Amongst the blossoming world of online designers, there is one rising star in particular. Skylar, Parsons School of Design student, launched their own online clothing line: Skyco Studios. The unique designer utilizes tapestry as a medium for their clothing. In my interview with Skylar last week, they detail their journey and their plans for the future of Skyco Studios.
Eli: Where did the name Skyco come from?
Skylar: Skyco came from my name Skylar. I always liked having the word sky in whatever I did. And Skyco is like the word company but when combined into one word, it kind of works.
Eli: When did you start designing?
Skylar: I started designing probably almost a year ago. I rented a sewing machine from my dorm room one boring night and I taught myself how to sew. I fell in love with sewing materials, such as tapestry and leather and reworking vintage materials.
Eli: What were some of the biggest challenges when starting your company?
Skylar: The biggest challenge I have faced would be getting groups of people to really like my stuff as much as I do. With my following I have met really good artists and other designers that have less than a thousand followers. I am astonished that these people haven’t been appreciated on a mainstream level yet. But I am a person who learns most from my failures and experiences. I attribute these lessons to my success with clothes, school, and life in general.
Eli: Why did you decide to use tapestry as the material for your pieces?
Skylar: When I was learning how to use my sewing machine, the only material I had to sew was this old piece of vintage golf tapestry. So, I was cutting up that to make a bag which is pretty easy because it teaches you a lot about seams. From there, I made my first pair of pants from the excess tapestry.
Eli: Who is your demographic?
Skylar: My demographic doesn’t really have an age limit or gender because I have seen everyone from little girls to older men wear my clothes. Even the mini boy bags I make which are directed to my family audience is enjoyed equally between men and women. I’m happy to have a brand that can be free of any gender restrictions and can be appreciated by everyone.
Eli: What inspires your work?
Skylar: I am heavily inspired by designers that make statement pieces like KidSuper and bag brands like Telfar. The combination of having an essential mixed with this everyday piece adds some flare to it. That’s why I think tapestry hits the nail on the head. Also, I am heavily inspired by Keith Haring! I have done so much research on him and have always looked up to him. He has been my favorite artist ever since I was little.
Eli: How would you describe your brand?
Skylar: My work is just pop culture mixed with streetwear. I try to incorporate all these things that describe who I am into tapestry. For example, I dropped a Mega Man piece one week, and then I dropped a Step Brothers piece the next. They don’t have a similar theme, but they are two things that contribute to the person I am today.
Eli: What advice do you have for young designers?
Skylar: Advice that I have for young designers would be to be persistent and learn from your failures. One way I can tell if something is truly for me is if I lose track of time doing something. If researching, studying, or even doing something feels like pulling teeth or counting the minutes, you’re doing something that’s not meant for you. That night I taught myself to sew, I didn’t go to sleep until like 8 am because I completely lost track of time. I watched videos and experimented with the sewing machine.
Eli: What is the direction of your brand?
Skylar: I want the brand to be thought of as an essential material. Most bags, specifically leather bags, are unsustainable and I think that tapestry can provide an alternative to that luxurious feeling which the bright colors that tapestry provides.
Eli: What’s Skyco’s place in the broader streetwear movement?
Skylar: I think Skyco will develop more into a designer brand rather than streetwear as I want to venture into bigger and more over the top pieces like coats and experimental fashion. But I think tapestry is still an underappreciated material in the fashion world. So as long as that can be adopted by any lane of fashion, it would make me happy.
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