Behind Cult of Individuality’s first show
Crafted out of his love for rock music one look at the brand Cult of Individuality and it's very clear to see, it is not the standard contemporary street style . Which is the exact reason why the name of the brand pours so easily into the style and feel of the clothes that are crafted. And from our time speaking and following to the current show runner and creative director the arrangement and multi-level intimate design for their first ever men’s fashion show, we were able to get a unique and exclusive look on some of the insider details.
In our one on one interview with Mykel Smith he discussed how his collaboration came to finally manifesting as the first go to production post Covid-19 with long time colleague Ron Poisson (founding-designer of Cult of Individuality). We took a journey on how it all started ten years ago when Mykel found Ron’s brand recognition continuing to build amongst their mutual social circles, almost taunting him to look further into the Cult and what it was all about.
10 years later Mykel brought Ron an idea that would transform the future business conversation for Cult of Individuality and push them from their traditional trade showings to the New York industry networking. Ron already found himself pushing to expand the audiences digital footprint and recognition, being more than just an artist that was good at what he did; he was also a very savvy businessman as recognized the opportunity. The ripple effect from the Covid-19 pandemic was catastrophic stand still to all of the fashion industry with brands still closing their doors because of the traffic loss. As shows and presentations are finding their way back into the city this is one of the recognizable and stand out shows of the city’s summer.
As we tracked behind the scenes of the shows build up from model casting, to set design, press previews, photoshoots, and casting selections the vision for Cult began to take shape in a very clear way. This is but one of the new yearly shows that will be on the yearly calendar docket for both press and store buyers.
After all the business negotiations were set aside, the brand went on to organize all the tiny and big details of the show and how everything was going to be put together. The idea in itself of putting on a fashion show in the middle of a global pandemic can seem scary still to a large amount of people, however, this is a challenge that Cult of Individuality gladly accepted. Which speaks a lot to the culture of the brand and how dedicated it is to pushing boundaries and separating itself from the pack, much like the clothes the brand produces. From renowned trade shows and pop-up shops, to an organized digital store front that catches your eye on the first click, to now taking its collection to the eyes of the Council of Fashion Design Association organizing a full blown men’s fashion show in New York. A success story worthy of its tale, and with all the elevated press spectators now staring straight at this very event, you can definitely say that they will be putting their best foot forward in order to dress to impress.
The creative director was asked to describe things that he most looked forward to as the take aways and aftermath of the coming show. One of the main points he mentioned was that he wanted to see this brand have its formal introduction to the New York fashion “committee” as well as expansion into the fashion scene as a whole. Stating, “What I want to see coming out of this, is that people know who this brand is”.
By : Megan Maritz