Q & A with designer, Willis Ansong of Peter Franco Sneakers.
Who are the brains behind the label? Myself (Willis Ansong), Michael Clarke, Taurean Scotland and Adrian Weekes
How did you get into fashion design and why the name "Peter Franco Sneakers"?
Peter Franco Sneakers, first came from a Law and Order episode. I was watching it in grade 11 journalism class doing a case study. The character (Peter Franco) inspired me. I took it as an alias and started to call myself that. Sneakers was added a year and half later during some first year university debauchery. From then on I knew I wanted to turn it into a creative platform. Literature, written by me was the first project to be present online along with photography. The fashion design enhanced and evolved after promo tees were made to get the word out and get my friends and homies to rep. We have been in retail since August 2008 and recently launched the online store on Earth Day April 22nd, 2009. The site has been live since May 2006, slowly but surely we're progressing.
Who or what has inspired you?
Magazine covers, a women's walk (when its meeeaan!), cupcake presentation in a bakery, drug culture, night life, barcelona, film noir movie posters, anything luxe and hood aka high&low, other peoples bio (the best reads really!) and the ideology of "cool".
What are you working on currently?
June 1st were having a party @ Social to celebrate our summer tee release and conceptualizing the Fall online release presentation. Also were shooting a promo campaign in London and Lisbon in July so were planning the execution of that.
Who do you picture wearing the Franco Sneakers label?
For people that see their dreams and follow them to the end. Art enthusiasts, freedom chasers, the after-school gang!
So far, what would you say you’re most memorable experiences are (in designing etc)?
Just seeing people proud wearing the pieces. The product began as a though and has now become a statement in people's wardrobes. Describe your collection?
The New New Tuff Talk! (he laughs) A bit dirty with portions of sophisticated sexuality, epic pop culture clashed with everyones secrete pastime...
From left: Ladies "Nude" tee and Mens "Voyeurism" tee.
Where can we find and purchase your collection?
Gotstyle Mens Wear, 489 King Street West Toronto and Onlinewww.francosneakers.com
What can we look forward to from Franco Sneakers?
More Pain, More Life, More Celebration, through tees, art prints and accessories
Where do you see this line going, where will it be 5 years from now?
Were working like busy bees to grow something special. My team and I have an ambitious goal to acquire a space to showcase the visuals large format and sell our products permanently. In the mean time just contributing to the arts with our passion projects.
Show your support and head to the Social, 1100 Queen West on JUNE 1st!
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