We wrote about this brand when they first started , years ago. This time, we talk to Javier about his Android Homme’s success, Air Yeezy’s, and more. As a matter of fact, it was one of our first Saturday Styles ever back in 2008… ANDROID HOMME YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS FAVORITE BRAND! Bossip : What’s your name and whats your relation to the Android Homme brand? JL: Javier Laval . Founder . Creative Director . Brand Architect of Android Homme. @javierlaval Bossip : How has your business been since we last talked? JL: Truthfully our business has seen some explosive growth since we last connected. When we spoke last you were one of the first to cover Android Homme during our debut season. We have since expanded our distribution to include global retail accounts all over the world, we have been featured in numerous publications, blogs and of course on the feet of many of our favorite artists. We have also tiered our brand to include a “Made In Italy” collection that is shipping to the finest retailers in the world, as well as created our very successful diffusion line AH by ANDROID HOMME which can be found in more mass market retailers around the country. AH by Android Homme is different than Android Homme because of the technology we used on the outsole as well as the premium synthetic materials we used make the shoe super light without compromising the look. We are also opening up our own retail shop Downtown Los Angeles by the end of August, we already have the space and have just been building it out. Thats major progress and we love those that have supported us since DAY ONE like Bossip.com ! Bossip : How do you like it being a young minority controlling and thwarting the men’s shoe game in your direction? JL: Its a challenge because im pretty much the only young black/latino designer having success in the footwear business that i know of. I had a vision and i stuck to it no matter the “trends” or the resistance from retailers and consumers. We are a forward thinking brand so some of the trends that people jump on is not where we are coming from. I do believe that we are still young as a brand and have so much more room to grow so i don’t believe im controlling the game but im definitely playing it really well. Bossip : Do you receive credit for being one of if not thee first shoe designer to embrace and build on the high-high top styled kicks? JL: Im not sure actually, i know i didn’t invent the hi-top so i wouldn’t expect much credit for building upon that. I do think that to a certain degree im credited with bringing a consistent quality luxury sneaker to a street/fashion consumer using some of the same suppliers, and vendors as the larger brands but at a reasonable price point.
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Android Homme Shoes (Javier Laval) Was On Everyone’s (Jay-Z To Jay Cole) Feet At The VMA’s: Sit Down With Young Black Hetro Owner! [Video]
