Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do.
I am Matt Fields, owner of the Dope Couture brand and boutique.
What is life like up in Indiana, as far as music, fashion, and popular culture?
A friend of mine once said, “you create your own reality.” My geographical locale might suggest that I’m draped in Carhartt bumpin the shit out of some _________ (insert popular country music artist here, I’m clueless) on my John Deere. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate Carhartt (Europe) but that’s not the scene here.
We work, party, bullshit and generally have a good time. There is a core group of people that I refer to as the Bougie Crew. Not all of them are into the fashion but they understand the lifestyle. Most of these people will never work a 9-5 and they are some of the most fun people in this area and that’s why we stick together.
Tell us a little about Dope Couture and the people involved?
Dope was initially a dream of mine that only I could see but now it’s bigger than me. It’s not about the name, the clothes, “being cool”, well sometimes it is, but for the most part it’s about being independent. It’s about freedom – freedom of expression, freethinking, and realizing your dreams. Art, fashion, music, and parties are the interests of most the people that support the brand locally. The people that are just concerned with money that try to attach themselves to the brand never get close. The only one who is concerned with money at all is myself because I have to make sure this shit supports itself. We also want to keep growing but that’s just to expand our ideas, our product range and the size of our parties lol.
Did you start the brand or the boutique first?
The brand came first then the boutique.
What kind of brands does Dope Couture carry?
We carry independent clothing and accessory brands for the most part. We carry brands like 10.Deep, KidRobot, Play Cloths, MOB, Society, Clae, Supra, Nike, Clae, Gourmet, New Era, KR3W, Super, Mosley Tribes, G-Shock, Nooka, and more. You get the picture.
What inspired you to start your own private label?
I thought I could do it in my own way and make it work so I did it. I wanted to create. When I put on a Dope Snapback (part of today’s fit) I am proud of the details and the fact that it’s ours. It’s cool to wear your own shit. Just as ask any settler!
How long has Dope Couture been around for?
We are just over two years old now.
Where can we find your brand?
The most straightforward spot is dopecouture.com or Dope Couture Boutique located in Bloomington, IN. You can also catch it on ElMercado online, Mtvtn.com, and 80s Purple.
What are some of your inspirations when designing a new collection?
For spring its Dior & Marc Jacobs & Hermes, vintage travel, Babar, Big L and Cherokee Indians (my GGMa was half Cherokee). That’s just a taste.
What advice would you give to anyone who’s trying to start a brand or a store of their own?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmUZGdi7Ty4
What are some of your favourite brands out right now?
A sample: Huf, 10.Deep, Orisue, Play Cloths, Super, Red Wing, Levis, J.Crew, Dior, Lanvin, Moncler & Hermes.
What new upcoming events, projects, or releases are you currently working on?
Parties: Jay-Z After Party with DJ Neil Armstrong & Roc Boy in Indy, Cool Kids in Btown, Rusko/Michna/12th Planet/Blu Jemz/ in Btown, DJ Benzi in Indy, Javelin in Btown.
Clothing: We have a Holiday 2.1 release which releases shortly consisting of a new snapback, pullover, and a couple of tee shirts and of course Spring production and summer design.
What would you say are the most difficult aspects or being in your line of work?
It’s hard to stay organized when you have so much going on but I’m getting better every season.
The fashion and music worlds are often tied together…What music artists out right now are grabbing your attention?
Mike Posner is killing it with the college kids. Clipse is killing it with everyone. Drake is all over the place and his upcoming stuff with Ye will smash. There’s so much going on with music that’s a hard question to answer but we are enjoying it all. Me personally, I like to work to some Sade or Summer in Paris radio on Pandora.
224 North College Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404, United States
(1-812) 325-5719
