F  L  A  U  N  T

What’s that junk in your trunk, Blood Brother?

The brand's founder and creative director Nick Biela on his influences and plan for the brand

Originally a t-shirt line, Blood Brother quickly evolved into one of the most coveted menswear lines in Britain. Their professed values of "integrity, roots, and ambition" show through in their line, and they're now carried at stores like Harrod's, Harvey Nichols, Holt Renfrew, and others, in addition to their flagship store. Blood Brother has come a long way since their t-shirt days.

We caught up with Blood Brother's founder and creative director, Nick Biela, on his influences and vision for the line.

Which five pieces of clothing could you not be without? Why do you hold them so dear?

Right now I'm on holiday fishing in the Arctic circle, so with that in mind, here's a topical answer: I couldn't be without a my waterproof Artix Blood Brother jacket, polarized sunglasses (glare from the river), Fjällraven bucket hat with inbuilt mosquito net, Loop fishing gilet (Blood Brother SS17 suede one just a bit too nice for this trip), and Shakespeare Waders to get further into the water. My one accessory would obviously by my Shakespeare "ugly stik" rod.

Where is your favorite place to brainstorm and get inspired?

The Olympic swimming Pool in Stratford, it's really good to be able to do a form of exercise which allows you to switch off, no phone, music, distractions - just goggles, swim cap, speedos and time to think.

Who for you is the most inspiring fashion designer of all time, and why?

Massimo Osti, is a huge inspiration to me, he was a pioneer with dyeing techniques and  his utilization of different fabrics for technical outerwear. I also like the fact that he started as a graphic designer producing printed t-shirts. Do you think of your work as art or craftsmanship? How do you balance form and function as a designer?

I think that working as a designer you need flexibility in your approach and to be able to accept that what is imagined at the start of a creative process will be eventually constructed into a product with the intention of being sold. This enables you to endure another cycle. Much like evolution with any process, it's vital that you remain focused on improving and continuing to embrace new ideas, allowing for sales to stimulate creation. Although I think the product itself is well crafted, the brand as a concept has a sentimental centre, we believe being a part of East London's creative community is a strong reason to describe it as art.

How does your aesthetic reflect your personality?

My personality reflects the brand in a sense where I like to continue to add to my personality from new experiences. I believe having an open mind allows you to grow and progress, much like our business, we feel having an open mind and flexible attitude allows for opportunities.

What has been the most exciting moment in your career so far? I think it was thrilling to be able to put on our debut LC:M presentation, the whole team that worked on it with us helped to deliver a bold vision of Blood Brother for 2017. For the first time we were able to communicate our concept on models rather than on hangers in showrooms. I think a more appropriate word would be satisfying as among the excitement was stress, nerves and  tiredness so when we were finished we felt exhausted but completely content.

What challenges did you have to face to get where you are in the industry?

Challenges approach designers and young businesses every day, the most prominent challenge in my opinion is to continue to look forward, everybody is capable of making a mistake or bad decision. It's more important how to react and move on from problems, that will help to distinguish a career, a business as well as a person.

What's up next for Blood Brother?

Right now the other half of the team are focusing on sales of the SS17 'Homesick' collection, and we are having a great reaction, the feedback has been really positive and even some of the more particular sartorial pieces have been seeing some success with the buyers in the showroom. I'm already starting to piece together initial ideas for AW17 and feel really motivated to carry on our energy and intensity from our presentation.