FRAME: How would you describe the inspiration behind Eyes Look Left and its unique approach to clothing design?

Eyes Look Left even though it is very much in its infancy has been thought about, planned, and dreamt about since I was about 16 years old. So with that, I’d say at its core the true inspiration is to contribute, add on and be part of self-expression. Which is something I’ve always found fascinating.

FRAME: Can you share some examples of specific music videos, magazines, album covers, or films that have influenced the designs at Eyes Look Left?

So there is a vast wealth of influential imagery that with or without realizing gets used in even the smallest design, but to be more specific this collection that is launching with Frame now is the most “obvious” or scaled-back collection so far. I wanted the imagery to be quite literal, and in some of the names of the t-shirts, you’ll see a tongue-in-cheek reference to the inspiration or logo flip. Use the “NO!” Graphic is a prime example. In Season 1, we made a pin badge and a sticker first designed by an old skate brand that read “RAVERS SUCK”. You can see it on the vacuum cleaner at the beginning of the Kurious Jorge’s video for “Uptown Hit”.

FRAME: What makes Eyes Look Left different from other clothing brands in terms of its catalog of imagery and influence?

I think it would be pretty hard to say, our catalog of imagery or influence is vastly different from others. Sure we might double down in some areas that others don’t, but ultimately it’s about how you use or translate that influence. I like it to music a lot. For example, you could give three producers the same samples and I’m pretty sure you will still get three different beats from each of them. So it’s all about how you communicate, and how I show my reality vs yours if that makes sense.

FRAME: How do Eyes Look Left translate visual inspiration into actual clothing designs?

That’s the fun bit! One example I could mention here is movement. When we were looking into creating our sweats, the movement was a big thing for me. This might sound a bit weird, but I noticed sweatshirts and sweatpants hanging on people. How different sizes or body weights moved differently from each other when walking, and I knew what look I wanted for our sweats. So I guess in that example, how something moves when being worn, can really influence the make of the garment.

FRAME: Can you describe the creative process behind developing a new collection or piece at Eyes Look Left?

I’m constantly making notes, taking pictures, taking screenshots of the most random things, and then after a while I start to feel like I’ve got a lot of things to look into. Once that process begins, things tend to fall into place pretty quickly and inspiration is sparked to the max. I really like the juxtaposition of putting things, ideas, words, and images together that might seem like they don’t belong together, and then finding the thread to connect them in a tangible way. The previous seasons’ graphics were pretty dense in that theory, with some containing four or five ideas rolled into one.

FRAME: How do Eyes Look Left incorporate elements of music, film, or other forms of media into its brand identity?

This is just as simple as the brand is a direct extension of us. Because of that, it’s not a conscious decision to incorporate things, it just happens.

FRAME: What is the target audience for Eyes Look Left, and how do you ensure your designs resonate with them?

Hmmm target audience.. well when we are designing, it’s very much for us. The filter is always “Would we wear it” and never “Would this sell”. So I guess if we stay true to that core, it will resonate with like-minded people.

FRAME: Are there any particular artists or designers that have played a significant role in shaping the aesthetic of Eyes Look Left?

It’s gonna sound awful but there aren't any in particular. There are obviously hundreds, thousands of artists and designers we like or love. We spend a lot of time trying to absorb as much as we can, whether that’s in art galleries or face down in magazines. But to me, my main goal is to make clothes that match the images in my head created by the music I listen to. Music is the main inspiration, to quote the rapper AKAI SOLO “Music is the main focus, I have unfinished business with it”.

FRAME: How does Eyes Look Left balance staying true to its inspirations, while also offering unique and original designs?

Simply because we are doing it our way. As long as we stay true to ourselves, we will always be true and original because there is no one else like us, or you for that matter.

FRAME: Can you talk about any upcoming projects or collaborations that Eyes Look Left is excited about?

You will start to see more music from us. Whether it be a guest DJ mix, a radio show, a producer beat tape, etc. We are connected to some great artists already and I plan on making that side of us more visible. With that, I’d love to shout out to Unkle Chip, Brainorchestra, Breezly Brewin of the Juggaknots, Pootie, Ace SL, Roper Williams, and Don Blaze.

We will continue to work with our friends at Very Goods Studios on our collaboration candle, the idea is that it will always be available and a portion of the sales will always be donated to the Ben Reamers Foundation in the UK to help raise awareness around the perils of Mental Health, something we are very passionate about.

We have put some collaboratory project ideas out into the universe so hopefully they will start to come to fruition soon.