Interview: Skintight Rebel Clothing

Here's the interview with Dísa Briem, from the duo behind Skintight Rebel Clothing:

Q: What inspired you/when did you decide to start making clothes?

A: I love faux leather fabric and I searched the world for clothes in that material, found none. So I went to a fabric store, wrapped the fabric around me and thought: How hard can it be!? Also, festivals were coming up and I wanted to have the coolest outfit that nobody else had. So I just began to sew on my mother's old machine, sat for hours and hours, practicing.

Q: Are you self taught or do/did you go to a school?

A: Self taught, I don’t even use patterns because my designs are only in my own mind. But I also go to school now, I want to learn more! I love it. The name of the school is Tillskärarakademin, and is in Stockholm.

Q: How did you land on the name «Skintight Rebel Clothing»?

A: That is a mix of words/lyrics from songs I love: Vicious Rumors - "R.L.H" - "Just because my leather is black SKINTIGHT, When we hit the stage we rock all night", I thought that sounded cool. Rebel is from Judas Priest - "Leather Rebel" & Lee Aaron "Rebel Angel".

Skintight fit, Rebel attitude.

Q: Do you remember the first piece you ever made?

A: Yes it was a simple “square” faux leather top with the practical and beautiful lace-up and studs of course.

Q: What inspire you when you make a piece of clothing/collection? How do you develope an idea to an actual piece. Do you draw first?

A: Inspiration: Mostly different fabrics, materials and music, you can see lot of 80s heavy metal inspiration in my clothing. When I'm happy, my creativity is unstoppable. Sometimes quick drawings just to remember.

Q: How much time do you spend on making clothes?

A: Pretty much all the time. It’s the last thing I do before sleep, I even bring stuff on the subway (studding and such). This is is my life.

Q: Do you get many custom orders?

A: Oh Yeah, MORE or less. My best customers are the international ones - Keep 'em comin!

Q: Where do you get all your amazing material for the clothes? Or is that a secret? ;)

A: Just local stores and Internet. I don’t have any favourite stores at all. I would recommend to google.

Q: Do you only wear your own design? What do you wear on a everyday basis?

A: Depends on the occasion. Sometimes I go all in, and sometimes I dress more basic. But I always wear something I've made, even if it is only a necklace.

Q: Has "Skintight Rebel Clothing" becomed more of a lifestyle than a hobby?

A: Yes, and I love it! I wish I had more time and to go all in with this. But I will when I'm done with school. I will have a LOT more time and by then, and I will be even better. But I am satisfied to have this as a hobby ATM.

Q: Do you work alone on a piece, or do you and Elin (other part of Skintight Rebel Clothing) work together? Do you make each piece by yourself, but share the brand with Elin?

A: We don’t work together, we live in different cities too. That’s correct! All by my self.

Q: What else do you do? Work, school?

A: Work and school full-time, always busy.

Q: What's your goal with this line? Near future plan?

A: My dream is to learn and create more, get more awesome customers and give it all I got!

Q: Who would you like to see in your clothes/designs?

A: Everyone. I have always dreamed about styling a whole band.

Q: Who do you think got great style?

A: Hard one. But I think of all women in metal, DORO dresses so amazing. Her 80s outfits are perfect. I get inspired by 80s metal babes and dudes.

Q: Describe your perfect/favorite outfit?

A: Skintight faux leather pants or spandex. A knock out faux leather bustier-top with LOTS of details, at Least 2 belts and a fringe bag. Don’t forget the bootstraps, gloves and many bracelets. More is more!

Q: Biggest thing accomplished yet?

A: It’s a secret, we will see in the future ;) But just being recognized, complimented and having custumers is a fantastic good start.

Q: Your all-time favorite piece you've made so far?

A: Must be my tops with belts.

Q: What are your favorite bands?

A: Hard one. I like to dig a bit deeper in music because im a record collector and love to explore. I love AOR and Thrash too. A little namedrop: Leatherwolf, Crimson Glory, Lee Aaron, Vixen, Annihilator, Forbidden, Savatage, Riot, Vicious Rumors…

Q: Do you got any tips for an amateure beginner (like myself :p)?

A: If you want to learn and something goes wrong, don’t give up. Start over, do it better next time. I have thrown clothes in the trash and made another similar, but better.

Dísa is a very nice metal chick from Sweden, and she's sooo talented! I've purchased things from her three times, and everything is so well made, and fits like a glove; Skintight! ;) You pay safely through paypal, and she shippes as soon as she can, and soon you have some very cool 80s metal stuff in your mail.
Drop by the facebook page >HERE< and browse through the pictures and put in an order if there's something you'd like! :)