Interview with Fang Ye, co-founder of Wasted // LISAA Alumni
Fang Ye graduated in 2007 in Fashion Design-Pattern Making from LISAA School of Fashion Paris. He created the Parisian brand Wasted with Johann Liebel in 2012, and has met success with this streetwear label that mixes references to skateboarding and the 90s underground scene.
LISAA: CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CAREER SINCE YOU GRADUATED FROM LISAA?
Fang: After I graduated in Fashion Design-Pattern Making from LISAA, my aim was to go straight into an internship but I didn’t really want to go to big fashion house. My first experience was at Corinne Cobson. Then I won a prize awarded by the fashion trade show Who’s Next, which allowed me to show my work on two occasions.
I then worked at Noir Kennedy for four years. I was involved in pretty much everything during this time – style, production, management and communication.
Finally in 2012, I decided to create a brand with my friend Johann Lievel, who also worked at Noir Kennedy.
HOW DID THE BRAND WASTED COME ABOUT?
I had enough experience, good contacts, creativity and lots of energy – so we went for it!
Fang Ye, 2015 graduate in Fashion Design-Pattern Making from LISAA Paris and co-founder of streetwear brand Wasted
I had always wanted to set up my own business and be independent. I thought it was the right time for me. I had enough experience, good contacts, creativity and lots of energy! Johann was also really motivated, so we went for it!
WHY WASTED?
We didn’t really know what to call our brand and we had nothing to lose at that time… Wasted fitted with our mood and didn’t sound too bad!
WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND THE BRAND?
Wasted is a collection of street and skate wear that is inspired by our influences: music from the 90s –including indie rock, britpop and shoegazing – indie films, skateboarding, vintage clothes…
WHERE IS THE BRAND TODAY? WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?
Today we are a small SME with five full-time employees, and several freelancers and interns… We also collaborate with artists on new visuals.
We have around 50 points of sale (in Europe, Asia, North America) including Citadium, Galeries Lafayette, IT Stores and Selfridges.
WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED FROM THIS EXPERIENCE?
What you gain — experience, encounters and emotions — is unique!
Fang Ye, 2015 graduate and co-founder of Wasted
An adventure like this one is always made up of highs and lows, of course… I always say to people I meet who want or hope to set up their own brand to try it. There isn’t really anything to lose, apart from money and a bit of time! However, what you gain — experience, encounters and emotions — is unique!
