NEW TYPE #34 : BEAU WATSON

November 19, 2019 6:05 PM

1. As a new designer, how do you hope to distinguish yourself among other designers?

As a new designer, I want to distinguish myself from other designers through an unexpected usage of cut and combination of textures, romantic sculptural draping, and architecture. I want to take the essence of gothic romance and infuse that with a contemporary "Rock and Roll" aesthetic that’s both inspiring and wearable. Selecting luxurious and sumptuous fabrics heightens the above aesthetic and feeling of opulence and poetry.  If you take a look at my portfolio, you will notice the combination of men’s tailoring with women’s draping. I love playing with androgyny and doing it in a way that’s not contrived or obvious. You will see women’s jumpsuits with structured shoulder pads, pockets, and coattails but ironically the feeling is very feminine yet powerful. For men, I have an extensive collection of sleeveless tanks in a plethora of different textures and fabric combinations. In my world, men wear everything from stiff leather to sleek gazar. With some of my pieces, you will see sensual seam lines contouring to the shape of the body in the most lustrous and unusual fabrics. Bias cutting is ever-present ranging from wicked, slinky dresses that fall like liquid to men’s tanks in structured or aqueous fabrics that move like the ocean. Sculpture and architecture are really vital in my line of design and I achieve that with certain construction techniques while draping artfully on the dress form. I believe every garment needs to stand on its own as works of art for many years to come as something beautiful and timeless that is carefully composed and constructed.   

2. What song/playlist prompts creativity for you?

I particularly love 60s Psychedelic Rock, 70s Glam Rock, 80s Dark Wave, and Classical Opera. Music is immensely important and inspirational when I’m designing. I’m always thinking of what song is going to play when someone wearing my clothes walks into a room. There definitely is a soundtrack to my design aesthetic and the mood I’m going for. When designing, I’m usually listening to Siouxsie and the Banshees, Iggy Pop, and the Eurthymics. From a current perspective, I’ve been listening nonstop to Boy Harsher and really have been getting into how dark and sensual their sound is. But right now, I’ve been digging “Love is a Stranger” by the Eurythmics. Annie Lennox’s voice is incredibly haunting and so cool. I feel like the girl who wears my clothes is the ultimate Femme Fatale swaying to that song. 

3. What is your favorite/least favorite trend in fashion right now?

In high fashion, I really don’t respect or value the concept of trends as I think the idea puts a shelf life on wonderful pieces crafted by artists who want longevity for their work. However, I must say I love men wearing flared pants and that seems to be popular recently. As a designer, I will always use flared pants in any collection I build. It will always serve as a staple silhouette for me because, across all body types, I don’t think any cut is as flattering on the leg as a flared pant. If I had to choose a least favorite trend, I would simply say it’s the popularity of not really caring or seeking individuality in what you choose to wear. I think people have really become complacent and way too comfortable. The world is rife with vapid or basic garments. Too many choose to not express themselves and now everyone looks the same. When thumbing through old magazines from the 60s or 70s, everyone from every culture, class, and background had style. What happened?

4. What is your sun sign (zodiac sign) and how do you think it represents you as a designer and how you work?

My sun sign is Gemini and I exhibit many traits associated with the sign. My whole life has been about high voltage energy and my connection with the energy and auras around me. I’m tenacious and confident and have always been motivated to keep going and to never get discouraged. However, I am not a ruthless individual. The people and things I believe in mean the most to me so being cutthroat is out of character. I feel most secure when I know I’m living my life to my fullest potential and exploring my passions.  I think both of those things are very Gemini-esque.  Not wasting time with the wrong people and having deep reserves of stamina and energy help to keep me focused and in line with what I’m doing. I’m a very active and passionate person and I design for a very fearless and confident customer. 

5. Colors often present auras; what color do you think is illustrative of your designs/work?

Color should always be a surprise. I think back to what it was like when I first watched the Wizard of Oz as a child and remembered Dorothy stepping out into the Land of Oz in a sea of brilliant color. It was so impactful and color should leave an impression like that. We live in a dark world. Color should be mesmerizing and carefully thought out and composed. In my designs, I often use color as a peek-a-boo moment or an element of surprise like when my customer turns around to show you the front or back of a garment. I use color in trims and linings so I know a little goes a long way. Different shades of blues and greens galvanize me.  If I had to pick one specific color, I would choose Midnight. I like when something looks black but then stepping into the right amount of light you see it is actually the deepest shade of blue. 

6. Who are some of your influences in the industry?

I adore so many different artists in the fashion world and for so many different reasons. I really admire the work and craftsmanship of Madame Grès for her extraordinary pleating and draping skills. Her artistry with working and sculpting around the body is so profound and entirely distinctive. I am overtly enthusiastic about Dries Van Noten and the ways he incorporates textures and prints in his garments. His vision stirup vigor and excitement in every collection he shows and he truly is such a modern artist. I particularly praise how adamant he is about developing his textiles and the devotion he has to making the most unique product. I love Japanese fashion and particularly Yohji Yamamoto. Like Madam Grès, he designs around the body but in such a different way. His perspective is so deliciously abstract and the world that he designs has such magic. It is imperative that designers have a sense of inimitable identity in their brand so anyone that truly possesses this concept is inspirational to any upcoming designer. 

7. What brand/designer do you always look forward to seeing during fashion week(s)?

As mentioned earlier, I love the designs of Dries van Noten and Yohji Yamamoto! So definitely I’m always looking forward to those two during Fashion Week but I also really have been in awe over Iris Van Herpen and her fantastical designs. Her artistry and vision transport me into a universe of enchantment. The world has never seen anything quite like her technique and it’s so refreshing to see how a designer is taking perfect advantage of modern technology to set themselves apart from everyone else. And then of course I always look forward to a Versace show. There is such prestige about what it is like to be a daring Versace woman and to own the catwalk. Their soundtrack, the energy, and the way the girls walk are always the best. You never know what you are getting with Versace so it’s always exciting. And no house is more surprising or as shockingly unanticipated as Margiela. Their couture shows have been astonishing recently with their conceptual silhouettes, invigorating textures, and exquisite usage of color and sheen. 

8. What is your favorite place to eat in New York? 

I definitely have to pick more than one. My favorite restaurants in New York are Barrio Chino, Il Cantinori, and Lovely Day. If you want the best Mexican food in the city, head over to Barrio Chino and order the spicy grapefruit margarita and their Enchiladas Verdes. Take my word as a Texan. I could literally eat there every day. Il Cantinori is the best Italian restaurant in the city and the locals have been going there weekly for almost four decades. The pastas are all homemade and the menu is seasonal.  Finally, Lovely Day is just a staple for any local in my neighborhood. It’s a comfortable sanctuary of good food and privacy that you can always rely on.

9. You just pulled up to Starbucks, what did you order?

If I’m at Starbucks, I’m always really simple. No matter the temperature outside, I always order myself a classic iced coffee. If calories don’t count and I need a treat, then I’ll order a Venti Mocha Frappuccino. Coffee is a must for me.  

10. Being from Texas and transitioning into life in New York, what’s something you will never get used to about the NY lifestyle?

Trash and Vermin.

 

WRITTEN BY TAYLOR DUMARS

INSTAGRAM: @beauwatsonnewyork

EDITED BY SHO ISHIKURA

 

 

related posts

NEW TYPE #13: CHENG - CHENG HUAI CHUANG INTERVIEW

"Cheng-Huai Chuang was introduced to fashion at a young age"

June 08, 2016 4:00 PM  |  People

NEW TYPE #12: DROMe - MARIANNA ROSATI INTERVIEW

" I carry in my heart the values I've learned from my hometown - such as being true to myself and to my style"

 

 

May 24, 2016 4:00 PM  |  People

IKEMEN #30: JORGE URENA

IKEMEN (ē´k´mɛn): Japanese Slang

"REALLY, REALLY, RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE"

May 20, 2016 10:00 AM  |  People

NEW TYPE #11: LODOVICO ZORDANAZZO INTERVIEW

TWELV Magazine sat down with Lodovico Zordanazzo during his NYC visit to discuss his new collection and unique perspective on shoe design. 

May 10, 2016 12:00 PM  |  People
BreeLayne / Designer and Actress

NEW TYPE #10: BREELAYNE - BREELAYNE INTERVIEW

April 27, 2016 11:00 AM  |  People

NEW TYPE #9: J.ELSTER - JENNIFER ELSTER Interview

TWELV Magazine recently visited filmmaker and designer, Jennifer Elster, at her studio, The Development.

March 06, 2016 8:00 PM  |  People

NEW TYPE #8: MORGANE LE FAY - Liliana Casabal Interview

"Introducing an extremely talented designer"
January 23, 2016 3:00 PM  |  People
Photo by Noritaka Tatehana

Noritaka Tatehana Exclusive Interview

The talented young Japanese designer, Noritaka Tatehana, who collaborated with Iris Van Herpen to design Lady Gaga’s shoes.

November 03, 2015 10:00 AM  |  People
Photo Credit: Chris Schoonover

CHAOS CHAOS Interview

Formerly known as Smoosh, Asy and Chloe Saavedra of Chaos Chaos have always been a sister-sister duo.

October 12, 2015 10:00 AM  |  People

THE KNOCKS Takes Tokyo

Recently, electro-pop duo, The Knocks, visited Japan to perform in the ARC+TWELV party at ARC, a newly opened venue in Tokyo.

October 11, 2015 11:00 AM  |  People

CAVERNS Interview

TWELV had privilage of chatting with our friends from the band Caverns. The trio hail from NYC and are pretty much all over the music scene here!

July 26, 2015 11:00 AM  |  People

Michael Phillips Moskowitz, eBay Chief Curator & Ed. Director, Interview

TWELV Magazine had the pleasure of connecting with Michael Phillips Moskowitz, the Global Chief Curator & Editorial Director at eBay.

July 22, 2015 10:00 AM  |  People

NEW TYPE #7: EKAT - Katya INTERVIEW

"Introducing a new generation of designers" 

July 16, 2015 2:00 PM  |  People

Mai Mukaida Interview

Makeup Artist / CEO, Lalitpur.

Believes in the power of cosmetic

and lives with women in Nepal.

June 11, 2015 10:00 AM  |  People

M KOUGER INTERVIEW: Farmhouse

With the fabulous Chloe 81, the oysterrific Chloe 81 Blue Room and the recently opened Farmhouse Restaurant, M Kouger has established an essential trifecta of entertainment in NYC’...

May 19, 2015 1:30 PM  |  People

NEW TYPE #6: BERENIK- Veronica Brusa INTERVIEW

"Introducing a new generation of designers"

April 30, 2015 1:47 PM  |  People

REI SHITO INTERVIEW

Street Fashion Photographer

and Style Blogger.

Loves in Street and the Beyond

 

April 26, 2015 9:36 AM  |  People

Interview: The Refined Opulence of Hoorsenbuhs

The Hoorsenbuhs name has become synonymous with exclusivity, craftsmanship, and opulence.  Once nothing more than the ambitious brainchild of creator Robert Keith, the brand has become a staple in...

April 14, 2015 6:06 PM  |  People

NEW TYPE #5: HAZE Collection INTERVIEW

 "Introducing a new generation of designers"

March 17, 2015 3:51 PM  |  People

TWELV ARCHIVE #1: NORMAN REEDUS interview

February 24, 2015 6:45 PM  |  People

IKEMEN #29: JAY XERO

IKEMEN (ē´k´mɛn): Japanese Slang

"REALLY, REALLY, RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE"

February 19, 2015 11:21 PM  |  People

Travis Bass Interview

New York’s Greenwich Village is now home to a new and amazing club created by the ultimate party planner/Pop Up Club designer, Travis Bass, called ZAZOU.

January 24, 2015 3:59 PM  |  People

NEW TYPE #4: SAUNDER - Emily Saunders interview

 "Introducing a new generation of designers"

January 13, 2015 5:42 PM  |  People

NEW TYPE #3: GLORIA YU interview

"Introducing a new generation of designers" 

December 30, 2014 4:31 PM  |  People

IKEMEN #28: CJ Swanton & Mariko Derpa

IKEMEN (ē´k´mɛn): Japanese Slang

"REALLY, REALLY, RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE"

December 15, 2014 11:14 AM  |  People

NEW TYPE #2: VINTI ANDREWS - Vinti Tan and Paul Andrews INTERVIEW

"Introducing a new generation of designers"

December 01, 2014 1:42 PM  |  People

NEW TYPE #1: DEJAN DESPOTOVIC INTERVIEW

"Introducing a new generation of designers"

November 08, 2014 2:06 PM  |  People

BEHIND THE SCENES #3: KATSUYA KAMO

TWELV's Behind the Scenes takes a step back and visits the masterminds behind the camera.

November 07, 2014 4:54 PM  |  People

SUK CHAI INTERVIEW "SCHAI"

“My hands and eyes ooze desire to create when I touch something special.  When I touch the “right” fabric, I usually close my eyes and visualize all the things I can create.”

November 03, 2014 1:51 PM  |  People

IKEMEN #27: M KOUGER

IKEMEN (ē´k´mɛn): Japanese Slang

"REALLY, REALLY, RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE"

October 08, 2014 3:01 PM  |  People

NORITAKA TATEHANA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

NORITAKA TATEHANA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

September 24, 2014 7:45 PM  |  People

IKEMEN #26: KANAMI KAWAGUCHI

IKEMEN (ē´k´mɛn): Japanese Slang

"REALLY, REALLY, RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE"

September 17, 2014 1:24 PM  |  People

MAISON KITSUNé INTERVIEW

During their first ever showing in New York Fashion Week, TWELV Magazine and I got to catch up with the talented duo behind the remarkable brand, MAISON KITSUNÉ, We spoke with Gildas Loaëc and...

September 15, 2014 4:03 PM  |  People

MARIA HEDMARK INTERVIEW

Although Swedish transplant MARIA HEDMARK has only been in New York City for three years, her line, LINIE NYC, takes its name straight from the city that never sleeps.

September 03, 2014 1:49 PM  |  People

IKEMEN #25: LANDON MILLER

IKEMEN (ē´k´mɛn): Japanese Slang

"REALLY, REALLY, RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE"

August 21, 2014 7:51 PM  |  People

JAE YONG KIM INTERVIEW “CERAMIC GENIUS”

“Ceramic Genius”

 

August 12, 2014 5:55 PM  |  People

Pages

SITE BY: monocomplex©Marbles & Marbles International Inc. Drupal Development by: DivDiv, NYC
▲ back to top ▲