Ashton James Brown brings us an interview with Taelor Headless, the mastermind behind Headless Flywear.
We first encountered Headless Flywear way back in February of 2014. While that may seem like a relatively short expanse of time, in this internet age where information is exchanged at breakneck speed, a little over two years is akin to aeons. In this time, Headless Flywear has undergone tangible evolution, and I caught up with the gifted head honcho, Taelor Headless, to discuss the direction of the distinctive streetwear brand, his love of gaming, and how his interests have informed the aesthetic direction of HF.
Ashton: ‘Taelor Headless’ is a rather distinctive moniker, and one would assume that its origins are filled with intrigue. Could you tell us about the origins of the name?
Taylor: Taelor is my name by birth. Headless derives from the nicknames bestowed upon me by my peers due to my surname (if you know it, you know it). The two together are fitting and work well with my craft because you have no choice, but to remember one of the two and both are distinctive.
A: I have noticed that you maintain a keen interest in Gaming. What are your thoughts on the current state of “Gaming Culture”? Do you feel that we as People Of Colour have a place within the aforementioned culture?
T: Forever and ever! Gaming will always be my main interest and as I mature I’m looking at it from a whole different standpoint now. I am more interested in furthering my involvement in the business aspect of it all. It’s exciting because there are so much prospects within it, it’s unreal!
As ‘People Of Colour’ we have a major place within the gaming culture. Gaming is EXTREMELY diverse with regards to race; it is actually surprising exactly how diverse it is!
A: Could you tell us about “Unequalled Media”? What does your involvement with UM entail?
T: Unequalled Media is a video-games broadcasting company based in London and is heavily present throughout Europe. My involvement is ‘Player and Consumer Merchandising’. I create products worn by high-level players & desired by loyal viewers and make it available for everyone! Roughly 3 weeks ago, I released HFUM.CO.UK which is the brand I’ve developed surrounding Headless Flywear and UM, which essentially puts my fashion and design expertise towards the area of gaming.
A: What interests do you have outside of Gaming and Clothing?
T: Music and travelling. Regarding music, I love knowing the artists behind particular genres of music and getting the opportunity to work with them without a doubt. My latest project ‘GENESIS’ is my first visual project of the year and it features the choreographer Viviana Rocha. It also features ‘TailrMDELVN’, a music group and a significant part of the Headless family.
With regards to Travelling, I’m going to see the world and it’s various wonders, inspiration takes a completely different turn when you see the things the world has to offer and that shouldn’t be taken for granted, SEE IT ALL WHILE YOU CAN!
A: Have any of these interests informed the aesthetic direction that Headless Flywear has taken? If so, how have these influences manifested in the pieces that you have designed?
T: Everything I have created this year has embodied what these interests entail. A higher-level of life. I reflect that interest into Headless Flywear, and provide a higher level of quality.
A: Compared to other “streetwear” brands, Headless Flywear’s pieces have very reasonable price points. Was it a conscious decision on your part to keep the brand relatively accessible from a monetary standpoint?
T: This is called being realistic, it is okay to have a high price point but if it is going to be dropped in price in the end, your point has been flawed, from unrealistic to realistic. The Headless Flywear price points are reasonable as you said, it could easily be priced at more because of its high quality, BUT it must be attainable by the masses, the normal people that want to make a strong change aesthetically. Also the point is not to be GREEDY; I am not that so it will reflect it what I do also.
A: We last took a look at Headless Flywear way back in February of 2014. Could you tell us how HF has changed since then? Do you feel that it has undergone any sort of evolution, in terms of aesthetics, branding and notoriety?
T: It has grown incredibly and I have met so many new people. I am loaded with new ideas… It is pretty crazy. Funnily enough, since then production was SLOW. There were various issues outside of my power, that I had to deal with causing me not to release as much as I would have liked to. But that is life, not everything is in your power. It is this year that I’m doing my utmost to maintain a level of consistency with the craft. The website is brand new (updated and reworked about a month ago) and Metal has recently been released too! The whole point is to elevate, it is easy to remain in the same spot!
A: Could you take us through the creative process behind your 2016 collection “Metal”?
T: As I previously mentioned, I’m looking at the business aspect of my interest… In this case it was music. The most reoccurring thought process that I have had as of late, is that Rock/Metal bands stay relevant to people who don’t listen to their music, why is that? It’s because they have the fantastic looking merchandise. You see it everywhere and the reason for that is because of how it looks. Metal follows suit. By creating a similar looking artistically, but physically exceeding product; Metal is the end result. It was very much about applying the same vibe, but ensuring a higher level of quality as we do and this is what has come from it.
A: With regards to releases, what else can we expect from Headless Flywear in 2016? Do you plan on creating any more accessories, including pieces for your “Lugg” collection?
T: A TON OF T-SHIRTS & LONG-SLEEVED T-SHIRTS. Last year I released two t-shirts (which is weak), however this year there are going to be so much more; it’s unreal. There are going to be other things as well, don’t get me wrong but this is all the information I’m willing to let you have for now!
ONCE THE LUGG COLLECTION IS GONE IT IS NOT COMING BACK. I have to put that in capitals to emphasise my seriousness plus new things must be developed, I get bored easily!
A: Do you have any social media pages where fans of the brand can get in contact with you?
T: Our website is: https://headlessflywear.co.uk. You can also find us on Youtube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
A: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview!
T: You are very welcome!
Massive shoutout to Jet Axel & Simmy Shin who are two new faces to the Headless Flywear world. Welcome them as you have welcomed me… Major love to everyone that has supported thus far!