It’s not hard to see how colorful contemporary culture and stylish folks of the cities in Europe were inspired by the then-prominent music icons. Each aspect constantly had its major forte, and the proclivity for innovation has fronted a long-winded alteration of mass consumption, leading to ground-breaking ways of product construction. That baffling wheel of fashion has surely been brought to our minds with no big fuss every other day: Just stare at your favorite teenage tee, your forever-loved tarnished pair of hightop sneakers, or perhaps the grubby designer shades on your bedroom shelf (ah, the teenage dream).

So here comes the question: what if Elvis Presley was still a thing -not to sound nutty by asserting he isn’t- and you could wear it all dandy yet again, bringing a wave of novelty to punk and grunge culture? As we’re aware that back in the ‘60s, dress codes hooked on a glitz-meets-ritz style of charm, this brand might have you offset your trend mindset, helping you to adopt the great ‘pop-artiness’ that always swung in you. Here, from boujee DJ sets to tone-in-sleek extravaganza, meet the designer shattering the canons of punk through a refreshing DNA. The choice is yours: dive in or stay out. You’re welcome.

What is ‘Baby Grunge’?

Baby Grunge is the child of grunge. It’s the color and the joy identified in the world of grunge. It’s the idealistic shrouded side that we might not know. In my entire grunge-inspired collection, one can perceive a very childlike aura. Yeah, it’s just what I felt was right. The prints also speak for themselves, the colors do too, and the cuts make the whole vibe ever grunge.

 

How did you make the jump from DJ to a designer? Plunge us into your career trajectory.

Music has always been part of me and of my brand philosophy. When it comes down to creating my collection, producing a garment, tweaking bits, music is my first inspirational vortex that enthralls me, greatly. I’m a huge fan of music movements, festivals, rock personalities, and the ‘60s -from Elvis Presley to Mick Jagger and Serge Gainsbourg. I’m in the process of creating my own music label. Stay tuned.

The whole concept behind the brand is that you can borrow your partner’s clothes. Has the penchant for unisex branding always echoed in you? 

I’ve always found that there was something sexy in seeing a girl wear her boyfriend’s clothing, helping herself to his wardrobe. It’s very binding, very brave, very avant-garde. In my wardrobe, everything is unisex. My shirts might even look better on girls. In women, I like their tomboy charm when they pair a loose shirt (from the boyfriend) with a flared-cut trench coat and boots.

 

You have spoken a lot about inspiration from the ‘60s to ‘90s rock from psychedelic to grunge, but let’s look at France. Who is your favorite French style icon and why? 

My French icon is, undoubtedly, Serge Gainsbourg. He is the perfect incarnation of romanticism, owning such a profound dandy style – which most times remains somewhat intricate and puzzly. I believe such style blended with romanticism goes well together.

You focus a lot on the basics that every French man has in his closet. Who is this French man and any hot spots you garner inspiration when in Paris? 

I would say that there really isn’t Garçons Infideles archetype here in France. Everyone can be that man: Confident, music-centered, romantic, and conscious.

 

You already have a strong fan base in Japan. How did that happen and how was your reaction? 

It’s always been love-at-first-sight, with France being a modern country. When I was a child, I was a major fan of manga, and today, they are so ahead of their time in fashion and style. My first client was ISETAN, one of the most beautiful department stores in Tokyo. I was so happy to get to know this iconic shop. It meant everything to me: just like a dream.

You literally grew up in fashion. Gonna name drop here: Your mother is the founder of iconic French brand Paul and Joe. You have probably seen hard work firsthand. How would you describe your childhood? Also, could you talk me through a day in your work-frantic life? 

I remember that as a small child, my parents made me travel pretty much everywhere. I would go to ready-to-wear salons with them for entire days. It was rather intense but very enlightening. I must have been three or four, but I remember that it was a unique experience and I’ll never forget it.

The workday is, above all, very enjoyable. I’m often in fittings schedules, working on my collection (I’m currently projecting my A/W 2020 right now), checking how my clothes fit, sourcing fabric. I spend all day at my Paris-based façonniers to control and inspect that the production samples are well executed, so they can be delivered impeccably. And when the right tune drops, I suddenly get inspired to begin to create.

 

What has changed in your design process since you began?

Let’s say that since I started, I’m much more open-minded. When I started Garçons Infideles, my fondness gravitated more towards dark punk. Today, I think that fashion has evolved its pattern by exploring and digging deeper.

What have you discovered whilst trying to establish your own label?  Are you now trying to be eco-friendly?

Unfortunately, I wasn’t so keen on creating environmentally-friendly pieces at the beginning, but it’s a subject that is grabbing my attention as days drift by. The fabric used on certain shirts as well as trousers derives exclusively from vegan fabrics. Very soon, I’m planning on stopping the use of real leather to use faux leather completely, while maintaining a seamless quality.

 

What’s the oddest thing a client ever requested in a customized piece? 

I had a sequin jacket confined to me with LEZARD printed on it, so then stylist Lil Pump contacted me wanting the letter P hand-embroidered. It was very challenging, felt almost impossible, but the end result was very wacky, and he loved it.

 

Number one advice you would give to emerging designers wanting to launch their own brand. 

The most important is to develop your own DNA. Make sure that your style is identifiable on a rack next to other designers’ collections. Inspiration is definitely key, but tweak it to your liking.

 

And finally, what’s next?

I am increasingly developing my denim line, Garçons Infideles Denim. I ’m working on my A/W2020 collection (which I’m so looking forward to sharing with you all.) A show’s in the works too and of course, my music label will spring up soon.

Designer Adrien Albou Portrait by @pastremi
Images from SS20