Interview with Alexia Panza and Lissette Siesholtz of Tom and Drew Boys

More great insights and inspirations from Alexia Panza and Lissette Sieholtz of Tom and Drew Boys!  Enjoy :)

Was there a specific experience that caused you to partner up with Bulldog Rescue?

Obviously, as you can tell, Tom & Drew is branded off English bulldogs. My family members are bulldog fanatics and it just seemed like the perfect fit for the aesthetic of Tom & Drew. That being said, I decided to partner with bulldog rescue because it is a wonderful organization that cohesively aligns with Tom & Drew. There are so many wonderful bulldogs for adoption out there and bulldog rescue does everything they can to find them happy, loving homes. Readers: please check out their website and available bulldogs:  http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/

What was the inspiration behind using Japanese denim in the latest collection?

The inspiration behind using Japanese denim was that my designer and I knew that we needed something special if we were going to enter the incredibly competitive denim market. Tom & Drew is a very unique line and attention to detail is my highest priority, especially in regards to fabric selection. Our denim is truly fantastic and something that barely anyone else has. It is perfect for children because it is so incredibly soft; it melts in your hands.

What got you started working in children’s clothing design?

I started a children’s clothing company because I have two nephews, Tommy & Andrew. While shopping for them I really felt that there was a void in the marketplace for high-end, fashion forward yet refined boys clothing. I studied the business of fashion at the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City. I had amazing professors who pushed me to achieve my dreams and believe that anything is possible, no matter how young you are. I did a project in a fashion forecasting class where I was to forecast boy’s apparel and a spark lit in my mind; I can and should do this!

What sources of inspiration do you continually find yourself going back to, what are some new ones that have influenced your most recent collection?

I find myself continually going back to a classic, vintage Americana look. Recent inspiration from our spring/summer 2011 collection came from childhood memories. Of course, my nephews, Andrew and Tommy inspire me on a daily basis. I speak with my sisters and they tell me what the two of them are currently driven by. For example, I actually asked my three-year-old nephew, Andrew, to come up with the summertime animals to use in our collection. He came up with: duck, “fishy” (which we translated in a striped bass) and most importantly sharks.

Tell us a bit about your drive and purpose, your vision for your designs.

I believe that my drive comes from inside and people telling me that I couldn’t accomplish things the things I have. I have such a wonderful support system, everyone from my designer, sales reps., interns and most importantly friends and family. I always had dreams of working in the fashion industry and moving to New York City. There were times when the road was rough, and I was an intern vacuuming the floor. Deep down, I knew, one day, I was going to prove myself. I would prove myself to the world that I could run a successful company. I think being told you’re dreams are too lofty and a fantasy is one of the worst things you can ever tell to someone with a passion and inner drive. I owe most of my passion, drive and success to my father. He has been my rock throughout the entire process. He started his own business at a very young age as well and has believed in me every step of the way.

The vision for Tom & Drew is always a mix of these components: playful, practical, comfortable, durable, trend driven and most importantly creating clothing mothers love and their boys enjoy just as much.

*I’m now going to turn the rest of the questions to my fantastic designer, Lissette Siesholtz, who deserves much more credit for the design aspect of the brand than she is given.

What makes you tick as a designer, what direction to you find yourself returning to time and time again?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a designer is realizing how in tune you are with the rest of the world. I love it when I pull a concept out of thin air, think it’s so unique, and then see that same concept used by another designer. It baffles me for a moment, sometimes even annoys me, and then I’m just like, “well, of course!” We are all experiencing the same events, the same art and the same music. We are all experiencing it at the same time, and moments like that really emphasize how alike we are as human beings!

What current trends are you keeping track of? Any that you just can’t stand?

I’m so excited that trends are moving towards a more form-fitting, classic direction. At the same time, I think “skinny” jeans are never appropriate for a young boy. There is a huge difference between form-fitting and form-hugging.

How do you feel that current trend affects your design?

I tend to use trends as the finishing touch to my designs, rather than the main focus. I like to take timeless ideas and garnish them with modern infatuations to give a final product that can be forever relevant, yet still reminiscent of their period.

What do you feel makes your work unique?

I was a menswear designer before working in boys wear, which I feel has helped me to understand who it is that young boys idolize. Whether it be their father, brother, friend, or a celebrity, I try to give boys the opportunity to be just as stylish as the grown men around them, without abandoning their youth.