wound menswear

We slayed the competition!

2010-12-18T10:56:00.000-05:00

And all we got was a plaque;) Champagne in our cereal!

The Wars of Other Men - Wardrobe Dept.

2010-12-18T10:52:00.001-05:00

Ahhh, to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Wound did the costuming, which was so appropriate considering the context! We wounded the clothes for the wounded soldiers and military is always a great inspiration. One of the only things keeping American Garment Production Facilities cranking....

The Wars of Other Men Official Trailer from Jessica Grabowski on Vimeo.

Adult. Films!

2010-12-18T10:50:00.001-05:00

I am an axe-weilding, power hungry paranoid beesh!
POSSESSION(S) from ADULT. on Vimeo.

Vice and Johnny Knoxville in the Hizzy!

2010-12-18T10:47:00.000-05:00

Campaign

2010-12-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

Signage

2010-12-18T10:40:00.001-05:00

Davin made Motor City Sewing a proper sign!

Craft Revival!

2010-12-18T10:36:00.000-05:00

WOUND has some goodies on display at this years Craft Revival hosted at the Loving Touch in Ferndale.
Have a bloody, pick up some new threads or just run through and say hello!

People's Art Fest

2010-08-26T16:32:00.000-04:00

Every year, the Russell Industrial Center holds a wonderful event known as the People's Art Fest. The parking lot and some of the studios inside become taken over by vendors in booths, dancers, spray painters, DJ's, artists, magazines, and god knows what else!! This year, WOUND is taking over quite a large space with Angela McBride of Peace Love Spandex and will keep the studio open for passerbys. A new changing room, beverages and snacks, a beautiful green showroom, and the like will be open to all. So come on by, look for some crazy swagger, hang out and have fun! We all will, and that is a promise!

Canfield Street Market

2010-08-26T16:30:00.001-04:00

City Bird, a wonderful supporting wonderful artists, such as WOUND menswear. Check out there website, head on in to the store. Guarantee you will not leave empty handed. At the Canfield Street Market, the streets were loaded with people as they all checked out the stores and the awesome deals. We were involved, were you?

T.T.T.T.T.

2010-08-26T15:55:00.000-04:00

What do you get when you mix whales, a heart shaped balloon (better than a box, eh Kurt?), spray painted tee's, anagrams, Sarah's first quilt ever made, mixed drinks, awesome pizza, and put it all in Motor City Brewery? You get T.T.T.T.T., an art show thrown by Sarah Lapinski. Whale stuff animals, some spray painted tee's made up the collection.

Positive Attitude

More to come!!

Fashion Garage, Take dos

2010-08-26T15:21:00.000-04:00

Here's what ya'll missed! Or if you were there, here are the memories we created!

Thrown at Femelia Couture's Showroom at 420 Hilton St, this pop up sale was a total hit!

Angela McBride and Kelly Lynn

Gone fishin'!

DJ Jefferson

Baby J looks for accessories for a styling gig

Alterations

The front

Femelia Interns

Baby J (green) and J Star (sprinkles) danced with hangers while wearing crowns to attract drivers. It worked.

The Roof is on Fi-yah!

2010-08-04T15:32:00.000-04:00

We've been poking around the Russell, investigating our neighbors. Found a pipe organ repair shop, massive glass blowing, secret fancy recording studios. Glorious!

The purpose was to get on the roof and scout for Vice Magazine's online video site. What started out as an innocent styling gig turned into a crazya$$ day of exploration. My girl, Ko, was the fixer and supplied Vice with the local talent. Rob comes over to hit the rooftop, per their request, and I make it happen with a little sweet talking:) They call to cancel everything until the next day so we unwind and shot some product for the Etsy. As we wrap the shoot a call comes in to alert us that the Vice Squad is due to arrive in 10 minutes. Woah!

Regroup. Angela goes to greet them. They descend upon her with a mike. I finally meet up and she is shell shocked. I'm then thrown in front of the camera to have an on camera conversation with a Mr. Johnny Knoxville. Double woah! A sweet, affable host, we rise to the challenge and offer up some local Detroit knowledge and pride. Job well done!

Unfortch, not a picture was taken and the footage will most likely end up on the cutting room floor. However, we went to new heights and made the decision to spruce up the front room, giving us a proper showroom.

Update: We felt the need to go up again, this time with local singer/songwriter Patrick Davy, owner of some sweet one-of-a-kind early Wound and newer custom goods. We're now scouting for our fashion DVD...

The Wall is Greener...on our side!

2010-08-04T14:27:00.001-04:00

I've been holding it down in the Russell Industrial Center for almost 4 years now. That in itself feels like a major achievement. I have not done this alone. As of late, I've had the dedicated help of 2 young, passionate, talented guns: Justin and Justin and more recently Joe. And can I just say having Angela around has been an amazing boost and blessing! That girl gets things done and quick!

Many of our discussions revolve around professionalizing our businesses. One sure way, is to have an amazing showroom to welcome people and set the stage for sales, whether it be for their project or our product.

Motor City Sewing is divided into 2 spaces. The front room has a closet and loft (thanks to former studio mate and all around amazing person, Jeannine Shinoda) and 185 sq. ft. to shout out our abilities and accomplishments. Stay tuned for developments in our remodel...think flooring...Cheers!

Detroit Critical Mass!

2010-07-30T12:16:00.000-04:00

Detroit is a great place to ride! Didn't know so??? You don't have to worry much about congestion, we don't quite need bike lanes, there's rarely even a walker. So ride on! You own the roads, sidewalks and parking vistas.

Today is my first Critical Mass. Riding through the city and it's neighborhoods always heightens my love. So much diversity in dwellings, landscape and upkeep that you can't appreciate inside a 4 wheeled vehicle.

"But what about safety?!", you say, "Isn't Detroit dangerous?"

I don't know if Detroit is much like any other city, in that one block can have such a different feel from the next. With each turn and pedal it hits you in the gut, good, bad or otherwise. But the mass is critical! They ride some 200 deep! The riders at the forefront "cork" the roads like any good gang of bikers would and on we ride undeterred. I would speculate that it's such an unexpected spectacle that it would put a smile on the most hardened. Honestly, I hardly feel too anxious in this town and have had very little crime happen to me. Not that it doesn't happen, just lucky I guess....knocking on wood.

Peoples Art Festival

2010-07-27T19:23:00.000-04:00

What are you doing August 28th and 29th? Well this year you should spend it with WOUND at the Russell Industrial Center for the 4th Annual Peoples Art Festival! We will have a booth out in the parking lot selling clothes, dancing, make you all laugh. You know, the usual! Lots of interesting people will be selling there! Art, fashion, music, food, maybe some drinks, who knows! Last year when I went I did some spray painting. You know, the norm.

Judith Sallador will be selling her artwork both days! I love this girl, you have no idea :)

http://blog.mirafloresa.com/

Not sure what this has to do with the above...just thought it was so pretty.

It was not meant that we voyage far...

2010-07-27T18:55:00.000-04:00

Fall is going to be here sooner than we all realize. And we all know what that means! The perfect hoodies are all ready for purchase! Men will love these comfortable and warm hoodies.

http://www.woundmenswear.com/collections/fall-winter-2007/#

It is image 19 of 22. While from an older show, this hoodie is coming back this season thanks to a sudden abundance of fabric. Missed getting one before? Well now is your chance!

Also, have you ever thought you could love someone if you didn't hate them so much? Ladies? Men? We all have, I am pretty sure. Well flaunt it out there, thanks to the shirts saying "I'd Love You if I Didn't Hate You So Much" in French. Language of love, no?

These shirts come in Small, Medium, & Large for both women & men. They come in Green or White for Men and also in Pink for women (or you men that look haut in pink! Hey, they are out there!!).

And the bike shirts have returned for men & women. Small, Medium & Large for both sexes. Green, Red & Orange for the men, and Green, Red, & sky blue for all you ladies!

Better get your paws on these before they run out! Keep your belly warm this year with Wound Menswear!

Pick Wound for the BEST!

2010-07-27T18:29:00.003-04:00

Help a sista out!!

Get me to the Number One spot for the WDIV Best Of... for Menswear!

All you have to do is move your cute little mouse over the big yellow button that says "CAST VOTE" and click! So simple... the link is below. It can't get much easier than this.

According to a post underneath the yellow button, you can be entered to win something in a sweepstakes. Those are always fun!

Click away, enjoy, & have a beautiful day! <3 <3

http://wdiv.cityvoter.com/wound-menswear/biz/569268

If you really love us, PROVE IT! ;)
Just sayin'.........

Fashion Garage Sale!

2010-07-12T18:26:00.000-04:00

Were you there?

You should have been. =)

Fashion Garage! Saturday, July 10th 2010

2010-07-07T19:27:00.000-04:00

As designed by intern and visual communicator extraordinaire, Justin Milsk.

Fashion Garage! Basically a rad garage sale....

2010-07-07T19:19:00.001-04:00

Sooooo, we had to come up with an event for a magazine that wanted to feature, Angela, my studio mate. That's how Fashion Garage was born! The crew is taking over an empty room in the Russell for a one-day pop-up shop to the max, yo! The ladies of Femilia Organic Couture will be joining us to clean out our closets, garages, attics and trunks to bring you a good, cheap time. There will be refreshments for sale to help fund a soon-to-be-revealed mission we are undertaking in the name of Detroit Fashion.

BEFORE

MAKING PLANS

MISS FOTOULA and THE MASK

BABY J works hard for the WOUND

J STAR will not rest until the place looks beyond!

McBRIDE sucks!

These spaces are build to suit. Nothing fancy here. Yet.

Wabi-sabi Garden

2010-06-27T22:06:00.003-04:00

I love my little growing world!

Dunno where this fashion crap came from.

Sewing was rationalized as being a good skill to have for the new world order. Shortly after receiving a degree in Urban/Labor Studies, I thought it might serve as a handy "language" for traveling the world, developing economies.

The garden, the self-employment, is an extension of that throbbing to be self-sufficient, free, avoid the matrix. I can't lie, it's the most imperfectly perfect place in my world. I just only have to walk out of my door to be there.

As if I had time to design for Wound!

2010-06-27T21:55:00.001-04:00

Ever since I've been self-employed, Ithe work hasn't stopped! Sewing for others. Not a bad thing, really. The plan is 2 fold: make money - put it in the bank; train up some stitchers to produce my line. So if it takes another year to do it right, there's no issue. I had a spare moment to pull out my sketches and swatches and stay connected to the absolute goal. Contract sewing won't keep me from pushing tee's and making introductions to stores in other cities...thinking about Canada next:)

Decor 911

2010-06-27T21:49:00.001-04:00

While snooping around the Russell for an appropriate place to have our next event (details to come), we found the motherload of abandoned movie props. Because everyone needs a 10' light up sign. Not to mention 4' painted hairdo options for an 80's urban barber shop, talking flat-top fade's ya'll! Total inspiration.

Alice in WOUNDland

2010-06-24T17:51:00.000-04:00

Hanger's spelling out WOUND outside the studio. Justin Milsk did that one yesterday, looking good! A little touch of flare, just as we all want here =)

It would appear so much has gone on in the past week. A new intern, some more mushroom shirts, a fixed serger, some capes, some active wear sweaters.

Joe is our newest intern here. Can you believe he is only 16!? Right now he is working on some styling on the mannequins; doing a good job too. I think he will fit in well here.

Like the mushroom shirt? Good news!! More are being made! Such a cute design.

Tell me, how can you not love this adorable shirt? Drapes in the front or can slope over the shoulders to keep you warm in the night time. With this, men and women will most certainly be the life of the party!

Let me just say, thank goodness for a fixed serger. It is so handy for all the work that goes on in here!!!

Recently, Marcie, a friend of Sarah's, came in and requested two capes for a show. If I may say, they looked so wonderful! Very costume but also wearable out on the town. I hope she shows them off. I know if I had one, I would totally wear one to go grocery shopping in. Why not, right?

We are working on some new active wear sweaters for a client. PTFE & DWR. Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) is also called Teflon. DWR is a durable water repellent. These are both used in some fabrics to make them more durable for the weather. Hiking, skiing, etc. clothing all use materials made with these.

On a similar note, has anybody ever heard of Cocona products? They use cocona fibers & yarns that have activated carbon from the coconut shells. They trap and absorb odors and also block 95% of the suns UV rays!! How sweet is that?!?!
http://www.coconafabrics.com/

I found out about this while doing research yesterday. Pretty interesting, no?

On a much lighter note, has anybody seen the Alice In Wonderland with Mia Wasikowska & Johnny Depp. The fashion in it was so beautiful! Very Victorian meets the classic Alice. Suits, ruffles, gold chains, heart logos, etc. etc. Alice in Wonderland & Through The Looking Glass and What Alice Found There has always been my favorite stories since my childhood. If you haven't seen it, or even if you haven't paid any attention to the clothing, go look it up. I promise you will not be disappointed!!

Ciao!! ~Justin Smith~

Speak for Me

2010-06-14T16:09:00.000-04:00

Don't you all just hate when you are so close to a project and something so minor yet so huge happens? For example, a machine decides to go bonkers... So many buttons needing a home on a shirt, no machine to help with... Sewing by hand can be a major hassle also... Thankfully, the repair man comes tomorrow. He's like a knight in shining armor around here :)

The work uniforms for Ronin Sushi Bar are almost done! Just pretty much waiting on those darn buttons............. We have so much done, so close, so far away. The architecture is just beautiful. Here in the WOUND world, we make difficult projects look fun and simple.

Honey-Beein' Fierce!

Angela kickin' butt on those shirts!

All work...

And lots of play!

Baby J being Baby J

This is the broken button machine =(

Manuel left out and the shirt is stuck in the machine

Cloverfield Monster inspiration? Or just a blurry close up of the machine? You decide...

Who wants to help put ALL these onto some shirts?

PWEEEEEEEEEEEZE??

Just a few of the Ronin shirts pressed and hung up. They are actually black, the flash makes it lighter, ya dig?

As you can all see, something is always happening here in the WOUNDland. We work, we have fun, and stuff breaks. Thus is life. On a lighter night, everyone is hard at work trying to decide what sort of inspiration we all feel. Who knows what will get the next installment of WOUND going, but I assure you, it will be spectacular!

2010-06-09T16:46:00.001-04:00

Hey boys, got a hot date coming up? Perhaps prom or some sort of family gathering that you need to dress up for but still maintain your edgy style? Ladies, want to rep the city you should all be proud of?! Yeah, we thought so! So made in Detroit, for your styling purposes, we have spring ties with awesome colors and beautiful shirts styled after the mens Detroit Bicycle shirt! Better get your paws on these before they are all sold out!

Keep yo' swagga on!

Bravo! Bravo! 2010 Destination: Fashion

2010-06-07T16:58:00.057-04:00

Bravo is the biggest yearly banger held in support of the Michigan Opera Theatre in Detroit...Yes, we have one here in Detroit and people from in and outside of the city enjoy it's fairly diverse programming and glorious architecture. Classical Romanticism on the inside, all modern encasement. Wound was a featured designer alongside longtime fashion mainstay's, Mark England and Cedi Johnson (one of whom, told me over the velvet rope, that he was the host of an upcoming style show soon to air on Bravo the network!!!); fashion exports, Tracey Reese, Anna Sui and Joe Faris; and contemporaries such as Femilia and Kelly Lynn Tinsley.

Basically, I stood, danced, ate and drank at my model's side while grabbing anyone that looked interesting and chatting them up. Everyone is there to have a good time and I will give it!
As a designer slash artist, I don't have to entirely behave, wild and free to be me.

Early on, I rallied as the ONLY dancer at the Paxahau stahe (you know, the geniuses who took on the production for Movement, aka the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, and kept it a world class event) later to be joined by designer Cedi Johnson causing rain, thunder and lightning. Matt Clark played until the wind started spitting on equipment! Next you could find me shadow dancing on the mainstage during Will Sessions. Sssshhhhh! They put the kibosh on that before the public got any ideas, but not until the crowd could witness my highkicks in my 5 inches. I could later be found chatting up David DiChiera, Director and all around charming fellow, of the MOT. Autotune, chicken nuggets, Monica Blair...

Artunes on the Mountain: Charity Fundraiser

2010-05-24T17:01:00.000-04:00

One Step Fashion Show: Charity Fundraiser

2010-05-23T18:30:00.000-04:00

The Wars of Other Men

2010-05-13T17:17:00.001-04:00

Hey everybody, Sarah's intern, Justin Smith (also called "Baby J" by Sarah!), here. As you can see, lots of war going on in the pictures above. Thankfully, it was all just for a film we made the wardrobe for called The Wars of Other Men. It's just a piece about World War 1. The research done for the outfits alone was insane! The gas masks they wore were CRAZY!

Don't they look like some sort of mutant!?

Anywho........

I had only been interning with Sarah for less than two weeks when we started distressing these awesome outfits. At one point, I literly was rolling around in the parking lot over pot holes and glass wearing a giant coat. Oh the crazy things we do in life ;)

The film wrapped on May 31 at 12:30 am. (Ironic that a war film finishes on Memorial Day, eh?) So strange what you can learn in such a short amount of time! From the simple and useful skills (if anybody needs a button sewn on, then I am your man!) to the amazing details you never thought about. Did you all know how much time and how many different people need to work together to pull off a movie?! You may realize that it is quite a bit, but working on set I realized just how much human power is needed. Every little detail needs to be the same throughout the movie. If a soldier lost a button in the first scene but has it on in the second scene, you can assume one of two things: (s)he found the materials needed (needle, thread, or a person to sew) over night, or the wardrobe was not paying close attention. However, Sarah and I kept a close eye on everybody, so you will not be seeing like that in this movie ;)

The entire cast and crew was amazing. They welcomed us into their little "clique" in exchange for some awesome outfits, which is a pretty fair trade. Every actor/actress was so nice and even helped put their own outfits away (when you have that much to look after, it really helped us out when they kept organization)! When they were breaking from filming, they always kept the jokes rolling to keep us distracted from the insane heat or the fact that it was freezing and raining.

Everybody behind the scenes was just as wonderful. Makeup, props, sound, and even other interns! We all managed to turn horrible weather and exhaustion into a good time with awesome memories.

Anybody want to come see The Wars of Other Men?? I totally think you all should ;)

Just click on the link and you can see a lineup of the movie list at the premier, as well as time, location, yada yada yada. Oh, and you can also purchase tickets at this link!

Hope to see you all at the premier!!

http://paradisevalleymedia.com/twoom-tickets.html

New Studio Mate!!

2010-05-01T16:59:00.000-04:00

http://www.peacelovespandex.com/

What You Missed

2010-04-26T19:08:00.002-04:00

April is nearly over and a lot was accomplished. It's been hectic but beauty and inspiration is often found in the midst of chaos. (By chaos, I mean a busy environment, not a state of extreme confusion and disorder)

What went down in the lovely month of April? I'm glad I posed that question in order to spark your interest :) The second annual Craft Revival took place on Saturday, April 17th in Ferndale and if you weren't there you're a loser... just kidding, but you did miss out. The Craft Revival was presented by Handmade Detroit and featured local artists, designers and crafters. One of the featured designers was yours truly, Sarah Lapinksi, designer of Wound menswear.

Sarah's work was also featured in a sustainable fashion show this month. On April 20th a sustainable fashion show featuring Wound and Femilia took place at Rags. It was a great way to support a new way of design and construction of garments. One of the key items from the Wound line was an awesome jacket made out of hemp and dyed with coffee.

Check out these snap shots to see what went down.

These are things you could've bought at the Craft Revival!!!

This is the awesome jacket!!

Professional Polish

2010-03-26T13:15:00.000-04:00

You could read that to be my ethnicity, which would be accurate, or to the sheen I'm upkeeping on my enterprises.

Finally got around to getting business cards. I've slowly been peeling away at the Wound cards gotten in the early days. It still had my former associates name and number listed (sorry if you got any unwarranted calls, boo!). Now, it's just me:) Our website used to go by woundsofsarah.com, which we thought was pretty hilarious at the time. Soon after, I claimed WoundMenswear.com, which is more business-like and the cards reflect that adjustment.

The Contract Sewing hustle never had pro cards, just printed and cut at home. Which worked fine, but I want to grow that hustle more. Ultimate plan, still being to produce my line in Detroit. I put an ad on Craigslist and 2 wonderful stitchers surfaced. I have a button front shirt job on the table for a restaurant which is perfect for establishing a flow when it comes time to do mines! One of the stitcheretta's has factory supervision and floor experience direct from China, the other runs her own sewing op about an hour and a half from here, less immediately useful, but good to know. And she's skilled, man.

I got the cards via Vistaprint. Shame not to buy local, right?! But they make it soooo easy. Anyhow, I threw in a banner and spent enough to qualify for free shipping. NOTE: before I buy anything online, I always google the product or brand + "coupon". I was heavily rewarded for doing this before purchasing my vista cards. From $19.99 down to $3.99 and the option to receive free shipping. Holla!

What I've been up to....

2010-03-26T12:55:00.000-04:00

Umm so yeah, not the most prolific blogger. If I vow to keep them short and sweet, I think I'll post more.

Mostly, I have been sewing for dollars:) Prototypes, custom gear and product for upcoming shows I'm selling at. I picked up two indy films, so no money there, but name in the credits and creative control. I think it's a good start, fair trade. Both crews are very accomplished, passionate and have follow through. Who doesn't like working with pros?!

One of the flicks is about a DJ chick turned diva star. It will be feature length and feature lot's of Wound. Yay! It's a little campy, which has got to be one of my fave genres. I'm looking forward to this as I look back with nostalgia to the raver days/daze. The other film is a war story with some pathos and cgi. It takes place in an alternate reality of the 20's so I took mesarurements up to the navel in case we pull those pants up. Also, love military styling. I will have fun amping up the stock surplus and may make a few custom pieces.

Not sure if the movies are my racket but I think I'll enjoy what I can, see where it takes me. I look at it like sleep away camp, which was a great experience for me. A bunch of different types thrown into a living situation of almost constant contact with a few weeks of serious bonding and then you scatter back to your previous existence.

Here's a short featuring two of the principles, the writer/director/main babe of The Syriana Tate Interview, Mare Costello and sidekick, Ric Rosario....

Q&A with 944

2010-02-15T12:49:00.000-05:00

Felled in love...

2010-01-28T18:26:00.000-05:00

At last!!! I threaded my Wilcox and Gibbs Feldlock! One less thing standing in the way of me and masterful re/production.

I read an interview with Gitman Brothers, an American manufacturer of button-front and button-down shirts. Did you ever see a garment label touting single-needle tailoring? I usually see this on older shirts from thrifting. Well, Gitman explains that, in America, double-needle can be the way to go as our laundering processes, even drycleaning, are much harsher than that of Europe. I wonder what they do, or don't do?! And when we decided to elevate single-needle tailoring?

French seams are also quite nice but they don't apply here as it is a two-step process and has no give. French seams are probably a step-up and often cited as a couture treatment.

A flat-felled stitch is most often seen on the inseam of your denim. Notice the double row of stitching. It is defacto in the better, more pricey shirts on today's shelves. Apparently flat-felling has been the standard since the 20's and 30's. Not only does it give a nice clean finish, that won't snag, it has a certain amount of elasticity to it. On the back side you'll notice the stitch isn't a simple dashed line. It is, in embroidery, what they call a chain stitch, also seen on better denim waistbands. This gives the shirt, and your denim, a nice expand and contract recovery, stability, and durability.

I'm posting pictures of the felling machine I bought when I first set up shop. It is ancient. I was never able to thread it until last night. 3 years I've been staring at it, while the dust gathers. I actually put fabric under it and ran it. Twas not a successful first run, alas! I am not giving up on ol' felly.

My girl, Jeannine once found a manual for it on, I kid you not, the Smithsonian website. I've since misplaced it and tried looking it up last night. I was unable to find it - this time. I did, however, unearth these amazing tradecards, one of which, gave me the solution to a gnarly problem. Enjoy!

Zipper me this

2010-01-27T13:20:00.000-05:00

I had a heck of a time fitting my lookbook pdfs into a reasonable sized document. I don't have the software to make it any smaller. I have everything else in CS except Acrobat. Bizarre . Until it is in fine emailable form, I have no business promoting myself to stores. You gotta back that talk up and make it very easy for them to enjoy. Thankfully, my friend is jamming it out for me.

I've been researching cold-calling, because basically I am selling my line, and my vision to shopkeeps. They have a lot riding on the curation of their store offerings. Just as much as I need to pinpoint my market, they have the same responsibilities. Some of the things I need to express are my value to them, my commitment to quality, my history, my longevity and even customer service, of which they are my customer.

What value do I offer them? This has been a great question to ask myself. Creating my script or talking points really forces me to focus on my goals and product.

Environmental awareness through fabrics, production and delivery. I'm doing my best to source my fabrics regionally and hopefully with all natural, sustainable, even organic textiles woven in the states. I use deadstock fabrics and would like to innovate other ways to use materials that are already available instead of calling virgin resources into being. I am regional, local even. The costs, carbon, dollars, what have you, of delivery should remain low. Both of these methods reduce my costs and can be shared on down the line.

I only want to make something of value. Something that lasts, physically and stylistically. I hate the throw-away culture we live in. Designing for men makes more sense to me for that reason. The trends don't move as quickly in menswear and men will pay good money for well-made items.

I am the DIYer. I taught myself to sew and make patterns; I study production methods and dork-out on equipment; I network with other designers when and where I can; I follow the industry. I want to be the total package. No one is paying my bills.

Wound has made a name for itself, locally and nationally and will continue to do so. I don't mind playing the hype game. It means photoshoots, educating the consumer and sales!

I have to ask myself why I'm doing this, is it just an art project, do I have something to say, do I want the hassle?! I feel that my designs are sweet. I've made sales and people say nice things to me about my line:) I have struggled and endured. I know I'm strong enough to hit my head against the wall a few more times. I've turned the suffering into valuable learning experiences!

As far as service, I feel this door-to-door technique has so many benefits. First, I love the old fashioned nature of it. The interaction between business owners, talking shop and weather. I am very interested in what is selling, what people need or want to see in their closet, put on in the morning, change into for the night. Since, I can make plenty of the inventory in my facility, I can offer a more customized experience in the designs as well. It gives me the ability to be flexible and responsive. At this moment, it makes the most economic sense for me. I don't have to incur the costs of a trade show. While a tradshow offers more exposure to so many more markets, stores and buyers, it also increases the pressures of production and material organization AND the upfront costs. I'd prefer to grow gracefully and have any mistakes, miscalculations or errors be more contained.

After spending more time wondering why I do any of this at all, besides that I hate being bored and unproductive, to me, it's a game, a risk, an adventure. Since I'm not off galavanting about the globe, this gives me the dose of excitement and challenge I crave.

I do declah-ya!

2010-01-27T12:43:00.000-05:00

Declare Detroit!

We live here because we love it! There are untold opportunities, super hero talents, crazy territory, blank slate action manifestos, good food, the best people! My ultimate dream would be to produce my line here. All that is missing on my end are a few tasty machines. The keyhole button-holer, a heavy duty coverstitch (I have one for tee shirt weights), and a laser cutter, well I can dream, would be essential to producing my line as I see fit....It be freakin fantastic if I could get my flat feller and double needle chainstitch up and running. Get those silky covered seams in my shirts. I'd be playing with serious fire.

What calls?!

2010-01-25T20:27:00.000-05:00

Didn't make a single phone call today.
Here are my excuses:

Stores are close Mondays. Nope, not all of them.
My lookbook is in review. True, but I know the main problems. Better fix them when I get home tonight.
It was too late after I finished my commission and gathering notes. Should have started my day earlier.
Have been researching cold-calling tips. It's true. Even pretending on my cell to be talking to a live person. Kind of boring, but my pitch is getting refined. As is my voice quality and steadiness.

I did, however, list my top choices for fabrics and their vendors for when the orders do come through. I bought the original yardage at a local jobber. Wouldn't you know, I bought the only yardage of each. When I started, I didn't think I'd be going straight through to producing this collection. So that adds a nice kink. So far it hasn't been awful. I've found some new vendors that look interesting and feel solid about the ones I've maintained.

Cold-chillin, cold-calling

2010-01-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

Gonna get buzzed on coffee and head to the studio. Gotta finish/start some projects and get cracking on those phone calls. I have to return home with swatches to scan and upload, organize some dates for travel, and gather numbers for fabric hunting and production.

While in some of these towns, I'll be checking out manufacturers and jobbers, as well. Gotta have some back-up. I have a friend in Chicago with a store and she cuts all her own garments, then schleps them to her manufacturer. I can do that, if I don't end up hiring my own staff. The major reason against hiring my own staff, is that I don't want to have to let them go when we finish up my order. I want to keep them in steady work, keep the needles running, as they say. If I can't be a reliable source of income, how can I expect them to be a reliable source of labor. I just have to find people who don't mind working contractually. As we grow to like each other and the environment we create, I can take on more jobs to keep them busy.

The Sweet Fit

2010-01-25T11:08:00.000-05:00

How are people supposed to find my awesome pants if they're are constantly bombarded with hawkers of shapeless, seemingly mass produced thai fisherman pants??? Anyone could wear these!!! Half the time it's pictures of women wearing them in the men's category. Nice. That's a selling point. Share them with the whole family. It's basically a snuggie for your legs.

Available in Black and Olive Drab 100% Cotton Canvas

Admittedly, we made some fishermen pants for our first runway collection, because they were easy breezy, from pattern to construction. They can look good and feel great. Plus we made them out of sports jersey and linen. We dressed them up, made them luxurious and cool. They're pictured on the website....

The Weeks To-Do

2010-01-24T19:15:00.000-05:00

I feel like I got lot of leisure time in this weekend. Even if I barely left the hizzy! Sheeeet.

My mind stays preoccupied with receptive feelers out gathering code and process. Monday is go time. I will work with intensity this week. I need to leave the thumb-sucking crib and enter the world of giants. Of course, by starting with baby steps. Gotta crawl before you can walk. I hope I don't have to grovel, though!

No, no, seriously, I've got to start the phone-calling. I am bolstered by the fact that I have a pro look-book and polished website. Those tools combined will show that I can hack it and one would be a fool not to carry my line. I will build the first relationships regionally. Hell, if they don't bite, I will cast my line farther. Opening Ceremony, anyone? Just in time for the Olympics! What's to lose. Can't worry about dignity, right?!? The regional plan has so many benefits and contemporary morality. Think of the reduced shipping and drive time, the loyalty to ourselves and our economies, the flexibility, immediacy, non-profligacy, relevancy, mercy.

Designing for Fall/Winter 2010. It's going to be gorgeous, handsome, succulent.

Poet Warrior Runway Video

2010-01-23T14:48:00.000-05:00

Poet Warrior Runway at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Shot and Edited by Davin Brainard of Timestereo.
Photos by Nicola Kuperus and Ally Lindsay.

WOUND MENSWEAR dia runway 12/11/2009 from DAB NOSE on Vimeo.

Made-to-measure Hoodie

2010-01-23T14:43:00.000-05:00

Got a commission to recreate a hoodie from the most recent collection in RED. It's gonna look so good!

Etsy

2010-01-23T14:40:00.000-05:00

Sold two things! Yay! Anything to convince myself that I will be working for myself from now on!

Trucker A**

2010-01-23T14:37:00.001-05:00

I have been in front of the computer for 2 weeks straight. Between the lookbook, blog, website and Etsy the level of physical inactivity is disturbing. Somehow, I feel unproductive. Just because I didn't interact with patterns (which are looming) or people doesn't mean I'm a loser. I was totally laying groundwork. Anyhow, I did get out and do some interesting things.

I watched Project Runway with a filmmaker friend who wants to feature fashion in her upcoming movie, including Wound. The premise of the movie is great and her excitement about it is magnetic. She totally gets things done, so it's a no-brainer to be on the project.

Did a shoot with Nicola in a classic car showroom and storage space. Not your typical auto repair calendar shots! The positions she prompted me to hold caused my heart to race. Seriously twisted. I was relying on yoga memories of breathing to not crumble and ruin the shoot. The photo below is of a shot we did 2 years ago...that's my head in the window!

Were the magic happens.

2010-01-18T13:21:00.000-05:00

I've made it for 3 years at the Russell Industrial Center as of this January! Quite an accomplishment. I don't know where'd I'd put my equipment or my beloved table otherwise. I've done a bit of everything here to keep the bills paid from site installations and small-run apparel production, to 3-D sculpture and costume design.

Openings of Art

2010-01-16T11:21:00.000-05:00

Susanne Hilberry Gallery will be showing photographic documents of conceptual sculptor Scott Hocking.
He dressed as a hieroglyphic 2 Halloween's ago. Pretty great.

Lemberg Gallery presents paper CUT, an exhibition representing diverse approaches to creating works on paper utilizing hand and laser cutting and paper punching and resulting in drawings, collage, sculpture, and prints. The exhibition opens Saturday, January 16 with a public reception from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and continues through February 27.

Fun Show

2010-01-16T11:10:00.000-05:00

All the members of Gardens are my favorite Wound boys. They got the sweetness and the rawness. Thanks for appreciatin us, Ol' Madge! Now, loving The Sugarcoats.

A Modest Goal

2010-01-14T11:01:00.000-05:00

What if I just say I want to continue to make money making clothes? What if I then say I want to pay my bills with the money I make from selling the clothes I make? What if I amp it up and say I'd like to make enough money selling the clothes I make to travel, eat out and support my family? What if I say I'd like to do this through delegating tasks, responsibilities and activities? What if I say I'd like to be vertically integrated in the States, even Detroit? That's all.

ETSY

2010-01-14T10:31:00.001-05:00

I'm listing full force on Etsy now. Another way to get my stuff on more radars and build confidence with stores and the public. The first shot is off the runway. Jeremy filled out the shirt well! The next shot was for Etsy. Jeffrey makes the shirt look alive!

First things First

2010-01-14T10:08:00.000-05:00

So I thought everyone would be heading to the shows, i.e. Magic, mid-February. I forgot about all the shows in NYC, most importantly Capsule. That starts next Sunday the 17th, or at least that's when the party starts.
That doesn't really work with my timeline of hitting the stores face-to-face before they blow their wads.

Then I got myself nervous. Designing the layout for the book is easy and enjoyable. Making phonecalls, not so much. I will be changing that perspective ASAP. I've definitely done many things in my life without checking the rulebook, with great results. But this is serious, it's technical. So I made a few calls to friends in the industry before I assaulted stores in my innocent arrogance.

A trusted friend told me to have my lookbook tight, with order form and technical drawings, fully PDF, BEFORE any call. Cool. Last night I drafted my first Order Form template.

Another friend, formerly in sales, recounted that a lot of her business came from door-to-soor sales rather than the tradeshows. That's reassuring. The advice I picked up on was to have a good fit and show it on a body. I need to find a boy to go on tour with. Do you think they'd mind a manne?!?

xos

Look Book Sneek Peek

2010-01-12T18:01:00.000-05:00

The phootshoot happened so fast! 3.5 hrs. Disc in hand this morning. I set about "fixing" the photos. I blew out the exposures to get this story book like quality out of the series. I'm really happy with the results!

Photos: Nicola Kuperus

Models: Jeffrey William Thomas

Julian Spradin

Dominique

Inspirations

2010-01-12T16:28:00.000-05:00

You know, the biggest inspirations for me currenty are actually BMX videos and Kung-fu movies.

Seriously. People that take their craft into the realm of the supernatural. The skills and relationship the riders have with their bikes is so impressive. They're like super heroes. They make it look easy. But what you don't always see is how many times they have to fall to get that good. I mean you can find much footage of bloopers but it's their willingness to keep pressing to get the trick. That is where I am right now. I've hit a few obstacles but they are only tests of my strength and will. It may take a decade or two to realize the dream fully and honestly it may never be fully reached. That's not the point though, right?! It's the journey. This is also true for the martial arts. What I take from them, primarily, is the obsession with discipline, the humility and spirituality.

Look Book Shoot

2010-01-11T23:30:00.000-05:00

(say that 3x's fast)

We do have a really good Plan B for this kind of thing...

The shoot was broke into three components: Staged, Catalogue, and Document. I will not be offering everything from the runway. I am proud of the work, though and want a loving keepsake of it;) Through artistic rendering of the looks, I hope to make the line a compelling buy for the retailer. Establishing relationships with the buyers is as much convincing them that you're work is great and needs to be supported/bought and sold. On the other hand, I have to assure them that I can produce results, in multiple with accuracy.

We did three scenes for Staged shots, shuttling the boys to a plainer background for product or Catalogue shots of the pieces I did intend to make. More close-ups, more details. I hope there is a good one of the blazer pocket!!! The bulk of the collection was just shot for the archives.

I like working with the photographers vision. Nicola has a definite style that works for my market. It's artful, staged, awkward, tense, intelligent. As a person, she is very organized and go-getting. So, I stand around a little bored when working with someone good! The same was true when working with Rich. I'm there to make sure the clothes are in the right combinations and look tight on the bodies, they do the rest. Both are very good directors and composed the subjects confidently to get their shot. Collaborating with another can be rewarding, if you like their work and value their opinion and know how to let the other do their thang.

Thanks to Nicola, Dominique, Julian and Jeffrey. Peter and Hernan too, they just can't know about it yet!

Photoshoot

2010-01-11T23:26:00.001-05:00

I felt a little burned out shooting this collection 3x. But our crew and location was freshhh. After rounding up some willing (and less-willing) boys, we settled on a two locations. Somehow I always manage to get local bands to do the shoots. Musicians have that performers spark and swagger. They are artists and plenty good-looking!

Count on my brain to do some last minute monkeying. The locations were to be friends homes. I was feeling unsettled though. My collection was Spring/Summer 2010. I was getting a tucked-in, hibernation vibe from the domiciles.

A quick phone call and we moved it to the Belle Isle Conservatory after consulting their website. Nicola, Mama Bear, called in the morning to confirm their openess. Confirmed. Weather check: should permit. Woke up to a gray snowfall with plenty of diffused light. I think everyone was due for a day of nature, a trip to the desert. I know I was thrilled! The plan was to act like it was a college project, that we were innocents. They did not get the plows out this morning. I might as well pull up on the lawn - only to see a hand-written sign of premature closure. Aurrgh. Already cancelled with my homie's. Not to be deterred!

The BIC in summer:

by Mary Stebbins Taitt

Dialing with Pleasure: How to make those tough calls.

2010-01-06T09:51:00.001-05:00

If there is one thing I could put off, it's making phonecalls. Not just any phonecall, but serious inquiry's. I would rather ask those questions over email where I can take time to compose my thoughts and not interpret verbal cues as being dismissive.

Why I let shop keeps and vendors intimidate me, I don't know. This is even before I pick up the phone. An inner dialogue goes on in my brain to scare me. Ultimately, it is the fear of rejection. Steps must be taken to overcome this skewed perspective!

Some people are very powerfully positive about their product and the amazing effect it will have on your life, sometimes to a level reaching obnoxious. I would rather hire a salesperson. I've gotten my share of praise and attention for my brand, unfortunately it often has the opposite effect. "They're just being nice." It's time to get out of my safety zone. Here are a few tactics to employ:

Reframe my perspective. I need to dig deep and find my core confidence. Look at my portfolio and remind myself that I am just as good (or better!) than anything out there. Realize that stores and vendors are looking for new business. Anticipate a store or vendors hesitation at working with someone new and provide them with the depth of my experience. Get excited about your product!

Prepare a script. Write down my talking points. The best speakers always prepare notes and they practice, practice, practice.

"No" is not the end of the world. I say no sometimes, too. It's not because I think a thing is awful, necessarily. There could be a number of reasons. Instead of wasting energy trying to convince the few doubters/haters, focus on seeking out those who see the genius instantly;)

Willingness to be persistent. Turn that weak no into a yes. Try again later. Don't be discouraged. Let them know you are serious, you are in the game. Find out when would be a good time to talk and call them back. If they are busy, reschedule until you are in their face. People are busy, they get distracted. I know I do!

Ask questions. Find out what their needs are. Ask for referrals or recommendations.

Surround yourself with cheerleaders. It doesn't hurt to have a few people rooting for you, telling you how great you are, reminding you there is nothing to fear. If it helps you get the job done, do it.

If anyone out there has words of wisdom for me, I'm all ears!

Advice to aspiring Fashion Designers

2010-01-05T22:50:00.001-05:00

I did an interview for a local glossy today. Some new questions, some I've heard before. It's hard to come up with fresh new answers every time. I can't decide whether to be consistent or to be a freak!

Anyhow, the title of the post was and often is, a question. One that I've thought about a little more each time.

Be Nice: It's free! Even if they smell funky, smile and plan your exit. You don't have to be fake. It's just a good life policy. You feel good, they feel good. I'm always reminded of the fable where the greasy old witch is really a magical princess just testing your character. You can't imagine how people will resurface in your life. Wouldn't you rather them be on your side?! This last show I worked with people that resurfaced from highschool. We didn't hang out much then, but good feelings were shared.
Network: You can really only network effectively if you are genuinely being nice. Networking isn't all about you. If an oppurtunity presents itself where you can offer your services, jump on it. Those favors will be returned. If not from the receiver, maybe you'll be receptive to a favor when it's payed forward. Because we do not give to get, right, but because it's its own reward. Always introduce yourself confidently, with a smile. Repeat the persons name, exchange pleasantries and a card, helps with name recall too. Try to follow up in an email immediately, especially if you really gained something from the encounter. I've meet so much of my extended creative team that way, including journalists.
Know your market. Don't try to be everyone to everybody. It doesn't work. This matters in your materials choice, pricing, packaging. It will show you care and are trying to offer the best, most relevant product. Goth kids aren't going to wear what their bankers wear. Wellll, maybe underneath all the eyeliner or gabardine, their hearts are simpatico....
Know your limits. You do not have to come out of the gate with a 40 piece collection. What a disaster that would be. How would you pay for all the materials? Who would order enough of each item to really create an economy of scale? Who would sew one of each? If only we all had 5 sewing maniac grannies that loved us since they changed our dyddies. 6 is a reasonable number of pieces. In addition, keep your material selection very managable. Go ahead and do all ostrich leather. Take your time to grow organically. Don't burn yourself out.

This list could go on for a while, but I've decided to keep it managable;)

Here's a filmed interview of the lovely Mulleavy sisters...

Detroit By Design 4 Year Anniversary

2010-01-04T22:37:00.004-05:00

December 11,2008

Featuring the work of Femilia Organic Street Couture, Angela McBride, Cyberoptix and Wound.

I was not totally behind the ball on this one! Didn't get enough models, forgot to walk out after my boys and take a bow. I did grab an attendee and a friend of a model to walk the runway, however. Ah well, there are plenty of photos.

Chad and Jeffrey

Levon and Amanda: Wardrobe Styling and Make-up

Team Bashar: Vincent Sherk and Friends: Hair and Make-up

The evening's host: Channel 4's Hank Winchester and his boy

DJ Erno the Inferno rocks Wound gear

Jeffrey Garden's

Chad

Model Tom's friend

Young Tom

Tom

and Julian Garden's

Spring 2009: Mumbai Grafitti Glam: 1st Solo Collection

2010-01-04T22:17:00.003-05:00

December 6, 2008

"Inspired by the flavors of curry and tamarind while backed by the pulsing imagery of glam rock, the award-winning WOUND Menswear's latest collection is simmering with texture and pattern. Proportions get shrunk and lean on a diet of bold color and exploratory distortions. This glitter dandy is whistling by the roadside, kicking up his feet and charming the girls and boys. Futuristic impulses are kept restrained by an Indian romanticism. This collection marks a break with the past as the first solo edition by noted designer Sarah Lapinski. WOUND is designed for the iconoclast, the dreamer, the wounded warrior."

A year after my partner decided to bail, I finally dusted myself off to see what I was made of. I was the designer, pattern maker, cutter and sewer. These are the results:
Photos: Nicola Kuperus Model: Marc Fellis

TA DA!

Noone said it would be easy.

2010-01-04T21:50:00.003-05:00

Why is running a fashion line so hard??? Is every business this labrynthine? I guess if was easy, everybody would do it. Read The Dip, study the law of 80/20, make a vision map, sell your soul. Then you will have a clothing line.

I learned a while back, through experience, and one amazing woman, Kathleen Fasanella, and her book The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing, that one should identify oneself as a manufacturer. (I get no goodies from linking to her, just social sweetness.) I own her book, dog-eared, high-lighted, yada yada. Sure, I could sit and doodle pretty dresses all day and some fairy godmother will get them all sold, made and shipped for me, depositing my handsome profit in the IRA, but that is not a reality!

I just rewatched "Seamless", the documentary following 3 of 10 finalists on the road to winning the CFDA's New Garde award of mentorship and $200,000. Here is a great review. In my mind, you win GenArt, then Ecco and then, shoot for CFDA. I would personally prefer this over the instant fame of Project Runway. The industry leaders note that it took Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren 20 years to turn a profit. How can you not, then, love Plokhov's existential query, "When do I get to enjoy my f-ing brioche?!"

In Detroit, there are no jobs for me. Nothing in fashion, unless you want to work at the mall. It causes one to hustle. I have sewn a little bit of everything, glad to put my assets to use. Might hit up the strip joints on Michigan Ave. (a 5 minute walk!) and hand out biz cards. Nice mark-up on those skimpy frillies! I do believe you can run a clothing business out of any city if you have the ambition and brains. The internet is your friend.

Ultimately, a business partner would be divine. Someone to slap your hand when you're over-purchasing over-priced goods. Someone to calculate your costs and mark-up. Someone who can be your friend, someone who cares....

Contract Sewing gig: 12' x 200' curtain sewn for artists industrial studio space to keep out the cold!

Claim Your Birthright!

2010-01-04T21:00:00.004-05:00

Not a resolution, but a proclamation.

I never did anything with my degree. Nothing typical, standardized, or regulated at least. So here I am, 10 years later, with a half-functioning clothing line and a lot of experience waiting tables!

I got fired my last table waiting job, it's a long story. I suppose I should start this blog with honesty and carry that theme on through. I now get money from Uncle Sam. I call it my government grant (GG). Disclaimer: I have put out a resume or two, cast some lines. I'm being upright and stuff.

I just showed my collection, followed by a trunk sale. I have 6 months of GG. As of now this is the plan: Set up photoshoot with the darling Nicola, and model boys Dom and Jeffrey; wait for confirmation from shy and blue-eyed Matthew; Turn photos into lookbook, complete with technical drawings and order forms; Identify local-ish shops that I have a relationship with AND create new relationships; Hit the road to sell, sell, sell; Line up my fabric and trim.

Then, guess what?!? I manufacture in the "D"! Don't believe me? 3 years ago, my former partner and I, out of frustration and determination, opened a contract sewing facility. We christened it Motor City Sewing. What a headache. (I will save this story for later...) My partner quite MCS 3 months later and Wound 3 months after that, in what was to be a half year of stomachaches.

I still have the space, the equipment and renewed vigor! Watch out 2010!!!!

Hello

2010-01-04T20:25:00.002-05:00

I've been sewing for about 8 years - ever since my mom handed over my grandmother's sewing machine. I didn't set out to be a fashion designer. It was never a dream of mine. Actually, I had just received my degree in the social science's.

The job search ended before it even began. Sewing became a compulsion. I started small, designing a plushie, moving on to more complicated constructions. I took the plushies to the 1st Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago. The Pure Detroit Design Lab opened soon after. It was to carry local independent designer's designs. By then, I had done my first fashion show on the steps of the esteemed Cranbrook Art Museum. Just learning as I needed.

The lab was hot! It brought together our little scattered tribe. I had no idea Detroit had so many young designers. I knew we were home to Anna Sui, Pelle Pelle's Marc Buchanan, John Varvatos (who hadn't come out with his own line yet) and a handful of lesser knowns, i.e the shortlived and beautiful Eventide.

It was at the PDDL that I met up with my old pal, Sarah. The rest is history.....
P.S. Sadly, the PDDL closed after 2 brief, happy years. The parent store, Pure Detroit, is alive and well. Happy 11th birthday Sean, Kevin and Aidan!

Below is Wound Menswear's Debut as featured Designer for the PDDL.

Street Fashion!