When it comes to underground street fashion, there are many names that come to mind as true ground movers in the game, those who create their own lane and lay ground work for those to be influenced by. Sean Kelly is a name known by thousands in the underground world of fashion. Many of our favorite artists have been seen on stage or out in the streets with gear that carries the familiar “SK” logo. The Wisconsin born designer behind ideas such as deadsesh and undrcnstrctn has been a staple in the design game for years now. His style continues to evolve and influence all across the country. We had the unique opportunity to speak with Sean Kelly and find out just what keeps him inspired to create such groundbreaking pieces. Underground Underdogs presents to you….Unbranded: Sean Kelly.
@killseankelly
UU: So tell me about yourself and your background. What are some of the reasons you decided to get into fashion design?
Sean Kelly: I was born in Wisconsin. Grew up playing hockey and snowboarding. I guess I originally got into clothes cause one of my best friends Jeremy was really into dressing well so I kinda just followed along and tried to keep up. I originally had started a brand called Valley Life that was a pretty crappy graphic tee brand. It never really took off except for locally. Then I started seeing people like my friend Ev from New York really take their clothes and make something amazing which just made my love for clothes grow even more. And made me realize you don’t have to just make graphic shirts and hoodies. It was like opening the flood gates.
How would you describe the style of your brand? What are some of your influences?
I guess I’d consider it a higher end streetwear brand. Obviously it’s not high fashion but I think it’s slightly above streetwear (although I don’t really mind that term). I used to keep my colors very monochromatic but I’ve broken out of that as of late. I really have been trying to keep a consistent yellow and black theme however. My first influences were people like Rick and Jerry Lorenzo. I really loved the direction of Fear of God for the first couple seasons. Now my favorite designer is probably Virgil. It’s actually insane how he went from Pyrex to what Off-White is and now the men’s designer at Louis Vuitton.. very inspiring.
@killseankelly
Are there any other artists out, dead or alive, that you view as an inspiration for your style?
None that I can think of.
It’s no secret that a number of pretty prominent underground artists have been spotted rocking your gear. How did your partnership with Bones and TeamSesh come about?
That was just luck I suppose. If I ever have a design I think fits someones aesthetic I’ll usually take a chance and DM them my idea. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.
Quality material can make or break a designer. How important is it to you that you make sure your product is made of the best possible material?
It’s pretty important especially when trying to keep your price point down. Which can make it very challenging. But that’s usually doable through the process of samples.
@xavierwulf in the hollowsquad garage jacket by @killseankelly
Tell me about your creative process. When you have an idea in mind, what are some of the steps you take before ending up with your final product?
I’ll either draw it or make a mock up in Photoshop. Usually run it by a few people whose opinions I trust then go to sample making.
One of my favorite products that I was able to purchase from you was the white sherpa and green cargo pants. You must get a lot of requests to bring back designs you’ve made in the past. What does it mean to you that so many people are supporting you and your product?
It means the world to me honestly. We still have a lot of growing to do but looking back to when I only sold clothes locally to now shipping all over the US and all parts of the world is really motivating. I couldn’t do what I love without the support of others so it truly means the world to me. Especially when I see kids with multiple SK pieces. Just the other day kids were sending me pics of their collections on Twitter.
@killseankelly
That must truly be a surreal feeling! Moving forward some, what’s your opinion on the current state of fashion in general? Anything you’re a fan of? Anything that you’re not so much of a fan of?
I think it’s in a pretty great place honestly. With social media so prevalent it really allows a platform for people like me to exist. That being said it also allows the influx of homegrown designers which can be good and bad- just like everyone wanting to be a rapper. The quality separates itself. I think the market is saturated but a lot of times that’s how you get the best ideas. It just gets a little obnoxious when every brand is making their take on the fanny pack shoulder bag trend…
deadsesh by @killseankelly
Do you have any plans on getting into design outside of clothing? Accessories, footwear, etc? Have any new collaborations coming up?
I definitely want to do footwear. Also furniture design. I have a collaboration with Omen XIII coming soon on a pair of pants that I really love. Also a couple others in the works that I can’t to wait to speak on!
Furniture design is an interesting route to take. Totally looking forward to that venture down the road, man. I really appreciate you taking time out from your schedule to speak with us! Any closing statements? Any advice you’d like to give up and coming designers?
Just keep going. It’s normal to want to give up. What separates a lot of people is just the drive to keep pushing. You’re gonna release stuff that no one likes and that’s okay. This isn’t supposed to be easy. If it was we’d all be successful artists. There’s still things I release no one wants and that’s okay. I also want to add that I’ve noticed this trend in hatred amongst all groups of people lately and it really bothers me. I just feel like as people we’ve never been more divided and I really hope that we can work towards a future where that is not the case. We are more powerful together than divided.
I appreciate you guys having me for the interview!
Keep up with Sean Kelly’s designs on his official website here: http://www.sean-kelly.us/