Screen Shot: White Lotus
Website: whitelotuslife.com
City Based: London
Instagram: @whitelotuslife
What inspired the brand name?
I lived in India for a while when I was younger, and my dad (a musician) was heavily involved in Indian music, so as a result I was always exposed to Indian culture, art, music and the lotus has been my favorite flower for as long as I can remember. White to me represents peace and tranquility, and hence I got White Lotus!
At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
It was an idea of mine since I was about 15 or 16. The thought of seeing a random person in the street wearing something you created has been a dream of mine for a long time, and when I moved to London to start university I noticed a lot of brands focusing on dark themes such as death, depression, being broken-hearted etc. I always wanted to represent brands with positive, good vibes (without being corny) so I thought ‘I’ve got a few hundred pounds saved up and nothing to lose so fuck it, I got no reason not to!’
What helps you get over creative blocks?
Most of my creative blocks happen when I don’t design something for a while. I’ll watch old movies sometimes since they’re often filled with great sayings/quotes and try to use that as influence for a graphic, even if I don’t use the quote in the piece. Since I have a recurring theme of flowers, humans (faces, hands etc.) I often try to incorporate my style into it. Otherwise, a cruise around London on my board always helps…. Best way to clear the mind!
What is the biggest mistake you have made?
Worrying too much about generating hype for the brand, like stressing over branding, how to throw my logo everywhere etc. At the end of the day, I’m still not making my living off this, so if I don’t even like what I make why bother?!
What is the biggest success you have had?
White Lotus is a skateboarding brand above all. That’s where it all started. I’m currently working on the first full length with skaters from London and NY, but selling out the first boards I made was a pretty surreal feeling! If we’re measuring success by sales, my recent ‘cherish your homies’ tee got me orders all over Europe and the US, even all the way to New Zealand.
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?
Salvador Dali
Favorite color to use?
Pastel Blue & Pink, and White. (White tees hold a special place in my heart haha!)
ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?
Slam City Skates is probably the most famous skate shop in London. I’m already stocking in a few skate shops but that shop is sort of the Holy Grail.
ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
Yardsale xxx always inspires me with new drops. While their brand is not too similar to mine (they’re heavy on branding) I admire how well they have managed to create not only a style but an entire vibe unique to them. All their clothes, videos and photoshoots complement each other super well!
Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?
In a year, I’ll hope to have premiered the first White Lotus full length video featuring ~10 skaters. I’m currently working on 3 different collaborations (1 with a London artist, 1 with a tattoo studio, and 1 with an NGO) so hopefully those are all successfully completed over the next 6 months or so. I also hope to host a Pop-up once I finish my degree June 2020. In 5 years, I see White Lotus focusing much more on unique collaborations. Lots of brands collaborate with other brands but I think there are so many potential collaborations, whether it be with musicians, NGOs or whatever, that could produce some amazing, individual products. I have always wanted to spend more time on unique pop-ups and ‘Tyler, the Creator-esque’ runway shows and will definitely be doing that over the next 2-3 years too.
In 5 words or less describe your brand?
Skate and Love x