Absolute Blackout is a brand-spanking new design and apparel company born of the collaborative spirits of 3 local artists whose brute force of creativity, commitment and coolness led to the birth of something refreshing and new in the world of independent men and women’s clothing & accessories design. They’ve been working non-stop on their collection but took a few minutes after playing catch-up from a busy debut weekend to share their story.
Artists & Fleas: Tell us about Absolute Blackout.
Absolute Blackout: Our collection consists of T-shirts for men and women, bandannas, holster purses and tote bags. We strive for the highest quality products. All of our clothing is hand screenprinted using only cotton or organic fabrics. All of our holster purses are hand made, made entirely of vintage fabrics and completely vegan, using no leather products of any kind. And all of our bandannas are hand dyed. We as a company are trying to display the true beauty in collaboration and the strength of new ideas. We love what we do.
A&F: Who does the artwork for your products?
Absolute Blackout: Our company consists of 3 artists, Josephine Kenney, Maddy Black & Sam Miesch, who hand draw all the images seen on our clothing. Josephine also does all of our art photography and Karen Tarapata constructs all of our holster purses.
A&F: When did you launch your line?
Absolute Blackout: We became a brand in March of this year and officially launched our website and full line in the beginning of August.
A&F: Who and what inspires you?
Absolute Blackout: We are inspired by each other. Each of us brings something completely unique to the table and we all seem to grow from this type of collaboration. Our company’s hero is Baron Munchhausen. He inspires us to always think outside of the box and be proud of it – and to never ever let anyone tell you your dreams cannot be real.
A&F: Who is your target customer?
Absolute Blackout: Anyone who feels a little lost in this current storm of ironic fashion. We are hoping to connect to the people who feel confident in themselves and in being honest with who they are and what they like. We are often told our designs are too strong or even off-putting, but to the person who can connect with the honesty in feeling creepy or the beauty in scary things, we want to know you. Fashion is about play and disguise. Our disguises dare you to show your true self.
A&F: What has been the best and worst part about running your own business?
Absolute Blackout: The best and worst part about running your own business is putting yourself and your work out there for the public to judge. No matter how much you stand behind your work, it is still utterly terrifying.
A&F: What do you like about selling at Artists & Fleas?
Absolute Blackout: Artists & Fleas is such a welcoming community for artisans – it feels like coming home.
A&F: Is there anything else you would like us to know?
Absolute Blackout: We just want to relay our message of artistic community to the people. All we want is to share what we love to the people who want to feel connected. As a company of artists, photographers & musicians everything we do is meant to be shared & enjoyed. So please, come & enjoy life a little more with us.
