With fine attention to detail, punk and gothic imagery, and one-of-one pieces, Boston-based clothing brand Farewell has made a strong name for itself. From Denzel Curry, to Cousin Stizz, to nothing,nowhere., various musicians from all stretches of music have been seen wearing pieces from the exceptionally independent brand. Despite Farewell’s prominence within the music and fashion world, little to nothing is known about the person behind the brand. In fact, the individual running Farewell opts to remain faceless and nameless on social media. You would have no idea who he was unless he told you – and oftentimes he chooses not to.
In a over-sensationalized scene focused on egos and who knows who, it is incredibly refreshing to see a brand that has been built without incredible hype surrounding it. Simply put, the pieces in every Farewell collection speak for themselves. Just recently, Farewell debuted its most extensive collection yet for Fall/Winter. Although there are signature flairs have been a part of Farewell for years, such as cut-and-sew pieces, hand-dyed graphics, one-of-one items, and macabre subjects, Farewell has also took an experimental leap forward with this collection. More than ever before, colors have been featured in nearly every piece. Also worth noting is the sheer amount of pieces available — this is not only a one-of-one collection.
Wanting to learn more about Farewell after the most recent collection, we spoke with the man behind the brand for his first interview in years.
Craig Xen in Farwell. Photo by JMP.
So when did you start making clothes?
I started Farewell in 2014 after I lost my best friend to suicide. I needed an outlet to put all of the emotions I had towards everything — it was a healthy alternative to alcohol, benzos, and drugs. Prior to that, I had always been into graffiti and would paint on tee shirts and shit, but it was garbage and had absolutely zero thought behind it.
That’s a pretty atypical way to start a clothing brand. Why clothing? What was the appeal to you?
Clothing felt like the most honest platform that I could use at the time. It felt like it actually had meaning, opposed to drawing shit on paper or in a book that would get shut or lost. It was harder to lose a shirt or jacket, and it definitely felt worse when you fucked up what you were working on. I liked that pressure though.
I had been painting a lot of graffiti at the time — it was a fun outlet that holds a special place in my heart, but it wasn’t where I knew I would prevail artistically as I didn’t have the time or energy to make myself better.Still got fire hand-styles though. KYA crew! RIP Anser!
How would you describe Farewell to someone who has never seen it before?
Farewell is an absolute melting pot of everything that inspires me including, but not limited to the many people who passed before me. This project reflects personal cognitive growth while understanding the beauty of life and accepting death is inevitable but can also be beautiful. That’s a fucking hard question.
Fall/Winter “Deadication” Flannel 2 by Farewell
Farewell has always appeared to be heavily inspired by music, and is frequently worn by musicians. How does music affect your brand?
Music is my main source of inspiration, period. It shows collection to collection as I look back. I mean, only I know what I was listening to at that point, but it’s funny to look back on and know exactly where my head was at. What I’m playing has a limit to its influence of course, it doesn’t override the underlying theme of the brand though. It’s not like I’m going to bump George Strait and make some country western gear — but maybe punk/goth/country shit is the next wave waiting to explode. I don’t know anymore.
Who have been some of your favorite artists and people you’ve seen rocking Farewell?
The ones that really felt crazy to me were Freddie Gibbs and Denzel Curry. That shit was so random but tight cause I’ve always loved them. Craig Xen is probably one of my favorite people to have wear the brand everything looks perfect on him. Shout out JMP for helping me reach these people. Quentin from Most Dope definitely rocked the shit out of pieces while touring with Mac Miller in Australia and New Zealand last year. It was crazy to see things I made in my bedroom rock sold out crowds in countries I can’t even afford to get to, side by side one of my favorite artists ever. RIP Mac, shout out Q. Wicca Phase is also another person who holds it down and I can happily call a friend. Brennan Savage same shit and been non stop support as well. nothing,nowhere. too.
Denzel Curry in Farewell by JMP
Another thing that really interests me is you never shown your face or have revealed your personal identity online. Why is this?
I’m a really self conscious person — I always have been. I think the only time I really feel fully comfortable with my appearance is when I’m fucked up. I’m working on that though!
Another huge reason is because I see people use their brand or whatever they’re doing as a way to shove themselves down your throat. They use it as an extension of their ego, and that always pissed me off. I want people to like the product for what it is, not because the creator is cool, or interesting, or an asshole. I don’t think my presence is necessary as my ideas and what I want to share is there.
Why do you chose to leave articles of clothing to people to find in the street? Have you ever seen someone wearing a piece you left out ?
I really like leaving stuff around because I think it’s confusing as hell to most people. I’m super particular about what I actually want to sell for the brand anyways, so it’s usually things I just can’t stand looking at and want out of my space. Not that’s there’s anything wrong with them, it’s just a personal thing if something annoys me.
I also have always had good luck finding things on the ground (money, cigarettes, jewelry) so I guess it’s just paying it forward to someone else.
Embroidered Side Bag by Farewell
Where does the name Farewell originate from?
The word has always resonated with me as I think it’s the most sophisticated way to say “goodbye forever.” I think it comes heavily from Elliott Smith’s “A Fond Farewell,” and from the line in “Teeth Like Gods Shoeshine” by Modest Mouse where Isaac says, “Well so long, farewell, goodbye.” It was a word I would mess around with drawing when I was doing some home made bullshit tattoos in the early Allston days. It just stuck.
Tell me about your new collection. It’s arguably your most extensive yet.
The new collection was definitely a learning experience. A lot of the graphics hold true to the roots of the brand, some are new and more existential, which is the direction I want to go in. I wanted to give more options for colors and sizes per pieces created. Before, this shit was super one of one. I’m trying to make stuff more, like, one of ten. It’s a tough way to produce items and definitely has its pros and cons, but that’s where having 80% of the brand being DIY becomes convenient. Making the side bags and patches and everything was really exciting — I’ve never had any accessories before. I’m definitely going to dig deeper into that shit for the spring.
There were absolutely some giant let downs with this collection though I won’t dig too deep into, but we essentially could only release maybe half of the hoodies we had set to release due to the embroidery print house absolutely botching our order and then telling us there was nothing they could do. It was so fucked. Fuck QRSTS in Somerville. I also lost a major account with a store we had been moving a lot of things from and gaining exposure with. It was a huge bummer but it’s all love — business is business. One door closes and a bottle of whiskey opens.
Just kidding, seriously. Shit is better than ever.
Farewell Fall/Winter 2018 Collection
What is one pet peeve of yours you see in the DIY fashion scene?
The DIY fashion seen doesn’t bother me much. I would much rather see a poorly printed patch and tee shirt for someone’s band than some rich kid in LA using their dads AMEX to make bullshit extended hoodies with a ton of zippers and words in quotation marks.
How do you deal with unexpected negativity directed towards your brand?
People definitely all have their own opinions and I don’t expect everyone to like the stuff. My work can be out of left field, it can be wild sporadic, messy collage type stuff. To some people the intricacy is attractive, to other it looks like vomit and I understand both sides.
What is one thing you would tell an aspiring designer?
Be gentle with promo. 85% of the people you want to wear your clothing aren’t going to. Like you will really just waste time and energy trying to plug everyone popping in your shit. Let it happen naturally, and execute who you want to work with. Don’t get discouraged when that stuff doesn’t work out. It’s usually nothing personal.
“Tortured” Denim Jacket by Farewell
What can we expect from Farewell this upcoming spring ?
As of right now, I’m just studying and watching things that intrigue me. I want to really dive into some niche themes and fit them to the brand. As far as actual pieces, I’m not all too sure what will get used and what won’t. I’m sort of in a stockpiling of images and writing stage to pull inspiration.
More new wave/dark wave inspired stuff, not as bright of imagery, more accessories, and definitely some high quality outerwear and embroidered pieces.