EMERGING BRAND TAKES SOPHISTICATED STREETWEAR TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Story by D’Loraine Miranda
Photos provided by Kollar Clothing
If you ask David Kollar, Founder and Creative Director of Kollar Clothing, what he aims to bring to the Toronto menswear scene, his answer is simple: sophisticated streetwear. As a newcomer to the scene, Kollar (who established his line in October 2011) has already gained a devoted following, held a successful debut fashion show last Fall, and is working hard on producing a Spring/Summer 2013 collection of the highest quality. This is what Kollar had to share with Plaid about his new found success and future plans.
Kollar Clothing is a relatively new brand. Can you explain how it was established?
I actually started as a graphic and web designer – I was about 14-years-old at that time. A lot of the things I knew were self-taught and I soon became interested in t-shirt printing. From 2007 until 2010 I had a small t-shirt brand, which did pretty well but as I grew older I wanted to start a cut-and-sew line. So I began reading books, talking to seamstresses and learning from others, and in 2011 Kollar Clothing was born.
What’s the biggest difference between Kollar Clothing and the t-shirt label?
It’s more of a sophisticated meets streetwear look, whereas the t-shirt label was focused solely on streetwear.
You also believe in clothing as an art form. Can you elaborate on that?
When you paint something you have an image of it – you don’t really have rules when you paint, you sort of just go with how you feel. When I create my collections I have ideas and I don’t follow rules. I’ll work with a lot of shapes and I’ll use unconventional fabrics.
You’ve released one collection thus far and aren’t slated to release your next one for a while. Why is that?
I didn’t release a Spring/Summer 2012 collection. What happened was I really wanted to come up with more pieces and really know my craft better – for me quality is very important in fabrics and cuts. When we released our debut collection [in October 2011] – we prepped as much as we could, but I still felt like I could’ve done more. We only had eight to ten pieces. We’re currently wrapping up production on the Spring/Summer 2013 collection: outsourcing from all over the world and not just Canada, trying to change up the fabrics, and producing more pieces than our last collection.
Anything you’ll be focusing on more in your next collection?
Denim.
If you could collaborate with anybody who would you choose?
If I had the opportunity I would collaborate with A$AP Rocky. I like a lot of the things he wears in his music videos – it’s really different and inspirational. Also, Johnny Depp for a photo shoot. He has a sharp and sophisticated look which would suit Kollar Clothing really well.
What can we expect from Kollar Clothing within the next few months?
Around October I’ll be speaking to several shops about carrying my label. You’ll see a better stock list for Kollar Clothing – not just [selling] through our website. You can also expect more denim, shirts and even jewellery.
And when will the next collection be set to release?
Our Spring/Summer 2013 collection will be available next February.
Where can we find Kollar Clothing as of now?
Right now you can purchase it online at KollarClothing.com.
