Vanishing Elephant is an Australian based brand designed by Huw Bennett, Felix Chan, and Arran Russell. In 2008, the trio decided to join forces and launch a line that would be committed to creating clothing of quality, purpose, and elegance. Making their mark with a classic aesthetic, each collection heralds a return to gentlemanly style complete with woven shirts, tailored suits, elegant knitwear, and Italian leather footwear. Before they knew it, Vanishing Elephant was in the doors of Odin, Bloomingdales, Atrium, etc.
Grungy Gentleman sits down with Designer Huw Bennett of Vanishing Elephant to see how it all went down…
[Huw Bennett, Felix Chan, and Arran Russell]
Grungy Gentleman: How would you describe the Vanishing Elephant brand and what should everybody know about your line?
Huw Bennett: The brand to us is about mixing aspirational clothing with affordable pricing; the end goal being to offer a classic wardrobe with each collection.
GG: Where did you get the inspiration for your fall collection?
HB: The Fall collection was based around a couple of books we found about Sydney criminology, starting in the 1920's through the 1940's. Our interest in the books was mainly focused on the tailored outfits throughout it and how many of the photographed individuals managed to look so effortless, despite the hard conditions of their day-to-day life.
GG: It looks like you placed a large emphasis on wool, tweed, and denim for fall. Can you explain the importance of fabrics in your collection?
HB: Given the 'classic' nature of the collection, we try to always work with interesting fabrics to add some depth. Wool is always high on our list. Wool jackets are an essential part of the Vanishing Elephant collective. Linen is another favorite. For the coming season we've run some really nice textured linen shirts and a great blue and white linen suit.
GG: What is your favorite piece in your collection from fall and why?
HB: Probably the Black Pine coat - It is the cropped toggle coat with the tan rope and toggles. We love our wool pieces and this one really just came out looking great. The fit is really neat and it's super warm!
GG: How would you describe the Vanishing Elephant partners and your own style?
HB: This should be easy to answer - we all have a relatively similar style. We tend to hover between casual and quite formal, a usual day would be chinos + collared shirt + fleece jumper + and a pair of derby lace ups.
[Arran Russell]
[Felix Chan]
GG: What should every man have as a staple in his wardrobe?
HB: A nice suit, a white shirt, blue jeans, and some shoes your mom would be happy about.
GG: You are based in Australia. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages not being located in the United States? How is fashion different in Australia?
HB: We are very fortunate with the climate. It extends itself to getting a whole lot out of each day (very optimistic of me writing this in our winter.) It is no real disadvantage being far from North America - the most notable problem would be communicating with our agents as the time difference means we have to organize phone calls etc, quite well in advance. Fashion in Australia is very trend driven and quite casual. It seems like men are getting a little bit more experimental with colors and fits, which is really good to see.
GG: What can we expect next from Vanishing Elephant?
HB: America is a big priority for us at the present time. We have great agents in the States and Canada, so we're working on ways to help support these guys. We'd love to come over and do a couple of events with our retailers around men's market time. Maybe a show of some sort in the not so distant future?
[See more from Vanishing Elephant below...]
5 comments:
i am going to buy everything from vanishing elephant
VE RULES!
Vanishing elephant is going to take the fashion world by storm
With State of the Aussie nation Gillard Vs Abbott not looking to hot, Huw Bennett have you thought of a career in politics.. your half way there with a nice suit and haircut.
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