I’m introducing a new series that I am SO excited for. There are a lot of festival fashion brands in the space. Some big and some small. I wanted to feature some brands that I think are truly talented and challenging the status quo in festival fashion. So for the next couple of weeks I will be highlighting FIVE festival fashion brands to watch in 2019. I was so honored to interview these brands. It was a real treat getting to know them more as well and I am so excited to share their answers so you can get to know them better.
Meet Brigitte, a 24 year old Austinite, who launched
Blazed + Confused. Brigitte and I’s paths actually crossed at Austin City Limits 2017 at Rufus du Sol’s set. Her vibrant energy is infectious. I ordered some checkered leggings from Blazed and Confused and they are the comfiest leggings ever. Keep reading more to learn why Blazed and Confused is a brand to watch in 2019.
What inspired you to start Blazed + Confused?
Being a hyper creative person I wanted an outlet that also allowed me to give back to the community (EDM/rave/shuffle). I saw talented people around me creating elaborate hand-made pieces that were being worn once or twice max. So, I wanted to produce something for both sexes that could be worn on an everyday basis or at an event, a hybrid between street/lifestyle and festival wear per-se.
Any meaning behind the name?
Haha! It’s a funny story, initially I was really struggling with finding a name because being somewhat of a perfectionist I wanted the whole package – clever, catchy, memorable, descriptive… I remember toying with one name, Golden Threads, and almost set on going with that I had a bout of inspiration take over my mind: The name Dazed and Confused entered my mind spontaneously and before another idea could enter my mind it had quickly spun off to become Blazed + Confused. Little did I know (being very movie-illiterate), the original film was based in Austin, Texas – the very city I was living in. Upon learning this I felt there would be no stronger sign of affirmation, so I went with it. I must also add, that at this point in my life I was highly confused about what I wanted to do, where I was going in life post-graduation and all the other stresses young adulthood brings on, so I like to joke that it was a descriptive tag line for my life at this point.
What differentiates you between other brands?
A lot of other brands focus on creating pieces that are extremely flashy (and beautiful), but aren’t necessarily worn outside of a festival or photo-shoot setting. Blazed + Confused offers unique, comfortable and versatile clothing that isn’t limited to one look, one activity, or one event. My more recent releases have been made with a soft blend of spandex and polyester that can be worn on the street, at the studio AND at the festival – as such being more sustainable purchases, both on the wallet and the environment.
Do you do this full-time?
This is a part time, passion driven job! I also work at a startup that teaches and mentors people on entrepreneurship, investing, and all things related to the startup atmosphere of business. And more recently my friend and I started The Shuffle Circle, where we offer virtual one-on-one Shuffle lessons and step-by-step tutorials.
Favorite part of your job
I get to materialize my ideas; I get to see inspiration transform into tangible product that is then shipped around the world to be worn by beautiful individuals who, when share photos with me, make every moment of stress, anxiety and energy more than worth it. It seems surreal to know that something I designed, something I created, is on the bodies of total strangers whom I now have unspoken connections to.
Favorite festival you have been to
What a loaded question! I don’t know if I have an all-time favorite festival. For myself festivals are extremely situational – it’s truly the people who make it. I’ve gone to spectacular events semi-solo and although the production and the music was killer, I didn’t find myself enjoying it as much as I wanted to and that’s because I was lacking the familiarity that I wanted to celebrate and get lost in life with.
Favorite artist
ANOTHER LOADED QUESTION! Why pick one?! I gravitate to music I resonate with because I’m extremely emotional – some days that’s melancholy, melodic dubstep, other days its dark, beat-banging techno or uplifting trance. My taste varies greatly and I think I appreciate different artists for different reasons.
What can we expect from your brand in 2019?
More artist-specific graphic shirts and hoodies – think band shirts but for DJs. Hand-sewn eclectic kimonos, and fun accessories. AND by popular demand, more mens wear!
Anything else you’d want my readers to know?
I aim to create clothing thats unique, yet wearable and affordable on a broad set of occasions, and to do this I keep my prices low, not aiming to become the next festival-fashion mogul, but rather to indulge in some art and design while offering something different to the community that I love so much.
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