• Interview With HOON’s Adrien Haddad

    July 22nd, 2008 |

    HOON have cemented a name for themselves in the streetwear scene with there distinctive, unique and luxurious jewelry. Now they are set to embark on a new era, adapting their ethos into working with leather. The French label developed by the charismatic Adrien Haddad are set to launch their debut collection which includes some quite remarkable work set for Fall and Winter. We were fortunate to catch up with Adrien from HOON and not only does he give away his inspiration and secrets behind his work he also tells us what he would be if not involved in streetwear.

     

    Gary – How did you come up with the idea for Hoon?

    Adrien Haddad – I grew up with street culture, particularly the hip hop and graffiti scenes. As I got older my personal style, as well as my lifestyle, evolved. There came a time when, as a consumer, I felt that the market could no longer provide products that corresponded with me. I wasn’t interested in buying the same Bape or Strussy T-shirts that I’d been wearing since I was 17. I was looking for something different ; something more sophisticated in style and quality, but that also stayed faithful to my street wear mentality. It was from this lack in the market that HOON was born.

    Gary – Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?

    Adrien Haddad - I don’t tend to ask myself too many questions ; I just let the inspiration come naturally.

    I have a very passionate and inquisitive character. A massive range of different things interest me. I find inspiration everywhere. I try to mix the things that appeal to me together in the most intelligent way possible.

    Gary – Do you believe that the Jewelry market is to high competitive for a new entrants like yourself or do you believe that with ingenuity and clear vision brands like yours can make a lasting impression.

    Adrien Haddad – With HOON it has never been a question of limiting ourselves to making jewelry alone. The brand started with jewelry because that was where my inspiration lay at that particular moment, but I then went on to use HOON as a platform on which to realise all of my ideas. I do, of course, try to keep a direct line running through the products so that they cohere with one another. HOON is definitely not locked down to a particular market. I believe that there is always space for a new brand, as long as you have something fresh to offer – and not just a graphic design printed on the same, standard T-shirt.

     

     

     

    Gary -  Many of your pieces seem to look that they would be a hit with the street wear market, does this conflict with your luxury brand persona?

    Adrien Haddad – Absolutely not! The idea that street wear and luxury are incompatible is a myth. Street wear is above all a culture and a state of mind. Luxury is about expert craftmanship and the use of the finest materials. There is no reason why the two shouldn’t work together. Street wear has existed for more than twenty years now ; it has definitely  started to be seen as something powerful, with a real influence. When you see guys like Pharrell or Kanye West it’s clear that street wear and luxury do go very well together.

    Gary – Is there an underlying vision that directs the Hoon brand?

    Adrien Haddad – The philosophy of HOON is to concentrate on the product above all. I’m not looking to impose a particular lifestyle or any sort of concept on anybody. My aim is to offer the most finished product in terms of design and craftmanship, with a strong emphasis on the research and selection of materials. I’m dedicated to the perfection of the product ; the faultlessness of the cut, the use of the finest quality material, and the highest level of craftmentship.

    Gary – What would you like your clients to think or feel when they purchase one of your pieces?

    Adrien Haddad – I want every client to feel unique when they wear one of my products. They should feel as though the product has been made personally for them. They should feel able to be themselves, to express their true personality. I definitely do not want to impose anything on my clients. My products should just leave them looking good, bringing out the very best in them.

     

     

     

    Gary – What particular market segment are you appealing to? and why?

    Adrien Haddad – I’ve never really thought of HOON as fitting into a particular segment of the market. However, taking into consideration the level of quality of the products, it’s clear that the price is suitable for luxury products.

    Gary – What were the challenges you faced when just launching the brand?

    Adrien Haddad – HOON works with the most prestigious French workshops. One of the most difficult things at first was convincing the artisans who work with the greatest fashion houses in the world to find the time to work with a young developing Parisian brand.

    Gary – What’s in the future for Hoon?

    Adrien Haddad – Many, many things! I don’t want to say much right now but we are working on a very interesting collaboration for the next season….

    Gary – One last thing, if you could do anything different what would it be?

    Adrien Haddad – I’ve always dreamed of becoming a world famous chef! Haha!

     

    Read More

    Category - News    

  • Eine Kleine Nacht Musik Launch

    July 22nd, 2008 |

    Anticipation for the launch of Eine Kleine Nacht Musik could not be any greater, especially with the new electronic Krautrock project by Henry Smithson aka Riton, who recently compiled a great mix for Tonite playing at the launch at the Dazed Gallery. There will also be an exhibition of artwork by Fergadelic and photography by [...]

    Read More

    Category - News    

  • Nike x Accept and Proceed

    July 22nd, 2008 |

    Design studio Accept and Proceed have teamed up with Nike to produce some electrifying illustrations for some of the most innovative sneakers seen. “We were approached by Nike’s Head of European Footwear, Andre Doxey, in January 2007,” explains A&P’s David Johnston, “with a view to starting a discussion on how we might help generate ideas [...]

    Read More

    Category - News    

  • House of Cassette Fall/Winter 2008 Lookbook

    July 22nd, 2008 |

    House of Cassette are a label I have been enjoying see develop, having made an impressive initial impression. There Fall/Winter 2008 lookbook has appeared on their website and is well worth looking through both for the product and the creative photography. Largely featuring simple cuts backed up with simple colorways and little detailing. Take a [...]

    Read More

    Category - News    

  • Lacoste x ARC Sneaker and Polo

    July 22nd, 2008 |

    While Alife Rivington Club continue to develop some of the finest collaborations around and Lacoste celebrate 75 years of the crocodile the two have worked together on an impressive project. Consisting of the sneaker we have already seen, which is available in white, red, purple and black while four different polo’s have been designed with [...]

    Read More

    Category - News    

  • Winfield x Liqour, Women and Tears New Era Cap

    July 22nd, 2008 |

    Liqour, Women and Tears is a store reknown for its expression in stocking labels who extend the boundarious of design. There latest move as a brand has included headwear designers Winfield who are making big strides in Japan, the final product consists of a New Era 59FIFTY featuring an integalactic design with the artwork featuring [...]

    Read More

    Category - News    

  • Not Bad For A Girl x Addict

    July 22nd, 2008 |

    Not Bad For A Girl designer, Karen Jane, was officially the first female artist to collaborate with the UK-based label Addict earlier this year, placing her firmly amongst established talent such as She One, Swifty, C-Law and Mode 2. Following the success of the Spring/Summer collaboration, the two are at it again for Autumn/Winter. The [...]

    Read More

    Category - News    

12
slamxhype.com on Facebook

Follow SLAMXHYPE


  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • RSS

  • Daily E-mail

Recent Posts


Popular This Month