CREATING THE GOODZ SHOWCASE #4 - PETE LA CHIC OF FOR THE HOMIES
We recently caught up with our homie Pete Le Chic of For The Homies for an interview as part of this instalment of Creating The Goodz.
Before we jump into the interview, for those that are not familiar with Pete or his brand we present the background story of For The Homies…
A bridge between menswear and streetwear with signature custom designs, tailored garments, graphic tees and accessories, the brand is the vision of director and founder Pete Le Chic.
Most streetwear labels venture into cut and sew clothing design in order to keep their t-shirt brands in the game, but this is where For The Homies got their start.
Pete’s first ever dream job was to be the artist who made the art for skateboard decks. At age 18 he realised this dream by working for a skateboard company that gave him his first opportunity to begin working with clothing, pattern makers and manufacturers. Through this he found a love of designing and went on to become an apprentice tailor for 2 years where he began sewing clothes. He was making streetwear, but using the tailoring techniques he was learning in his apprenticeship with a vision that there was a better and more interesting way to construct clothes than the mass produced way.
Since all the clothes he made were starting to pile up he decided to give them to friends, who happened to be artists, DJs and musicians. With the exposure of this small group Pete was contacted to see if he wanted to sell some of his clothes, and For The Homies was born in 2006.
Choosing never to sacrifice on quality the production is managed by like minded and passionate manufacturers in Canada, USA and Japan. Each release is heavily influenced by Pete’s personal experience, his love of art, skateboarding, graffiti, street culture and particularly by music.
For The Homies has never been a brand for the masses and is distinct in its visual identity and culture, creating an “insiders club”. By bringing people together it has paved the way for a flourishing niche.
Yo Pete, thanks for joining us homie, for the latest instalment of Creating The Goodz. Tell us about yourself, as well as your history as a creative and the path that got you to where you are today?
My first memory is going to the national gallery with my little textbook with He-Man on the cover and drawing as many paintings as I possibly could. Plus the sheer amount of weirdos wanting to look at my drawings, who know where my parents were!? I was especially drawn to Picasso, I don't know if it was more the colour combinations or the abstraction but, ‘Weeping Woman’ is still one of my favourites to date.
At around 8 years old, in 1988 I found skateboarding. That freedom of being on the streets and the rebellion that comes with it has led to that downfall for the rest of my life haha. The discovery of the art, music and the introduction of style changed everything, I wouldn't be the same person without it. Off the leash!
Can you give us some insight into your creative process?
I'm heavy on research, if I'm not learning while I'm working how much can I enjoy and take away from it? Every collection has a starting point theme. For example, the next season is based on the West Indies cricket team touring Australia. Viv Richards and Curtly Ambrose cap titled, dripping in gold and looking so cool even on the pitch. It was my introduction of style in sports, all pre NBA. the next game changer…
Any memorable projects or clients through your journey over the years that instantly come to mind?
My favourite tshirt is the Wu Tang/Metallica FOREVER. That was initially for A New York Thing, then that brand went under. I sat on it for like another 4-5 years before coming out simply because I thought people wouldn't get it. There are no bad ideas but, there's bad timing and bad placement- for example not putting something out in the right lane where the correct audience will understand it.
For any creative inspiration is a major influence on our mindset and part of the projects and work we produce. What influences you and your work especially when it comes to the label?
Simple, hate and anger. Not really, but there's still a part of me that thrives on it. These days it's more so trying to be better than the last time in anything I do. That's my only goal. Even if it's a small improvement and I notice it, that's enough. That comes down to planning and organising thoroughly.
“Just watch my back, I got the front, yo” Mobb Deep
With your label For The Homies from memory, my first interaction with the label was seeing your Homies, Lovers, Friend Tshirt back in 2008 in your eyes what do you think has given your brand such long longevity and what could you recommend to other brands owners?
I can’t stress this enough, you’re not competing with any brand or anyone but yourself. The next guy is always gonna have a bigger budget, more talent or more connections. Do better than you did last time and get your skills up. Find people you admire and ask questions, then put it into practice. Everyone wants to be the Supreme or whatever but, you can only be you.
Photo accreditation & sources: For The Homies, Up There Store.
PRE-WINTER WEEKEND SALE
Pre-Winter Weekend Sale is now live running from Fri May 28 till Mon 31.
THE GOODZ SCRIPTED RUGBY
We will be going live on the webstore next week for presales of our The Goodz Scripted Rugby with embroidered script and branded patch.
Keep an eye out we’ll have more information asap.
