We've never interviewed anyone in our lives here at Comeback Kid and that's about to become very apparent but to celebrate the launch of Does Not Equals latest collection, Black Truth/White Lies - Continuum, we thought we'd give it a crack! Here goes:Comeback Kid: Yo! Does Not Equal! What's up? Let's start with the most obvious question cause we ain't subtle here. Where does the name Does Not Equal come from and how does that relate to the jewellery you design?
Does Not Equal: Back in the planning stages of the label, it was easier to identify what I didn't want the label to be. I kept saying things like " I don't want to be like..." and "it won't be like so and so label". From all of that, the name Does Not Equal popped up. And it was just an immediate boom! Put alongside that a kick ass mathematical symbol as trademark and it sealed the deal!
The name really closely relates to the jewellery we design. Since day one it's been our objective to create exclusive, well designed pieces that challenge the other higher priced labels in the market.
So, what we're doing and our ethos as a label ≠ what the other labels are solely focussed on doing. That way of thinking is closely inspired by Scandinavian designers and labels, and their ability of understanding and merging form, function, price and quality.
CBK: Oooh! That does equal a good answer! Next: if you could own any piece of jewellery what would you choose for yourself? Comeback Kid wants this bracelet, ring, knuckle duster extravaganza from Delfina Delettrez and it's only $23,881. Cough:
DNE: Oh good question! The platinum Nelson Mandela 46664 bracelet (below). It's such an incredible initiative and story, he was prisoner number 466 incarcerated in 1964 which is how the namesake came about. All the money from the bracelets goes to form a sustainable revenue stream to prevent the spread of HIV AIDS in South Africa. I have been wanting to get one for a long time, might have to finally do it for Christmas.
CBK: Now you've made us feel bad. Our jewellery piece only goes towards the cause of making us look good. Ah well! OK, if you could have dinner with 5 peeps from any time, place in history who would you choose? Oh, we'll cook but it's BYO.
DNE: Five is very generous! Well...
- My best friend;
- Mickey Rourke - This isn't even that far fetched, it is a possibility! The man is a legend and would have thousands of stories. Even his media interviews manage to be entertaining and raw;
- Saul Bass - the man is a designing legend;
- Karl Lagerfeld (pictured below) - I just need to know whether that persona carries through! Granted he probably wouldn't eat; and
- Five has me stumped! I haven't said anyone profound, most people at this point say Jesus but I'm not going that route... Charles Bukowski, if you don't know him I suggest you go watch "Born into This".
CBK: Do you find the design process easy or difficult and what/who inspires you? Two in one! Discuss!
DNE: The design process in itself is actually the easiest and most pleasurable part. I am usually most inspired by a mood or an overall aesthetic, and from there things start to grow to form a collection. I usually design 2 or 3 pinnacle pieces which the rest of the collection evolve around, but it is always in keeping with that initial mood.
I don't really look to anyone in particular for inspiration, it is more a constant changing source of what's currently around me or what's happening. Like most designers though, I am always 2 or 3 steps ahead and constantly thinking of future collections and saving found objects and imagery.
CBK: Gold or silver?
DNE: Silver. But when done well, gold can be so impressive.
CBK: True or false?
DNE: Ha! Black Truth, White Lies?
CBK: Who would be the ultimate person to wear your jewellery and again we can time travel with this one, they needn't be alive right?!
DNE: The ultimate person to wear Does Not Equal are our customers who wear it religiously. The ones who wear and love it so much that it becomes part of their uniform. That's the ultimate!
CBK: What can people expect from Does Not Equal down the track?
DNE: A lot! We will be building the brand, becoming available overseas, and branching out into new areas.
CBK: Last question! Favourite quote?
DNE: I can't remember the exact wording, but it goes something like "If you want to fail as a designer, discuss your creative concepts to your family and expect them to understand."
Don't forget the launch party this Thursday kids! More details HERE.
Yours,
Comeback Kid
