While so many are searching Instagram for their likes and popularity or posting selfies of their faces and bodies, I have opted to use it as a tool for finding new brands and creatives that span from designers to models to fine artists or just those that I consider to be simply beautiful people.
Today it’s about a brand and its founder who comes into a highly competitive niche market of menswear that includes underwear and leisure wear. What I found most intriguing is that David has developed a signature print (with the help of Claudio Braz) for his brand that of course is exclusive to his brand. What struck me also was the fact where most brands within this genre opt for is their brand name on a waist band rather than as an all over logo print which is a rarity .......... this is what I refer to as smart marketing and a key to brand recognition without billboard type merchandising. Think Gucci and Louis Vuitton... logo recognition!
And so, this is why I tip my hat to David and his colleagues for this inaugural collection that is unquestionably not to be confused with any others within this ever-growing area of apparel, so here in his own words is Daniel....
Jeffrey Felner: Can you tell the unfamiliar among us about your brand and what
you bring to the table when it comes to the business of menswear?
David Gomez
Pearlberg: First
& foremost, I strive to create and find beauty in everything I’m involved
with. I’m an entrepreneur in the world of business and real estate but
I’ve always needed to nurture and feed my creative side as well. So, over the
years I’ve designed both fine jewelry, which sold successfully for many years
at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Takashimaya NY in addition to men’s
luxury bespoke leather outerwear.
As menswear trends shifted, I saw the need for more small-batch, limited edition, casual clothing collection with a unique, chic edge and so MIX NYC was born. Collaborating with my good friend, Claudio Braz, a textile designer, we are exclusively creating fresh, young and timeless prints that stand out from the crowd and offer the wearer something new and special. We placed an emphasis on quality and a dedication to Made In New York as we are looking to offer our customers exciting Beach/ Pool wear, Streetwear and Underwear that they can feel special in.
DGP: Julia Childs because she was a blast and so knowledgeable and passionate about food! Barack Obama for a million reasons but mainly because I admire his ability to communicate and his brilliance. Lady Gaga because she’s a mega star who is so down to earth, genuine and real. She impresses me every time I see her act or sing or interviewed. Lil Nas X because he does his own thing and charts new waters without fear. He brings a whole new perspective to life in America. Jean Paul Gaultier simply because he’s the most talented, original and innovative designer, whom I’ve followed and loved for a long time!
DGP: Would love to collab with Timothée Chalamet; incredible personal style. Fresh, daring, and has a chameleon look that would be fun to explore and design with.
JF: Let’s talk about the big picture for your
brand in terms of retail expansion, product extension... what... where... Who
and why?
DGP: My strategy is direct to customer via my site but I’m planning on capsule collections for luxury retailers, too. My focus will be on special collaborations with influencers/artists for limited edition pieces.
JF: What is your feeling about social media when it comes to
your brand...? And educating people about what you do?
DGP: Like it or not, it’s all about social media right now and I don’t see that waning anytime soon. In my opinion, a successful brand needs to be nimble and ready to adapt to changing trends and times! Social media opens one’s brand to people worldwide in an instant. That’s exciting to me!
Photos by Frank Louis for MixNYC
