TRAD Philosophy caught my attention while perusing my usual fashion blogs and social networks. There is something I love about their simple yet sophisticated style that is represented in each TRAD Philosophy garment. We recently caught up GONZA CHU Creative Director of TRAD Philosophy Co., Ltd. as he describes his process and shares some of his wisdom about the menswear industry in Japan.
(my english is not really good , please forgive me any mistakes)
Who created it?
TRAD Philosophy is a one designer team , in fact , I do everything, include the design , fabric , pattern …..etc.
of course I created the brand.
What does the TRAD Philosophy mean?
Because I never learning about Fashion Design, in the college I major in Philosophy, so I wanted to create a brand named Philosophy.
TRAD is a initial From TRADITIONAL
TRAD Philosophy means TRADITIONAL PHILOSOPHY
It’s about daily wear , simple easy style, we don’t need to explain too much things just enjoy your style & garments.
What is your creative background in menswear? Schooling, etc?
Actually when I graduated from university, my first is Magazine FASHION Editor (junior) , and I still do some styling job for some artist , singer , models…etc, in 2011 , I decided to create my own brand.
Why are you passionate about TRAD Philosophy?
Well, in the beginning , I just wanna design a Shirts for myself and some friends that they can go to the office but not formal more causal, so I still think TRAD Philosophy is a flat, that I can share my style, my knowledge about vintage, work wear, mens wear etc…
Who are some people who give you creative inspiration?
I have some friend they do fashion design and launched a brand, we always work together in the same studio so everyone is my teacher and partner about 4 designers in our studio.
What is your favorite store that TRAD Philosophy is sold in?
In taipei, my favorite store in here is called AXES is a select shop , so many beautiful TAIWAN designers in, some is avant-garde , some is ladies , and some like TRAD Philosophy is causal. So many style there.
What is your favorite online store to shop?
I like:
http://www.contextclothing.com/
Do you have any favorite blogs?
http://eightyfoureightyfive.com/
I am a fan of many other Japanese blogs
Where do you find your inspiration for designing?
Traveling… Otherwise is my lifestyle. My mother pass by. my hometown my weakness , my bad moon sometimes is happy and joyful.
What piece of advice can you give someone who wants to become a menswear brand or designer?
Every season at least 20 pieces and you can decorate more then 6 style for look-book shooting.
What were some mistakes that you made that you can share with our audience?
When the market is not mature, your design run too fast, people don’t buy your goods marketing & your creativity must be balanced.
How can people find out more about your brand and buy some of your dope-clothes?
http://tradphilosophy.bigcartel.com/
Thanks Gonza, for doing this interview all the way from Japan. Keep creating!
(We chose to keep the language as original as possible to give you the closest perspective to his thoughts) Grammar nuts calm down!
“Live life with passion!”
-7 Days Theory
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Comments
comments
alma
actually he’s from Taiwan instead of Japan