“We live in a world of limitations, and the only adrenaline we need to have is to break the codes and barriers in front of us.” Paris-based fashion designer Stimps Kwams talks about his fashion label Usure Project, which revolve which revolves around vintage, 90s hip-hop music & culture. Here, he shares the inspiration behind his designs and the powerful message for all aspiring fashion leaders.

Tell me your story. How did you get into fashion?

My story and my passion for fashion started very young.  It started when I was 12, I would say with sneakers first and later with the influence of hip hop music. Attracted by artistic things and drawing, I turned to a model designer training between Rennes and Paris with a 3-year diploma. Then in 2019, I obtained my master’s degree in Luxury and Fashion Marketing. 

When did your journey to fashion begin?

It all started during the Tumblr era in 2012. I had created a blog called ” No Ceiling in fashion design.” It was my mood board where I went to document myself. 

I appreciated two accounts of Virgil Abloh * Pyrex Vision * and Nouveau Rich, managed by a salesperson from Louboutin Terry. Later, with Instagram, things had evolved a little more to connect directly to the creators.

What’s the story of your fashion label Usure Project? Have you always dreamed of having your label? 

Usure project is the story of two friends who meet and are driven by the same passion. But for personal reasons, one of the group members leaves the ship. But this gives even more courage to the second to continue the project until completion. This is not necessarily my first dream.  Because I had just finished my studies in styling and was coming out of a study internship that went wrong, this project allowed me to surpass myself and see how to make my place in this fashion environment. 

Describe your journey of design from concept to construction?

 My journey begins with searching for ideas. 

I can spend weeks in the library reading books on fashion on the evolution of the concept itself and come across an artistic image that inspires me.

 After consulting my textile printer on the possibility of making my idea real, I am also helped by my girlfriend, who is very talented in textile design and embroidery and several talented friends. I will hunt for pieces that I rework myself in a creative studio until the piece makes me dream. 

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Where do you find the inspiration for your designs?

It’s a lot of research and the message that the work of art evokes in me. Most of the time, I am inspired by the music I listen to, from the art of Basquiat to Salvadore Dali. Art allows bringing a force to clothes that no one has captured before.

What is your favourite part of the design process? 

When I am done with 99% of the project. I have to add a detail like the last brushstroke to perfect the piece as a work of art.

How do you want people to feel when wearing your clothes?

I want them to feel like the next creative people of our time. The proof, all those who bought me clothes are either designers, artists or business leaders in fashion. 

What ethics are important to you as a fashion designer while creating your designs?

My ethic is to never give up on my projects. Maybe the project you are proposing today does not appeal to the general public but do not stop until you come across the watchful eye of someone who understands your approach.

Are you working on anything exciting right now?

Of course, but I wouldn’t say more because a magician does not reveal all his magic tricks; otherwise, there is no surprise effect. 

What advice would you give someone who wants to start their fashion label?

I can’t give great advice only if you are able enough to do it 100%. 

How do you define fashion?

Fashion is the modern and contemporary art of transforming a piece of fabric into a work of art by using different molding or flat-cutting techniques according to the story that the creator wants to tell us.

Who is your biggest fashion inspiration?

I have in priority two personalities in mind the tenacity and the vision of Kanye West and the message that Virgil Abloh left us: “You can do it too.”

Who’s your favourite fashion icon?

They are several: Kanye West, Asap Rocky, Pharell and Asap Nast they dare in their style.

 They mix vintage pieces with luxury pieces. For me, they understood fashion because real fashion is vintage. 

What keeps you motivated and inspired every day?

People who have succeeded despite the fact that the whole world took them for fools. We live in a world of limitations, and the only adrenaline we need to have is to break the codes and barriers in front of us.

What advice would you give to young designers just starting and hoping to make it in this cut-throat competitive industry?

If you want to get started, do it 100%. Only the sky is the limit. Do not be afraid to do it. 

Do you often attend art exhibitions? Who are some of your favourite artists/photographers?

Yes, very often. 

 My favourite exhibitions are the artistic ones. 

 Installations like recently seen that of David Hammons on the Afro-American culture. A collective of young Parisian photographers who work on a project on the company AIR Afrique and that of Salvadore Dali. 

Thank you so much, Stimps <3

P.S.

Beauty talk with a fashion model, a stylist, and a linocut artist.