Screen Shot: Anomaly Attire
Website: anomalyattire.com
City Based: Orange County, CA
What inspired the brand name?
The name was mainly inspired from my favorite film, Interstellar, but I also wanted to pick something that reflected my design and brand ideology. The definition of "anomaly" is "something that deviates from what is standard," which is exactly what I wanted Anomaly Attire to represent.
At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
I've always been a creative person, but I got the initial desire to start a brand in 2015, when I took a high school graphic design course. Unfortunately the inspiration faded away and I forgot about it for almost a year. It was in late 2016 when I really began working on Anomaly, after asking some of my friends to be my partners in this endeavor.
What helps you get over creative blocks?
Movies definitely help me get over a creative block. I find that watching a film related to the theme I'm going for lets me visualize what I might want in a graphic. Also browsing through archives of some of my biggest inspirations (Undercover, Raf Simons, Cav Empt, Off-White, A Cold Wall) helps to get my creative juices flowing.
What is the biggest mistake you have made?
I'd say the biggest mistake I've made, or continue to make, is inconsistent design language. Most of the products we've released don't follow a consistent theme, which dilutes the overall brand image. I've said this in the past, but Anomaly has always been more of a personal art project for me, to see what I'm capable of. I think in time a single aesthetic will develop, but until then, the brand will continue to move and evolve through different themes.
What is the biggest success you have had?
So far the biggest success we've had was back in August when we sold out the entire stock of Facade Tees in 36 minutes, with half of the orders coming in within the first 10 minutes. It felt completely surreal refreshing my email and seeing so many "New Sale" messages. There's an indescribable satisfaction that comes from creating a design that people like so much, that they're willing to purchase it.
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?
Construction zones, factories, anything where something is being built. I love the industrial/work in progress aesthetic probably from watching a ton of "How it's Made" episodes when I was younger.
Favorite color to use?
A strong color palette is probably the first thing I look for when starting on a new design. Lately, I've really been feeling bright orange highlights or vivid blue.
Are there any retail shops you would love to see you brand in?
Being stocked in any of those high fashion stores that have really neat showrooms and unique architecture would be my dream.
ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
Raf Simons and Jun Takahashi are both legends that always bring something unique to the table. They're dedicated in their craft and you can tell how much work they put in. When I design, I really wanna have that effect on people, where they look at a piece and just say "damn that looks incredible."
Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?
I'm hoping that in a year we'll have proper structured collections, some more collaborations, and better quality garments. In 5 years I'd love Anomaly to be stocked in some brick & mortar boutiques and to have our own studio as a creative space.
In 5 words or less describe your brand?
Unique graphics, bold colors.
