As a blogger, there is nothing more thrilling than finding a hidden gem. When Dan Brown (DANYUL) got in contact with me about an interview, I had a quick browse over his portfolio. Usually a lot of the requests I get to review etc. are just not something I would actually choose to share. So after looking through Dan’s work I was more than pleasantly surprised and very impressed.
Great vision, creative concept, artistic and quite clearly very hard working. Right up my street! Originally from Liverpool, from the age of 17 he interned for likes of the legendary Alexander McQueen. He later went on to study at Middlesex University. With interests in print design, art direction, magazine publication and photography, Dan’s work is fresh, edgy, and undoubtedly cool without a try hard feel.
So you’re originally from Liverpool, what's the fashion scene like over there - do girls really walk around with rollers in their hair?
"The fashion scene in Liverpool is it's own, unless your from Liverpool it could be hard to appreciate it. The girls like to dress over the top and make a statement, often having dresses personally made for occasions. The girls really do go out in their rollers, even to do their groceries ha ha!"
What do you think of celebrities turned designers, like Kanye West for example - should he stick to the rapping?
"I appreciate anyone that pushes boundaries and anyone with talent in multiple fields is lucky to do so! What many people misunderstand with the likes of Kanye West, is that his style generates inspiration amongst many of the younger demographic that are at the heart of pushing the fashion industry to its full potential. With the industry being on constant fast forward with demand for new talent, there is always room for new designers and I appreciate those that try their best at what they do or indeed aim to achieve, like Kanye for example."
The fashion industry is renowned for interns having to do a lot of free work before you make it...what's your opinion on this?
"I have worked for free since I was 17 years old when I landed my first internship in the print design department at Alexander McQueen, without internships it could be impossible for a hopeful in the fashion industry to achieve their book of important contacts and land those opportunities that will help them in the long run."
Do you prefer styling men or women?
"I prefer to work with men but I wouldn't consider myself a menswear stylist. If and when the opportunity to style a womenswear project is given to me I’d certainly consider it."
You've worked at LFW - what was that like, must be exciting!
"Working during London Fashion Week is always something I look forward to. I love the atmosphere and I particularly enjoy everyone's personal style and approach to things... It's exciting to see the designers collections pieced together with the production of the show, music, models and venue."
Describe the perfect outfit?
"The perfect outfit depends on the occasion. I enjoy dressing people according to their moods or in terms of an editorial or campaign. I like to tell a story with my style of dress. In relation to current trend, a good quality trench coat paired with a decent pair of jeans and vintage pair of trainers is ideal for those aiming for a casual look."
Your fairly young and your doing pretty well for yourself, what advice would you give to young people who want to be entrepreneurial in a fashion environment?
"Simply to aim for the best and go that one step further to prove your willingness to achieve. If you can get as much industry experience under your belt at an early age, the better chance you have at succeeding in the nearer future."
What's next for DANYUL?
"There are always new opportunities arising for DANYUL, I have recently shot a main fashion story with photographer Joseph Sinclair for an international publication called Client Magazine. Keep an eye out for that, it's a really good shoot!"