Quell Collection

Whenever the topic of fashion comes into play it's always interesting to hear a man's perspective because honestly the word style has two different meanings when being described by women and men. Recently I got a chance to discuss fashion, style, and inspiration with the creative force behind Quell Collection, Quintel Harcum. I am naturally a T-shirt and jeans with a nice heel type of girl, so any time I find a brand that directly brings my love of distressed oversized T-shirts to life I have to share.

For those who are not familiar with Quell Collections, how did the brand come about? 

First, I'd like to say thanks for giving me the opportunity to share a little about myself and Quell Collections.The actual idea to start the brand came about in 2004-05. A Y-3 Adidas ad in GQ magazine back then really inspired and motivated me to start sketching designs. All the designs were hoodies, I was obsessed with them back then. The first samples I created were hoodies and jackets, the first products for sale didn't come until 2011, those were wooden accessories and then t-shirts.

When it comes to gathering inspiration for your collections, where is the first place you look?

It varies, sometimes I think about what I have in my closet, what I'd like to have or what I'd change. Other times I'll look at old music videos and movies, but most times cars, architecture, nature and women, are sources of inspiration.

Some people find it challenging trying to launch a brand in a smaller city, do you feel it has been harder or easier? 

It’s doable, but it's very challenging. Depending on the products you're making resourcing  can be scarce. The Internet helps me find what I want and need so I'm thankful for that. Cutting into the market here can be difficult as well. The Internet gives people all over the world access, but it can be a bit of a challenge  when it comes engaging, influencing, and convincing total strangers that your brand is legit. On top of that, the industry is oversaturated anyway, so you have to deal with that in any city.

You have a new collection coming out "forever underground" what makes this collection different from the others?

The "Forever Underground" T-shirts are more of a random release than a capsule collection I'd usually do. That's one difference. The shirts were made to capture the feeling and look of festival season - summertime concerts, festivals, road trips, cookouts and fun. Most of the brand's graphics are more sleek and clean, but these shirts have a grunge look. Total opposite of a normal collection. I used different fonts than I normally use as an ode to vintage rock band tees. I have distressed cotton T-shirts with tears, holes and cut off sleeves. The cottons were nothing like anything I had used before. It’s fun and relaxed, my other pieces were relaxed but maybe a little less fun.

I always like to hear males perspective on women's fashion, what are five items you think every woman should own?

Hmmm I think every woman should own a pair of classic sneakers (like Jordans, Air max, Shelltoes, Chuck Taylors), a pair of skinny jeans, nude heels, a denim or leather jacket jacket (if not both) and as of this year something from Quell Collections LOL ;)

To see more of the collection follow iQuell Instagram  and shop Quell Collections .