Interview: We Are Handsome’s Jeremy Somers
A few years ago, I remember wandering into a lingerie store in my neighborhood (Brooklyn Fox in Williamsburg, to be specific) and getting distracted by a few pieces hanging off the swimsuit rack. Namely one: an appropriately skimpy string bikini featuring a roaring wildcat, incisors on full display, dead-center on the crotch. It was hilarious yet glamorous. While spotty animal prints remain relatively ubiquitous, no matter the year or season, this print struck a new level of cheekiness. Even though it was winter and the notion of migrating off to a sultry locale was but a pipe dream, I wanted it. I took note of the equally offbeat name hanging from the tag: We Are Handsome. I bought it.
Since Australian husband-and-wife duo Jeremy and Katinka Somers founded their originally Sydney-based label in 2009, they’ve maintained an unwavering sense of humor and commitment to lively, life-affirming print. You simply can’t wear these designs without a high degree of confidence. It wouldn’t work—and that seems to be the point. Famously fierce women like Beyoncé, Ronda Rousey, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Ruby Rose, Florence Welch, Tyra Banks, Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea and Doutzen Kroes have all been spotted flaunting their equally fierce one-pieces, worn as both bodysuits and swimsuits. Now they’ve taken their vision beyond the street and beach with a full range of activewear that possesses the same feast-for-the-eyes kind of verve. Their current wave- and botanical-inspired patterns are also so fetching, you’ll want to wear them far outside the gym. PRØHBTD talked to co-founder Jeremy about their recent move to Los Angeles and what’s next for the fearless fashion label.
Tell us a little about how We Are Handsome came to be. Also, what inspired the name?
It all started as a creative experiment and side project. We had an idea, made a few swimsuits and, as it turns out, people loved them! My grandma came up with the name actually, referring to women as handsome—a long forgotten term from England.
As a couple who creates together, how do you think your unique dynamic informs and affects your process?
We know each other inside and out, and deeply know our strengths and weaknesses. It can be great and frustrating at times, of course, but we always come out with something amazing!
What has the transition from strictly swim to both swimwear and activewear been like?
Fantastic. It's allowed us a huge amount of creativity in a new arena, and allowed us to create new aesthetics and shapes, working with unseen fabrics and techniques.
You were one of the first brands in recent years to put Australian style in the spotlight. How has the move from Sydney to Los Angeles influenced the brand and your designs, if it has?
It's very much a similar culture and vibe in L.A., but we're invigorated to design in a new market and explore, travel and play in a whole new world. It's that that inspires us, and that newfound inspiration fosters creativity through to what we design.
How do you feel about the athleisure movement that’s become prominent in the way women dress on a daily basis?
We're excited by it, of course. Women should feel comfortable, no matter what they wear.
Do you have a favorite piece from your newest collection?
Our Performance High-Waist leggings are a team favorite. They’re printed on the inner band to be turned down to a regular waist style post-workout and are super-versatile.
Describe the We Are Handsome girl, who’s clearly bold and not afraid of getting noticed. What’s she like? What’s her idea of fun?
She's confident in her own skin, not afraid to take risks or new challenges and always looking for adventure. She explores her world, at work, in fun, in exercise.
Who are some other contemporary designers you appreciate or admire?
We love the aesthetic and shapes of Dion Lee and Alexander Wang and the fantastic prints of Kenzo.
Major style influencers like Diane Kruger, Beyoncé and Rihanna have worn your designs. Who else would you love to see wearing one of your pieces?
We love seeing athletes in our gear. We have a small program for upcoming Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls in Australia and would love to carry that through to our new home.
What’s next on the horizon for We Are Handsome?
We're expanding and creating new ranges and product lines, and looking at all the opportunities that Los Angeles has to offer.
What’s something you’ve done that’s generally considered prohibited?
We started a fashion label with no experience, no money and no idea. Turned out to be the best thing we ever did!
Originally published on PRØHBTD.