Now that Christmas is over and we can finally get what we really want! The DH Crew wanted to show you one of our up-and-coming favorite things. If you don’t know by now, there is one crafty little handbag designer with style that really exudes the Dope Home aesthetic. We were lucky to have a little chat with the man behind the bag:
What is Twisted Aristocrat?
Twisted Aristocrat is an up and coming handbag label that launched in the fall of 2012 by Ashton Hodges and Brykyta Shelton. We believe that luxury goods should be attainable at a moderate price. We believe in quality over quantity; our pieces are not mass produced. They are created with love and passion. Together we offer moderately priced small leather goods.
These unisex pieces are urban and multifunctional.
We believe that: “YOUR STYLE DICTATES USE.”
What inspired you to start your own collection?
Twisted Aristocrat was conceived a couple of years ago when the first iPad was released.” I was so excited to have this new piece of technology but wanted a case to protect it and display my personal style. I’m the type of guy that see’s something and says “THAT’S HOW MUCH??? I can make that myself.” So I made my first iPad bag on my home sewing machine and it turned out great and I still carry it today. I went to school for art at a liberal arts university and have a BFA in Art and Design. It wasn’t until the end of 2011 that I realized this is what I should be doing, because I love doing it. It took a literal bump on the head at work to wake me up when it should have knocked me out. The management at my then day job wasn’t the least bit concerned with my head wound, and on that day I started dreaming about what could be/would be. I talked to my best friend who was working overseas at the time. She was all for this new career and sent me start up capital even without seeing any samples. Fast-forward to May 2012 and I took the leap into starting this business. I quit my retail sales job and started designing, creating samples, ordering supplies, increasing my skills and perfecting my craft. I’m living a life that most people wish they could, by following my dream.
How did the name Twisted Aristocrat come to be?
Twisted Aristocrat came from brainstorming. I knew that I didn’t want a cute name because I wasn’t making cute things. I wanted a name that was distinct and would allow people to put their own meaning behind our products. To me as the designer the idea behind ” Twisted Aristocrat” means making luxury items that are typically accessible only to people in the highest class of society or the Aristocracy. I wanted to take that level of first class and prestige and make it accessible to the mainstream members of society. We all want to feel like we have something of value or something unique and special. I believe that our brand is exactly that
How do you develop and bring your ideas to life?
All of Twisted Aristocrat’s pieces are hand made /designed locally in Maryland by myself. I have a studio space set up in my attic which allows me to work from home. As an independent start up It’s a blessing. It’s pretty large and allows me to spread out and go wild while creating. I have an industrial sewing machine and a couple smaller sewing machines that I do the sewing on. I also do the promoting/ website upkeep/ social media stuff too with help from my partner.
When Designing I try to keep things simple and allow the user options in the way they carry the piece. I’m inspired by city dwellers, urban surroundings, street art, street-wear labels, found objects, vintage materials, Instagram and image sharing social media sites. If an idea comes to me while sleeping or in the shower I jot it down so I remember. I do rough sketches in a note book from those ideas. I pick the one I like best. I take it to illustrator and draft it to scale while trying to imagine what it will look like in 3D and how the pieces will fit together. The template is printed to actual size, cut out and used as a guide for cutting the leather.
Which is your favorite piece and why?
Right now i’m in love with our new fold over clutch – The Fold Clutch – Kangaroo Edition. It’s a piece i can really see being In Barney’s or Bergdorf’s. I really like it because it’s imaginative and versatile. It’s constructed from Real Kangaroo Fur and Dark Brown Deer. You can carry an iPad in it or use it as an oversized clutch. The user can fold it any way they’d like. I like mixing the idea of something being rustic and luxurious at the same time.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
As a new brand with out a major corporation behind it I’m really pleased with the way things are taking shape now. if there was anything I’d do different it would probably be going to fashion school instead of a liberal arts university. I can only imagine how big Twisted Aristocrat could be at this point in my life if i started in my early twenties.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own company?
Just do it… Start off small and grown your brand. Build hype before it’s released. Make sure the item you are creating is constructed well and priced to sell! It’s going to be a lot more work than a 9-5 day job. Stay humble and work hard. Remember that things are only going to happen if you put the ball in motion.
Where do you see your brand at in a year’s time?
I’d like to have Twisted Aristocrat in 5 -10 Boutiques. I’d also like to have another designer/ creative force on board to help with the creation of our pieces. In a few years I’d like to be employing other talented people. We’ll be producing beautiful hand crafted pieces here in the US that can be found in high end department stores.
Where can people find Twisted Aristocrat?
Twisted Aristocrat can be found online at http://www.Twistedaristocrat.com We have an Etsy Shop linked directly on our website. We also have merchandise at Redeem Located:1734 14th Street NW Washington DC 20009 :: (corner of 14th and S St NW) Phone: (202) 332-7447
Contact info:
twitter: @twstdaristocrat
Tags: clutches, cool bags, Ipad accessories, twisted aristocrat
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