I had the pleasure of interviewing Walter Harris the founder of Trends & Tags – an exciting Tech Start-up that brings together fashion brands, influencers and customers on one platform. Walter was the brains behind Marbek Clothing and now Bad Orange – an agency that is at the forefront of showcasing the subcultures that drive the fashion and lifestyle industry and specialise in Influencer marketing, brand development and content curation.
1. Tell us a bit about your journey in fashion till now?
My journey into fashion was completely unplanned and unexpected. I was in the music industry working as an independent music executive and recording studio director. My investor always wanted to start a fashion brand and as a condition of investing in the music projects I was tasked to also build a fashion brand and use the music artists and celebrities we had access to promote the brand. That was how Marbek Clothing was born.
2. Where did your inspiration to set up T&T come from?
Running an independent Street Wear brand like Marbek bought to light how limited the retail options are for Street Wear brands. I came across the Marketplace fashion model when shopping for luxury fashion items on a platform called FarFetch and it occurred to me that the Street Wear market had nothing like it, so T&T was formed.
3. Why should brands come to T&T to list their products?
At T&T brands will get so much more than a sales channel, we are forming a great community of brands, creatives, influencers and industry specialists. Brands can use our platform in many ways to grow their business.
4. You deal with different brands daily. What do you feel are the key ingredients for a successful clothing line?
The key ingredient is good product. Great product will open up all of the doors you need to build a brand.
5. Who are your top 3 fashion brands right now and why?
Daily Paper / Unknown London / Trapstar – All of them are European streetwear brands with great product that built their brands in an authentic way.
6. What is the hardest thing [industry wise] you had to go through during your time at Marbek clothing?
Trying to crack the retail market with companies like Asos / Harvey Nics / Size all slept on us.
7. What are your thoughts on Instagram and its effect on fashion?
Instagram is the best thing that ever happened to independent fashion in regards to direct to consumer opportunities. The only issue now is Quality Control.
8 . What’s next for T&T? and your business adventures?
We’re working on an exciting Pop-Up project with our brands. Dates all over the UK and internationally will be announced soon.
Walter thanks for the interview and a brief insight into your journey so far. I will give you 5 quick fire questions where you need to answer them with the first thing that comes to your mind:
Who is your celebrity crush? Maegan Good
If there was 1 vice what would it be? Jack Daniels
Cereal or Toast? Cereal
Your favourite series right now? SUITS
Jeremy Corbin? Definitely
Interview by AV