After recently featuring Suno and being smitten with the entire collection, I had to add the designer, Max Osterweis to the DreamCatcher's series! Not only is Mr. Osterweis creating beautiful clothes, he's got a wicked sense of humor, and has one of the coolest PR people I've ever dealt with. I'd like to thank them both for their time, and wish them continued success, because I'm a believer in the brand + vision. So, without further ado . . .
I've read that you spent 10 years collecting the beautiful vintage textiles we see in your debut collection, so was it during this time that you decided you'd create a collection with them?
I suppose I considered making something with the kangas when I first started collecting them, however, it was not clear to me what exactly I would make. I also did not have a pressing need to make anything with them. They were beautiful on their own and that was enough. However, over the years I had collected so many that it got to the point where I really had to do something with them, otherwise they were just taking up space - which, as you know in New York, is quite precious. I probably first thought about it 12 years ago, but did not seriously consider it until a year ago, and not until six months ago did I actually do something about it.
How does being a filmmaker shape what you design?
I'm not sure that being a filmmaker shapes what I design. It may, however, shape how I design. When conceiving a collection I think about character, story, and visual themes. I then think about how to express those elements through visual cues.
What inspires you?
A lot of things inspire me.
Do you have a favourite designer or filmmaker?
I do not have a favorite, but there are a lot of people whose work I hold in extremely high regard:
Filmmakers would include, but not be limited to: Pedro Almodovar, Federico Fellini, Akira Kurosawa, Emir Kusturica, Terence Malick, Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, Stanley Kubrick, and Werner Herzog.
In Fashion: Martin Margiela, Consuela Castiglioni, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Touitou, Rei Kawakubo, and Dries Van Noten.
Do you have any plans to expand Suno beyond women's wear, perhaps into accessories or menswear?
I would love to expand Suno into whatever other categories we can successfully produce. We are already doing a bit of experimenting.
Putting you totally on the spot, your top 3 films, and places to visit in Kenya?
Badlands, La Dolce Vita, and Annie Hall. Home, the Peponi bar, and any place I haven't been before.
What advice would you give someone who wants to become a fashion designer or filmmaker?
Don't be afraid, don't be lazy, and don't be shy.
And since we're both a part of the NYU {New York University} family, tell me about your experience there?
I
totally enjoyed it. I made friends and films, read some great books,
and was living on my own in New York at 17 - what could be better?
What can we expect from Suno in the future?
You can expect to be surprised.
What is your definition of a "DreamCatcher"?
I'm not sure I have a definition for a dreamcatcher; I just know it's a beautiful thing.
For more information please visit Suno. The collection will be available at Opening Ceremony in early Spring.
All fotos courtesy of Suno for usage on SheBreathes. Designer's photo © Sarah Elliott.
