Screen Shot: Sweet Talk
Website: www.sweettalkbaby.com
What inspired the brand name?
Every decision that I make is on impulse. So it's 4am and I decide I need to change the brand name before it gets too much recognition because 'Moonlit Driveway' was just too long and didn't sound like a brand. So as usual I was listening to The Killers, and I heard the song Sweet Talk and its not even my favorite song by any means, I don't even like the song actually, but I did like the title. The main thing with fashion, and clothes is that you don't have to "talk" or say anything. What you represent and what you are is shown in the things that you wear. So 'Sweet Talk' isn't necessarily about talking in the normal sense of words coming out of someone's mouth, it's more about what you say without having to say anything at all.
At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
(actual note I wrote about girls) "I love girls, and the beauty that every one of you hold. I want for you to know that I see what other people don't." When I wrote that down I thought the most logical way to showcase what i felt was through clothing. I've always had a fixation with Playboys. The way they show the beauty in women was fascinating to me. I realized that I wanted to do the same thing.
What helps you get over creative blocks?
Getting drunk
What is the biggest mistake you have made?
Setting deadlines that are way too crazy to meet. It was a Tuesday, and I had an idea for a collection titled 'pleasure'. I told myself I would release it that following Friday, and at that point all I had was the name no designs or anything. So for that week I didn't sleep or eat, 100% of my time went in to making that collection. I actually finished the collection by Friday, and passed out for the entire weekend.
What is the biggest success you have had?
Definitely when Michael Johnson the owner of streetwear brand Dogoodforever followed me on instagram. I know it doesn't seem like much, but that kid was part of the reason I started doing this in the first place, so that was a big deal to me.
Favorite color to use?
I use red a lot as an easter egg. I noticed that most of the girls I have been intimate with, have had red undergarments.
A source of inspiration people may find weird?
Honestly a lot of the 1970s and 80s grindhouse, and sexploitation films. They were basically porn with a shitty plot but I love them. The way that they were able to show the beauty of the female form was extremely refreshing to me. Most people would find them uncomfortable to watch, but I see nudity as art, so to me, it's a walk in the park. A naked walk in the park.
Another Brand that inspires you and why?
Cult Gloria, Cult Gloria, and Cult Gloria. I've been a fan of 80s horror b movies for a while now, and the way that Robert incorporates those films into his designs is flawless. I can really see who he is through is art, and to me that's really powerful.
Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?
I'll be surprised if i'm still alive in 5 years, but in all seriousness i want it to be way more than just clothing. I want to start something that challenges the boundaries of nudity, and gets us to talk openly about everything that has to do with sex. I believe the most powerful thing art can do is make itself 3 dimensional and affect the actual physical world that we live in. I want to see Sweet Talk do that.
In 5 words or less describe your brand?
Not safe for work
