear, turn GEORRGE OLIVIER® into a household name for both menswear and womenswear. And I’m trying to do this now! Nothing is stopping me at all.
That actually answers one of my next questions I had for you… if you had plans on expanding to womenswear? You certainly sound like you’re ready to head into 2018 with a full head of steam. Another question I have for you- which I imagine a number of other people may have asked you before- is there a reason why you choose to drop products one at a time? Though I am noticing that recently you include free t-shirts with your products from time to time.
I choose to drop one product at a time because I’d rather focus on one piece at a time for now, make sure it’s perfect, and grow my brand that way. Once I’m ready to release entire collections I will, but me releasing one piece at a time is me slowly trying to perfect my craft before I go all out with collections. There will be womenswear in the future but that’s not stopping women from wearing the stuff I release now. Thankful for that and women are a huge Inspiration. When I design I come across a lot of women that I like how they dress and they inspire a lot of my pieces.
I agree with you there, the products you’ve created thus far fit perfectly for whomever may be interested. Do you see yourself ever getting into footwear design?
That’s already in the works. Just working on the perfect design for a shoe. Something original and different, but also simple. Nothing too wild to the point that people look ridiculous in them. I’m also working on jewelry. None has been released for that same reason. Working on designs at the moment but before I release, I want to perfect them.
Awesome! That must be pretty exciting news for all of the supporters of the GEORRGE OLIVIER® brand. Do you have any opinions on the current state of underground fashion or fashion overall in general?
To be honest there are some awesome designers out now. I know we see a lot of design being stolen and fashion being kind of repetitive, but if you keep on looking you will come across some great designers that are not getting a lot of recognition.
Definitely, with such a hefty amount of designers visible on social media these days, there isn’t enough rightful spotlight for all of them, unfortunately. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer a few questions, man. Are there any closing words you’d like to add? Maybe some words for designers out there looking take their work to the next level?
model credit: Harley Suarez (@cultleaderharley) photo credit: @tokyotaee2k
One piece of advice I give other designers who ask me for help and guidance is to just keep going. Don’t give up. I’ve been at this for six years now and I barely feel like it’s finally taking off. I wanted to say thanks to a couple people who have helped me get to where I am. Two people who have helped from the start of all this have been Champ from Hybrid Clothing and my friend Sam from Half Evil. Both have helped me so much. Also, my brother and a couple of my hometown friends for believing in me and being there for me. And of course, my parents, who have helped me get to where I am and believing in me from the start. My mom always told me- why work a regular job? Focus on your designs and your brand. She sacrificed working 2+ jobs so I can follow my dreams and I owe my mother all of this for letting me focus on what I love.