Vents Magazine

INTERVIEW: FOXBLOOD Fashion Line Founder Lindsay Hearts

by Ryan Vandergriff

[AS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON VENTSMAGAZINE.COM]

Getting the ball rolling Lindsay, how have you and yours been during some pretty tumultuous times?

When the lockdown happened, we stopped garment production, switched to mass production of masks for healthcare workers, but now we’re back and adjusting to the new normal. Times are weird, but we’re doing well all things considered! We were able to stay open with limited staff during the quarantine in order to fill online orders while maintaining distance. 

You are noted as being one of the leading entrepreneur’s in the world of alternative fashion. How does that bit of recognition feel for you and how do you remain humble in the face of such (deserved) platitudes?

I don’t think I will ever get used to that recognition. However, the recognition does feel good. I love that I am able to contribute to offering quality and ethically made black garments to the alternative/indie community. But I can’t take all the credit; I have a talented team that keeps me grounded and humble.

You are the founder of the FOXBLOOD fashion line. Can you unpack for curious Vents readers what exactly this is and how it came into being?

When I first moved to LA, I was designing stage-wear for bands, as well as styling artists and musicians. My aesthetic has always been on the dark side, so I began designing garments that I wanted to wear and see in the world, and as a result FOXBLOOD was born. FOXBLOOD is manufactured in downtown Los Angeles, specializing in apparel for babes that wear all black.

FOXBLOOD regularly partners up with a variety of charities to give back to the community. Entering into your FOXBLOOD venture, was this an important facet, to be able to give back?

Our community is filled with so many unique and beautiful people, who all deserve love, support, and a voice. I’ve always been outspoken to protect people whose voices aren’t being heard. If I can add to that support or help facilitate positive change in any way, I’m going to do it.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a wide range of effects on the world at large, including the fashion industry. Can you walk us through the specifics of what some of the immediate effects have been on your industry?

At its worst, COVID has led to store closings and bankruptcy for some designers.  FOXBLOOD has been able to remain open despite broken supply chains, extreme manufacturing delays due to factories being closed, slightly longer shipping times because of less staff, etc. For example, elastic is in high demand because of the mass production of masks, so making garments with elastic isn’t an option right now. Thankfully, our customers are incredibly understanding of these issues and have been wonderful (for the most part).

Going forward, will this pandemic forever alter the world of fashion and style?

For the public, I think people are getting more used to the idea of wearing a mask when they go out and how that can fit into their wardrobe. And I also think fewer red carpet events could lead to a shift in fashion and culture, but I’m interested in seeing how this plays out in the long run. However, I don’t think these changes will last more than two years before the industry catches back up and establishes their new normal.

Setting the Way Back dial  on the Secret Origins machine, what put you on the path of being one of the leading lights in the niche fashion world? What was the spark that created who you are now?

Growing up as a goth kid, Marilyn Mason and the Cure ignited the spark for my interest in personal style and the realization of self expression and fashion.

You’re a former stylist and stage-wear designer. Can you walk readers through what that was like for you?

Being a stylist and wardrobe designer is hectic. Meeting clients in person was always my favorite part because that’s when the creative collaboration starts. After that, it’s sketching, fabric shopping, sewing, and fittings. Final deliveries usually happen backstage before the show. It’s always a rad privilege to see my work live on stage. 

Any memories of the first runway show at the renowned New York Fashion Week that featured your designs? Did you feel as if you had officially arrived after doing this show?

I felt the exact opposite after that show; it made me feel like I had so much work to do and I had no idea where to start. Immediately after that show, I moved to LA and that’s when the work began. I appreciate the opportunity that I had to take part in NYFW, but I’m in no rush to do it again.

What does style mean to you? Is it an absolute subjective and does the person wearing the clothing have as much to do with pulling off a look as the clothing itself?

To me, style is when your outside matches your insides. I believe fashion should be chic and comfortable, but also make you feel confident. Treat every single day like it could be your last. And if you could be dressing for the last time, make sure you’re looking and feeling your best.

 Who in the world of fashion inspires you? For example, does an icon such as Coco Chanel leave a pretty big shadow for other’s who follow in her wake?

Alexander McQueen was the greatest designer of our time (in my personal opinion) — I watch his runway shows at night to wind down. Some smaller designers that inspire me daily are: Creepy Yeha, Venus Prototype, and Ashton Michael.

 Are there any actors — alive or dead — that you instantly associate with iconic fashion? 

Billy Porter is always pushing the limits and gender-bending (which I love) while still supporting smaller designers like Hogan McLaughlin. And of course, we can’t talk about red carpet looks without acknowledging the dedicated and talented stylists like Sammy Ratelle. They’re the real MVPs.

What advice would you  give for someone trying to break into the world of fashion?

Don’t partner with someone that isn’t in fashion, or at least doesn’t have an interest at all. It can be a difficult industry, but it’s easier if you make your own path; break from the mold and build your own dream career. There’s no right or wrong way if you’re creative in the fashion industry.

Final (Silly) Question: Biggest style icon in film: Audrey Hepburn or Diane Keaton?

They’re both great, but can we talk about how Jane Fonda is 80 years old and still protesting and getting arrested in her iconic red jacket? From the Vietnam War to LGBTQ+ rights to climate change to anti-racism, she’s the style icon we currently need.

“I’m grateful for the people who radicalized me — and radical just means it’s not convenient right now. To be radical is to be inconvenient and radical in my dreams of inspiration.”