Fab Friday Features: Tommy Cole

We're really excited about this Fab Friday because it's our first Fab Friday that we've interviewed! Plus this person is SO fabulous, well, you have no idea.

First, a little bit of back story for those of you who may not have the pleasure of knowing who Tommy Cole is... By Tommy Cole!

"I'm Tommy. Some of you may know me as Tommy Couture. I am a hyper-creative individual with with a passion for fashion, design, photography, retail, rock stars and cocktails. I have managed to turn all of these passions into a successful career with hardly any formal education or training. In 2003 I moved to NYC from Boston at the eager age of 23. I immediately started working at boutiques in SoHo and going out at night, camera in hand, to shoot the characters of the downtown club scene. In 2004 I met my lover, fashion design mastermind Roy Caires. Roy taught me how to sew and in early 2005 we started a line together called This Old Thing?, a collection made of reconstructed vintage garments. The looks were over the top, abstract, inside out/upside down, ripped & shredded works of wearable art. It was around this time that make-up artist Jenny Brown introduced us to a singer named Justin Tranter. Our first (and only) This Old Thing? fashion show was the opening act for Justin's final performance as a solo artist, he was ready to rock & roll. A few weeks later Justin called to inform us that his band was established, they were to be called Semi Precious Weapons, and that we better start working on some looks for the first show.The vision was clear from the very beginning: glamour, madness, FAME and fashion. Photo's were snapped, clothes were made and the party was non-stop. In February 2007 Roy and I opened our first boutique, Alter, in Greenpoint- Brooklyn. After a successful first year we opened a second Alter location (directly across the street from the first) one for men, the other for women. As of today we are a thriving multi-brand boutique, stocking brands from all over the USA, Canada and Europe."

 

SPWW: We all love using your "garage glam" terms. I believe kunt has become an everyday staple. Is their a definition for the term carol? And are there any other fierce terms you'd like to introduce?

TC: Those "vocabulary" vid's on youtube were done very, very late one night back in September 2007 and I think they're hysterical. I was just rambling on and being silly, and three years later people are still talking about it. The definitions are endless! Carol? Not telling...

SPWW: Justin says you're the man that "put him in heels." do you remember when you woke up and thought, HEELS!!

TC: We would do fittings with Justin in our studio 'till all hours, practicing fashion stunts and looks for their shows. One night We slid a pair of fire engine red, high heel boots (womens size 12) on him and it was just right. Tights, heels and outrageous tops were the uniform from then on.

SPWW: What were some of your favorite or more outrageous outfits that you created for Justin?

TC: There were MANY looks that I am fond of. I think my favorite might be the one we created and shot for the original cover of We Love You in July 2007. The look was layers of shredded athletic t-shirt jersey, a bra on backwards and a cummerbund, with black tights and red high heel boots- with that platinum blonde hair and his shocked expression the look is burnt in my head for ever. Very simple but had a lasting impression, and was easy for fans to emulate.

SPWW: As an aspiring designer with no formal training I think its really fucking inspiring to see how much you've accomplished already. What's some advice you can give other weapons that have big dreams and aspirations?

TC: If you want to do something right you have to do it yourself. Learn how to sew. Learn how to sell. Take pictures and smile pretty. Life skills.

SPWW: Are there any celebs out there that you personally think look busted? Or look like they have some problem H?

TC: HAHA!! Problem H!! busted celebrities? I don't pay much attention to celebs, and hating on people is a bore.

SPWW: Could you make 29 tops in 29 minutes?

TC: Yes, I'll make 29 tops in 29 minutes. That song is genius... It was a birthday gift to me a few years ago.

SPWW: What's next for Tommy Couture? What should the world be looking out for?

TC: What's next? Well, we're plotting a Pop-Up retail shop with Lady Starlight & the Alter Boys in NYC for 4 days next month (April 2010) so stay tuned! Fashion WILL happen!

Thanks again to Mr. Couture for taking the time to answer my questions and for being such a FABULOUS Friday.  Make sure you visit his boutique Alter in person or on the web and check out their fabulous selection of clothing and accessories (it's seriously the best).  

_______________________________________________________________________________