Designer Richie Boyens from Clothesivemade. Image supplied.
Richie Boyens is the designer and founder of Wanaka-based streetwear label Clothesivemade. You may also recognise him as one of the guys that crashed The Bachelorette New Zealand a few weeks ago and has been busy getting cosy with bachelorette Lily McManus ever since. Whatever the future holds for him on the show, Richie will no doubt return to his label which he’s been passionate about since launching the brand in 2011. Each piece is made with care by the designer himself and most pieces are made to order to minimise waste. Clothesivemade, much like Richie, is laid back and doesn’t take itself too seriously while being lots of fun.
We caught up with Richie to find out more about his brand, what inspires him and what you would never catch him wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
After a couple of years away from the hectic routine of creating one-offs I wanted to put the brand into first gear and remember what it was about clothing I liked in the first place. My obsession with fabric manipulation using bleaches and dyes is a focal point of this new collection, I wanted to build the identity of Clothesivemade again, whilst making it affordable for everyone. Getting people hyped is my mission. I also have something very special up my sleeve in the coming months, but want to keep it close to my chest for now.
What made you become a designer?
You want the truth? I stumbled upon it. In 2011, during the early Sunday morning hours, I have to say still awake from the night before, I made a journey to the local Spotlight in search of some stretch denim and some elastic, to make a pair of low crotch jeans. With a small amount of direction and urge I buy said material and amble back to my parents’ home to unlock what I would call the best thing my life has ever seen. I ask my Mum (shit, she’s a great woman) if I can borrow her Bernina sewing machine. As usual she asks many assuming questions about my night and what the f**k (for the record my mum never said f**k) I’m doing here with material and an urge to sew some jeans. I grab a pair of her scissors, lay down the fabric on the carpet, measure my legs, waist and crotch depth and begin to cut not knowing what rabbit hole I had just opened. This is Clothesivemade!
What inspires you?
Anything new and out of my comfort zone. Whether meeting new people, or visiting certain places I get and overwhelming sense of energy from this, which in turn starts my brain to fire. Once that spark begins its hard for me to put out and I just go with it.
Streetwear by Clothesivemade.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I’m all about comfort = style. If you feel comfortable in what you wear, you look good. I’d say I have always have loved an oversized colourful T-shirt mashed against a black pair of jeans. Something simple.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
Gonna have to say my brown corduroy Enjoi cap which covered my head for about 10 years.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
I’d probably say a Casio watch and high top Vans, simple.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Always wear underpants if you’re wearing jeans.
Streetwear by Clothesivemade.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I’d say the four years spent in my old studio Above Ground, with some of the most talented designers, jewellers, shoe makers, musicians and artists I know. It was so rad to be able to create a space for us all to enjoy and learn from each other. I appreciate everyone who supported that journey and succeeds anything else I have done with the brand.
What can’t you live without?
Shit, I’m a real sucker for potato chips, so probably that.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Flip-flops, it’s bare feet all the way.
Images supplied.