Oh, it was wonderful. It was incredibly validating and also affirmed the fact that there was a customer expecting this type of product from me, and a customer in every market level and size category at that. That was really, really incredibly affirming.
The collaboration was scheduled to be quite small, but through the process of creating the product, it grew exponentially. So, deep down, I was like, “Okay, I think the market could be more fun and more open today for what I have, what I say and what I do than it was six years ago when I left. ”
Both Jodie Turner-Smith and Tessa Thompson wore their looks at the Venice Film Festival. (jodie even dressed two.) How does it feel to get credits on the red carpet again?
I love those girls with all my heart. That’s something I love about being in Los Angeles; it is the proximity to them. What I specifically love about what these women do on the mats is that they embody the HARBISON woman in front of so many people, so immediately. Jodie is strong, smart, athletic, beautiful, poised, hyper-talented, and confident, and that epitomizes the HARBISON woman. So whether it’s her, Cynthia Erivo, Tessa Thompson… I can put clothes on all those women and have them walk the rugs, so everyone can see [them and say], “Oh wait. That’s what HARBISON means.” I’m lovin ‘it.
I think it’s safe to assume that you obviously want each woman to gravitate towards your clothes, but I can’t help but notice that the three women you just mentioned are all black. Does that add additional layers of meaning for you?
Well, I start with black women because those are the first images of beauty that I saw. They were my mothers, my grandmothers, my aunts. It was how they moved in clothes, how they approached beauty and makeup, how they were utilitarian and strong women, but also incredibly effeminate and beautiful and curvy. When I think about women and femininity, I start there.
So with this collection, I also started there. The palette, the inspirations, the stories and the memories that I am incorporating into these clothes are memories of those women. It is for the good of every woman, every person and every client. But, I want everyone to be clear that it starts with them. Although it is for everyone, the core is what they did in the world and what they did for me.
What do you expect the next few years to be like for HARBISON?
Honestly, I hope the next few years will be all about growth. I make sure that anyone who wants a piece of this world, this kind of optimistic world I’m building, can get a piece. And I want that expansion to occupy menswear, as I said, but also accessories, beauty, home, whatever. I’m really just a product guy! I love pretty things, and I want pretty things to come out of this brand, and for those pretty things to reach whoever wants them. Because I don’t play games. No games!
This interview has been edited and summarized for clarity.
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