Introducing the Toronto/New York based fashion label called Uncle Loopy, founded by Richlin Fharlo. This up-and-coming streetwear brand showcases an alternative world of fashion, art and expression. A rebellious environment where you are encouraged to be yourself and to never look back – something that GenZ’s channel in their everyday lives.
The style and attitude of the Uncle Loopy designs represent a gothic/punk aesthetic, yet, this translates well with the rugged yet playful persona of the brand a whole, from their logo and position in the industry. With a website on the way and some sneak peak shot of the collections and what’s to come, Broke Magazine discuss the life as an American designer with Richlin Fharlo.
When did you find out that you wanted to be a designer?
I’ve always had a love for fashion. I was that kid growing up that took weeks to prepare for the first day of school because I was planning my outfit. Picking clothes is like art, and I love art, you’re creating a feeling, a vibe with your style, something that represents you. I found out that I wanted to be a designer about 2 years ago. It was just before the end of 2019.I had a few ideas that I had been working on for months so I started constructing concepts, colour patterns, ideas and in the end “Uncle Loopy” was Born.
And describe your journey into fashion?
My journey into fashion has been a process. A process full of Ideas, creative concepts, marketing plans and budget managing and at the same time it’s been a teacher of failure, confusion, creative self doubt and self analyzation. It’s a grind to get your ideas out. You need to work extremely hard and stay focused.
What is the creative process behind your designs?
I try to keep it funky, jiggy and just overall Dope. I start with a concept or idea I have. I start to sketch out a rough idea of the design in my notebook. I begin to work the sketch meaning I try different things while working towards the final design. I envision how the design will look once created. If it’s a piece of clothing then I send my idea to my in house sewer that will sew me a sample. Once the sample is done and approved by me. I prepare for production. If it’s a graphic design then I’d sketch a drawing, work the drawing then draw a final draft of the design. I then figure out colour patterns for it and send it out to my graphic designer who will then design my drawing on the computer.
Once it’s done it’s sent back to me.I then make sure everything is correct. Once that’s complete I prepare for production.
What’s usual Uncle Loopy clientele like?
The Uncle Loopy clientele/ audience is a wide range of different people. In some cases they are usually alternative punk hiphop type people.
What does being a designer mean to you?
Being a designer means everything to me.. It’s a creative feeling inside of me that’s always screaming to be released. It’s a creative outlet for me. It’s a form of art and I love expressing myself through art. To be able to get out my ideas and connect with people worldwide is amazing.
And what does your brand represent?
My brand represents a world. A free spirited Art World. The alternative, punk rock, Hip Hop scene. The outkast that doesn’t really fit in society. The kid being called weird in school. The black sheeps in the community. The voice of the rage. The Home of anti conservative. My brand’s a feeling, a mood, a energy, and a vibe.
When making your designs what are your three biggest rules?
When making my designs the three biggest rules are to always keep it funky, jiggy and creative.
What’s the next step for Uncle Loopy?
The next step for Uncle Loopy is to continue building the brand. Growing the business and staying creative.
Photographer: @shotbyria @riankrah_
Models: @_lareinaa @vile.babyy @ring.leader @shenitaxo @negroella @ms.coo_moon_ @_ankrah
Designer: @therichlinfharloshow
Interview by Izabel Rose