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Have you ever come across a brand so good, so refreshing that your first reaction is a calm, but very surprised, "damn..."? If you're a denim-lover like myself, that type of reaction doesn't happen too often. Jeans can be suuuper boring. And if you don't know where to look, you'll be scrolling through pages and pages of identical skinny jeans forever.
Enter Trinity Fodor, the designer and creative director behind the brand From Trinity, who is here to change all of that.
Fodor makes all of her pieces by hand in Harlem. We're not talking about your regular, run-of-the-mill cut-offs, either. Think deconstructed wide-leg jeans with back pockets for knee-patches, tops fashioned out of pant legs, and patchwork mini-skirts with exposed zippers. Not to mention her insane line-up of cool ass regular babes she has modeling throughout her lookbooks and Instagram.
We spoke with Fodor about where she finds inspiration, her ideal customer, and her love of denim, below. You can thank us later.
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From Trinity jeans. Photo: Kevin Buitrago
Do you have a background in fashion? What's the backstory on how you started designing?
Trinity Fodor: When I was younger I wanted to be a fashion designer, but it took a while for me to dedicate my time and energy to that dream. I have no formal education in fashion design, I taught myself how to sew.
Is denim your medium of choice? If so, why?
TF: Denim, at the moment, is my preferred fabric to work with. I've always had a strong love for denim so it was a natural decision to use it. Vintage denim is so special to me, the fact that it has lived a life before I've even touched it, does something for me. Maybe that's a little too deep, but you get the point [laughs].
Where do you draw inspiration from?
TF: I draw inspiration from my friends, the 90's, people on the subway. New York is full of inspiration.
What do you think sets you apart from other denim-based brands out there?
TF: My pieces are very versatile. You can run around the city or go to a gallery opening wearing them. There's a lot of effort and intention that goes into everything that I make. I hand-select all of the recycled material that I use, and I put a lot of love into my work.
Are all of the pieces made by hand? Do you work with any factories to create some of your pieces?
TF: The process, from start to finish, is done by me.
Can you describe your customer?
TF: My girl is young spirited, she knows quality, she likes standing out but not obnoxiously. She's running around the city, going to business meetings, getting drinks with her girlfriends...taking care of business.
Which person (celebrity or otherwise) would you love to see wearing some of your designs?
TF: I would probably have a small heart attack if Solange or Rihanna ever wore one of my pieces. They both have such a distinct style.
Where are your pieces currently stocked?
TF: Currently you can purchase my pieces on my website FromTrinity.com and Sincerely, Tommy in Brooklyn, New York.