This Spring, women’s fashion trends are going “modern vintage”, merging classic fabrics and cuts of yesteryear with modern, organic patterns and accents. One of the design labels pushing this trend (and doing it very well) is Canadian-based Chulo Pony. In addition to our fabulous $250 Chulo Pony giveaway here on FabCrush, we sat down with the minds behind Chulo Pony for an engaging, fun interview about their work and inspiration. For those of you who want to know where fashion is going this season, continue reading– you won’t want to miss this label!

How would you describe your line, Chulo Pony.

Chulo Pony is often referred to as modern vintage. We start with a clean esthetic and add mixed fabrics, unusual proportions and unique design details such a bold screen prints overlaid with delicate hand beading and nostalgic cotton dobbys combined with antique laces and vintage zig-zag stitches. We also strive to make the inside of the garment just as beautiful as the outside, trimming lining hems with printed chiffon and adding scalloped lace yokes to the insides of our vests and jackets. Attention to these details lend each garment a hand crafted feel that is not churned out.

What type of woman is the Chulo Pony line for?

Our women likes to make a statement without too much fuss about it. She is a strong individual who has a good sense of self, can multi task in the extreme and likes to drink beer with the boys. Jeans and a tee shirt are easy but instantly chic with a chulo jacket on top. Only she knows that the real detail is inside the jacket and she loves this hidden pleasure.

How long has the Chulo Pony label been on the market and what inspired you to set out on your own?

The line began about 6 years ago when we were doing a lot of graphic design for the Nettwerk bands - Think branding, tour shirts, c.d covers etc. At some point we just decided it would be a lot more fun to design our own line of clothing and a great way to showcase our talented designers. Little did we know what we were getting ourselves into.

What is your best selling piece and what do you think makes it so successful?

Our best selling pieces are our coats and jackets. You know you’ve nailed it when you feel a little down and under the fashion weather, then put on a Chulo coat and instantly feel like you’ve made an effort and look fantastic. Our coats are quite dramatic but also really wearable. People invest in a good coat and they love the little added details we build in to make them special - vintage lace trim on the inside lining, hoods that double as collars and ruched scarves, and linings printed with maps, scrolls and quirky fortunes.

Tell us a little bit about some of your favorite pieces from the current collection. Why do you love about them and why do you think your customers will love them?

Our favorite pieces from Spring 08:

Mabel

A red silk tunic with poppy print that is stunning with denim. It’s really elegant, quite sexy and has that great WOW factor. Women love it when you can just throw something on and look instantly great without a lot of effort.

Edie

A cropped double collar vest made out of a silk, linen and metal. The metal content gives it a rumpled, casual feel which is perfect for traveling. It is the most important layering piece of our collection and looks great over a dress, jeans and a wife beater, men’s dress shirt or with a skirt and flip flops. You can pretty much wear this piece with anything.

Esmeralda

The bird coat is all drama. The bold bird cum branch graphic really makes this basic trench coat in a category all on its own. The hand beading on top of the bird prints bridges the gap between dressy and casual to make this piece really versatile.

Clementine

 

This piece is very sweet and feminine. The grey cotton dobby tunic is offset with cream antique lace straps that continue to run down the length of this long silhouette. This combined with the tiny buttons, hip sash and ruffle yoke create the modern vintage feel we are best known for.

What is the design process like for you? What inspires you and how much are you influenced by current trends?

Its a collaboration of two totally different minds. I am inspired by textiles firstly, then clean design details. Crystal is inspired by everything else including the kitchen sink. Where she is ornate, romantic and overdressed, I am modern, clean and simple. It takes a lot for us to come together, find the perfect balance and create something that pleases us both.

The creative differences are inherently “chulo pony” - the yin and yang thing, if something gets too pretty then it is “roughed up” during this process. creativity is always challenging but it makes it even more interesting when you work with a contrasting force. chulo pony is full of contrasts: contrasting fabrics, contrasting embellishments, colours and this aesthetic comes from the merging of contrasting styles we both have.

How would you recommend a woman work the current pieces into her already existing wardrobe?

I think a women’s wardrobe needs to be made up of a variety of pieces, you need your staples like a good basic t shirt, tank top, blouse, a good pair of well fitting jeans right for your body type and then some investment pieces. This where Chulo comes in. We do not create outfits. We offer stand alone, investment pieces like our Mabel poppy print top, our Lariisa wrap tie vest which works like a corset and Esmeralda, our a fabulous trench coat with bird print. A versatile handbag, heels and flip flops and she is good to go almost anywhere.

Getting solid distribution seems to be a major hurdle for aspiring designers. Any tips you could give our readers that are developing designs of their own?

Distribution and sales are absolutely the most important pieces of the puzzle. You can have a grade C product with a grade A plan and really succeed. On the other hand, a grade A product with a grade C plan will tank you. Do not underestimate the importance of selling and getting your product to market on time.

What can we expect from Chulo Pony in the future, specifically fall?

Fall is very coat heavy again, we are doing a cropped jacket with an oversized hooded coat in metallic tweed and puffy red plaid. We have also converted this silhouette to a red plaid puffy vest that completely rocks. Back again is pleated cashmere swing coat with elegant bell sleeve. This season it is available in bright red, royal blue, black or cream. We also have some super cozy draped sweaters that everyone is clamoring for. To off set the weight of the coats and sweaters we also have some tiered sleeve tunics in a beautiful navy and charcoal sateen print.

Do you have a favorite quote about fashion?

Chris - I think i remember Tom Ford discussing the speed of fashion and how everything changes so fast that it is no wonder we are all more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt.

Crystal - No matter where you go there you are! (Buckeroo Banzai in the fifth dimension)

Thanks so much to Chris and Crystal for taking some time to chat with us about their Spring 2008 line from Chulo Pony. Be sure to visit ChuloPony.com today to see their full line of fresh, friendly style. To find Chulo Pony clothing near you, visit the “stores” section of their website. Also, enter for a chance to win a free $250 gift certificate to ChuloPony here on FabCrush, contest ends Sunday at 11:59p.m.!

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