OMSK - Interview

OMSK is a label founded in 2011 by the designer duo Valéria Siniouchkina and Philippe Koeune. In 2007 the duo launched the clothing label GIRLS FROM OMSK, proposing collections rooted in the streetwear aesthetics with a designer wear approach. After 4 years, the name GIRLS FROM OMSK became simply OMSK. OMSK is a label strongly rooted in its time proposing a blend of casual and designer wear with a fresh and accessible twist, for both women and men. Strong prints, structured and straightforward cuts are the essence of OMSK collections.
OMSK's universe is about travel and Russian culture. 

Why did you change your name from "Girls from OMSK" to "OMSK"?
 
GIRLS FROM OMSK was originally a streetwear style mixed with dressy pieces. The idea was to propose a wardrobe which is accessible, urban, very graphic and addressing an audience that's young enough. Since the winter of 2010 we felt the need to change the idea to something more dressy related to a more mature sphere, while keeping the founding ideas of the brand : urbanity, 'russitude' and the idea of traveling.

We gradually moved away from our original image and positioning by focusing more on the warp, weft line and mesh.

When we started to develop a men's line, the transition of GIRLS FROM OMSK to OMSK has imposed itself naturally and it felt necessary. OMSK is the big brother / big sister of GIRLS FROM OMSK, the genes are the same, but the girl became a woman and the man has imposed himself into the family to take his own place.

What is your brand made of?

OMSK is a brand offering a casual wardrobe that borrows from contemporary elegance. The brand draws inspiration from Russian culture and traveling: the two keys to our conception and inspiration. Of course we are still attentive to the current trends.
 
What makes OMSK different from the other Belgian brands? 

OMSK distinguishes itself from other brands by its imagery / universe and by its accessibility. We do not define ourselves as a designer brand. We offer an straight forward product at affordable prices. Our playful and offset-ed approach is also, in our view, one of our characteristics.

OMSK - Official

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S/S 2012 Filles à Papa - Interview

Filles à Papa was founded in 2009 by 2 Belgian sisters : Sarah and Carol. The duo has signed a sixth collection that closely resembles themselves: trendy, contrasted and instinctive. They dress the fashionistas who, like them, refuses to take themselves too seriously. One of their primary sources of inspiration is New York, a city where they have lived for some time. 

You launched FAP in 2009, during the economical crisis. Now your brand is being recognized around the world. What are your future plans for it?

FAP: It has a nice presence on the Belgian market and our plans now are to continue to export the brand to other continents. A flagship FAP store  is scheduled in September in the Dansaert hood in Brussels. Big party ahead! Of course we'll notify you on time.

How does FAP differ from other Belgian brands?

FAP: I think we have a strong Universe, a very distinct style which is very Rock And Roll. Our girls are not afraid to open their eyes! We play with contrasts. It creates a lot of strong pieces "Blow Of Heart" in our collections with beautiful materials. Once you wear a FAP piece it's very readable and recognizable. In fact the girls make the look. We match our creations with basics (jeans, worn t-shirts …). Our clients are aware of fashion, they instinctively compose their looks. They like to feel sexy while wearing very casual clothes. We love Belgian fashion. There are incredible designers here but FAP brings a touch of glow and surprise.

In addition to being sisters what are your strong points?

FAP: We're very complementary because of our studies : Sarah has studied design and typography, Carol, graphics, even if we design everything together. We also have very distinctive personalities. There's always one of us to temper or encourage the other. Our work is also the consequence of our different sensibilities. Finally the point is the mixing of our personal styles. Honestly, it's very cool to share this kind of adventure with a sister.

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FAP - Official

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Charlotte - Soldout

 

 

Who are you outside Soldout, can you explain your background?

I've been involved in music since my childhood, my parents enrolled me very early in the academy of music, piano and music theory. It was quite natural for me to continue into the world of music, it just happened gradually.
As a teenager I began to be attracted by photography, the image in general. I developed an artistic sensibility to it.
It was natural for me to study photography at the University of San Francisco. Then back to Brussels, I started study design at the Erg. Anything that relates to art interests me.

What were your influences in music, graphics and especially in fashion?
 
I'm influenced by everything, especially anything that's artistic like movies, books, music. But what influences me a lot as well are my friends, our long conversations and my questioning about everything. In art, I like anything that causes a reaction, and what makes sense. The beautiful side of things doesn't interest me, there must be something else to causes a reflection, a feeling. I like music that touches me. Music without a soul is not for me. Background music, I call it elevator music! I do not think that artists are influenced by fashion, but the opposite.

What's is the role of fashion inside of Soldout ?
Frankly said, fashion doesn't play any role inside of Soldout. Fashion is constantly changing and I like things that remain steady. I try not to be too influenced by fashion. Obviously I'm a little affected by it because we live in a society that dictates how we should feel, but it is not very important to me. The main thing is to feel good about what I wear. I do not attach much importance to a stage outfit either. When people come to our shows, it's the music that matters, not the clothes.

David and you have formed Soldout ten years ago. Of all performances you have done, which live performance do you think of fondly?

The best memory for me was our tour in Germany with Front 242, it was a really special tour. We have developed relationships with the members of Front and I got to know their music better. It influenced us musically and psychologically. We became more confident in ourselves and day by day we evolved. I also have nice memories of the "Dour Festival" and the "Transardentes". It was an incredible atmosphere every time.

The release of your new album is imminent, how do you feel about working on your third album, as those are often crucial albums?

We're very serene and confident. We're approaching a sound that's close to us, something personal, it's very important for us to bring something different, not the same music every time. We had a lot of very good feedback from people around us. It motivates us to keep on going.

We discover your latest EP "Wazabi", do you still consider yourself as an "Eletro-Rock" band?

What is certain is that we make electronic music. But it's not that we define our kind of music, that's the job of our fans and journalists! It's always funny to see who we are compared to, it is interesting to hear that. According to the people's thoughts and mindsets, we are compared to many different groups. Afterwards, we try to find the links between them and us. We do not try to put ourselves into boxes, we just want to try to make music that's close to us and do not get locked into one genre.

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SD - Official

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Photography : Grégoire Pleynet