Meet Connor
An East Coast boy with big denim dreams.
Sit down, grab a coffee, and go on airplane mode while I talk fashion, design, and denim with my dear friend Connor.
We met through my photographer friend Fanny Chu who I’ve been modeling for since 2017. She and Connor have been inseparable since they met at a shoot a few years back and to this day they are one of my favorite creative duos.
Designer. Sewist. Vintage Enthusiast.
“I draw a lot of inspiration from strangers, especially the elderly. They have lived long enough to know what they feel comfortable in, and I think that’s dope.”
— Connor
How long have you been designing clothes/sewing?
“My aunt showed me how to sew in 2019 using my grandma’s old sewing machine. But I didn’t start coming up with my own designs until I graduated from FIDM in 2021. I always had ideas in high school, but I didn’t know how to bring them to life. All I could do was sketch them out.”
Why did you decide to focus on denim?
“I draw a lot of inspiration from vintage workwear such as old work jackets, overalls, and vests. These garments were intentionally designed with unique details that function. Denim is a category of its own and I always knew I wanted to work with it, but you need special gear to do it right. The best purchase I ever made was buying an industrial sewing machine.”
Which are your favorite denim pieces you made so far?
“My most recent favorite piece is the Type I jacket that I made. I used some of my own jackets as a starting point for the overall fit, and I’m super happy with how it turned out. Last year, I made a denim vest with some really pretty dark, heavyweight denim that my partner found at an estate sale. I ended up selling it to one of my best friends, and I hope he’s digging it!”
What is your all time favorite denim piece that you own (or hope to own one day)?
“Ironically, the Type I jacket I made is the one I always wanted - a vintage Type I Levi’s jacket. However, they can be quite expensive. I had never found a denim jacket that fit me perfectly, and I believe everyone should have that one denim jacket that they can wear for life. So, I decided to make my own, considering my picky nature with measurements. It was probably the toughest piece I’ve made to date, but I’m really proud of it!”
What inspires you and your designs?
“I am slowly realizing that the things I enjoy creating are also the things I like to wear myself (it sounds funny). At first, I used to make things for others or for a particular audience. However, now I find inspiration in my own wardrobe, which is mostly vintage. Additionally, I draw a lot of inspiration from strangers, especially the elderly. They have lived long enough to know what they feel comfortable in, and I think that’s dope.”
Tell me a little about the design of the skirt (cut, fabric selection, color, etc)
“Sure! It’s an A-line, ankle-length skirt made from brushed cotton with a soft hand. The color is a darker shade of purple, which is quite neutral. I imagined it as a perfect skirt for a Parisian winter. I sketched it as part of a school application a few months ago and thought that it would look great on you! The skirt features front and back yokes with a high waistband. The first sample didn’t have pockets, but we added them to the final version.”
What’s your favorite part of the design process?
“I’ve noticed that the more I work on fashion design, the more I discover about what I like the most. Personally, I find the pattern drafting and sewing process to be the most fascinating aspects of it. It’s a highly technical process that allows you to create anything you want, giving you a lot of freedom. Admittedly, I sometimes don’t enjoy the drafting process on the floor of my apartment, but it is quite rewarding. The process of transitioning from paper to fabric is always exciting, as you never know if it’s going to suck or not, lol. It’s thrilling!”
What’s next for you and your brand?
“I want to take a break from selling my work and focus on practicing my skills. I plan to return to school and eventually master the craft moving forward. I might specialize in denim, but I don’t want to limit myself to one niche.”
Fav accounts to follow on IG/tiktok for design/fashion:
“I follow these denim sewers from Japan, @sakura_overalls and @blueroute_jeans. Their work is inspiring! I hope my sewing can be as good as theirs one day!”
Thanks for reading,
Kiana
Follow Connor here on IG
Photography by Fanny Chu
