I am just kind of obsessed with the tees and such at
Society Of The Spectacle. I mean, who doesn't love graphic tees that don't make you look like you're fifteen... amiright?
I'm lucky enough to interview one half of the sibling designing duo, Julianne Hoang. She's such an interesting woman and I love how thoughtful her designs are!
ABTT:So, how long have you been designing? Where is your design studio based?
JH: Our brand started on just an idea to create tees that expressed our political views. It wasn't too long ago that my brother Nam and I, like the vast majority of people, had strong ideas and beliefs and a desire to act on them but felt that as individuals we could not effect change. Now... even in our very small way, we are able to express our thoughts and ideas to others and it's a great feeling. I don't have any formal training in fashion design. Nam, luckily, has extensive experience in the design and branding industry. We're based out of Santa Ana, California.
How do you decide what kinds of graphics are printed on your tees?
We start off by gathering all the important socio-political topics that we believe are important to us and from there the designs come to us. There really isn't a specific process. We are constantly thinking about the issues and the designs that would best represent those issues and the ideas grow pretty organically. Everything affects our creative process... from the small particulars of our daily lives, our environment, and surroundings to what's portrayed in the media, pop culture, and issues from around the world. In our most recent season, we conducted a poll on our website asking viewers to choose what issue concerned them most. The result was Military Industrial Complex. We then thought of designs that would complement that theme. With our first season, we tried to be a little less direct/didactic and more abstract. However, as time passes we are becoming bolder in our statements.
I'm loving your starlet collection... Is there a particular design that is your favorite?
The Color-Me Series is my favorite. It is simple... and maybe a little nostalgic and whimsical. It is our top selling design. I also love our scarves.
Are there any celebrities that you would love to see wearing your line?
I don't have any specific celebrities in mind. However, I'd love to see our designs on celebrities who believe in and understand the concept of the brand. It's difficult to separate our ideals from the reality that success in this society is based on who is wearing your clothes... and as a company we can't deny that.
Who do you think is the biggest media spectacle right now? What do you think it says about our culture?
I think there's a new spectacle everyday. Our culture is obsessed with spectacles presented to us through the mainstream media...from celebrities to shark attacks to killer toasters, and of course, the latest and greatest products out there. I think it says many things about our culture. The spectacles we encounter daily in our mainstream media distract us from thinking critically and asking important questions. Rather than trying to understand why many people are dying everywhere in the world or what is taking place in other countries as well as our own country due to our administration's economic and foreign policies, the vast majority of our time is spent chasing the unending need to consume the latest and greatest thing out there. We are undeniably a consumer culture. That desire to constantly consume is fed to us everyday and deters us from actively participating in important matters that affect us. We then become passive consumers of everything from the latest useless goods to media spectacles. I understand it's really difficult to get out of the cycle of consumption. I have a difficult time myself. I guess...awareness is the first step.
I've noticed your s/s '09 collection has a lot of muted colors and fleece... Can we expect any other design surprises in your future collections?
The message and design are our first priority and we often rely on colors that best complement and reflect those designs. We will certainly explore more colors when they better exemplify our designs and concepts.
What's currently in your handbag?
Black balenciaga part-time: make-up bag with all my essentials (mac lipsticks, diorskin powder, and a bright blush). coin purse. credit card holder. wallet. business card holder. iphone. jawbone. pen. pocket notebook.
What's your biggest success with Society of the Spectacle?
I guess everyone measures success differently. On the business end , we were really happy that a big department store such as Nordstrom picked up our line. But... mostly I think we really enjoy the letters from people who happened to come across our line and really had great things to say. We've even had a fan write us poems inspired by our brand! I think that's the most flattering thing that's happened for us so far.
What is your biggest success personally?
I know it probably sounds cliche but... I have to say that I have the greatest daughter a person could have. I'm not sure if it had anything at all to do with me... but she has really grown up to be a wonderful, well-rounded, kind and empathetic individual. I know that as she grows and matures, she will do great things.
Finally, what do you think are the fashion must-haves for the f/w '08 season?
I'm not sure what must-haves for other people are but I would love to have a perfect-fitting gorgeous black leather jacket and a great pair of flat comfy boots.
