Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Kruse.
Nick, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started following fashion growing up when I got my first pair of “Air Bacons” (look them up, no joke) I knew I was hooked ever since at age 8 or 9.
Working with various retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Totokaelo (Seattle Flagship) and Barneys New York, opened me up to the creative side of various brands. Each brand has a different story; from the history, where it’s made, different collections, designers, who wears it. Getting to know these stories and being able to style clients so they can tell their own story is powerful in itself. After meeting a handful of designers and hearing their perspectives, I decided it’s time to contribute to the conversation.
These experiences have shaped my perspective for 2018 and where Cliché is headed as a menswear brand.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
F*#K no! If life is easy, you’re doing it wrong!
Struggles are part of any business and it’s a constant balancing act maintaining mental and physical equilibrium. The key is to find what works for yourself so that problems are seen as opportunities: not problems.
I think we have a tendency to make life more difficult than it really is. Personally, it all starts with gratitude and appreciating people. If you start with gratitude everything else flows from there. Enjoy life, it’s short.
My two keys to success are simple: Surround yourself with good people and never stop learning. Add in hard work and having fun and you got the recipe.
Cliché – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Cliché is a creative consulting house that specializes in brand building for smaller fashion companies. We also offer styling and social media. In 2018 we will focus mainly on our first collection.
Cliché re-located to L.A. in 2018 and will be launching its first menswear capsule in the upcoming months. In 2017, we did our first sportswear capsule with hoodies and t-shirts as well as a vintage line. The vintage line featured hand thrifted vintage band t-shirts all over Seattle with our Cliché F/W print. For 2018 we are focusing on cut and sewn, meaning cleaner cuts, nicer fabrics and overall elevated brand story.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cliche.online
- Instagram: @clichesea
- Other: @nickblaise
Image Credit:
@nickblaise
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