Artist Spotlight: Austin Kopp
Artist Spotlight: Austin Kopp
Our teenage years are a tumultuous time as we figure out who we are. For many teens, how they dress is part of establishing and expressing their own identity. In that regard, Austin Kopp was no different. However, what set him apart from his peers was his desire to do so through his own creations.
Fascinated by the unique, organic patterns found on some of his mom’s bleach-stained vintage t-shirts, Austin decided to make his own. Buying packs of t-shirts and a gallon of bleach, he set to work. Initially, Austin did this for himself. But as some of his classmates took notice, he started taking requests.
After graduating from high school, Austin went on to UofL for graphic design. Two years into the program, it wasn’t where his heart was and he left. Austin was able to take some of what he learned there and apply it to his real passion, designing clothes. Moving away from bleach staining, he uses what he learned to design graphics for his own line of t-shirts and hoodies.
Austin’s creative journey took a new turn after receiving an old sewing machine from his grandmother. He began buying old clothes from thrift stores to experiment with, taking them apart piece by piece, making some tweaks, and reassembles them. The results yield patterns he can then use to make duplicates using materials of his choosing. As he designs more wholly original concepts, many of the qualities found in his deconstructed/reconstructed thrift store garments are incorporated. Patch-work pieces, rough cuts, frayed edges, and worn materials find their way into this work.
Currently in art school, Austin’s main goal is to define and refine his style as a designer. Focusing on a “casual luxury” styling bridging the gap between streetwear and high-end fashion, Austion looks to designers such as Reese Cooper, Rhuigi Villaseñor, Vivian Westwood, Beth Simmons, and Virgil Abloh.
If you want to see more of Austin’s work, make a purchase, or inquire about a commission, check out his site at austinkopp.com. You can also find him on Instagram at @austin.kopp_ or Twitter at Austin_Kopp.
Our teenage years are a tumultuous time as we figure out who we are. For many teens, how they dress is part of establishing and expressing their own identity. In that regard, Austin Kopp was no different. However, what set him apart from his peers was his desire to do so through his own creations.
Fascinated by the unique, organic patterns found on some of his mom’s bleach-stained vintage t-shirts, Austin decided to make his own. Buying packs of t-shirts and a gallon of bleach, he set to work. Initially, Austin did this for himself. But as some of his classmates took notice, he started taking requests.
After graduating from high school, Austin went on to UofL for graphic design. Two years into the program, it wasn’t where his heart was and he left. Austin was able to take some of what he learned there and apply it to his real passion, designing clothes. Moving away from bleach staining, he uses what he learned to design graphics for his own line of t-shirts and hoodies.
After graduating from high school, Austin went on to UofL for graphic design. Two years into the program, it wasn’t where his heart was and he left. Austin was able to take some of what he learned there and apply it to his real passion, designing clothes. Moving away from bleach staining, he uses what he learned to design graphics for his own line of t-shirts and hoodies.
Austin’s creative journey took a new turn after receiving an old sewing machine from his grandmother. He began buying old clothes from thrift stores to experiment with, taking them apart piece by piece, making some tweaks, and reassembles them. The results yield patterns he can then use to make duplicates using materials of his choosing. As he designs more wholly original concepts, many of the qualities found in his deconstructed/reconstructed thrift store garments are incorporated. Patch-work pieces, rough cuts, frayed edges, and worn materials find their way into this work.
Currently in art school, Austin’s main goal is to define and refine his style as a designer. Focusing on a “casual luxury” styling bridging the gap between streetwear and high-end fashion, Austion looks to designers such as Reese Cooper, Rhuigi Villaseñor, Vivian Westwood, Beth Simmons, and Virgil Abloh.
If you want to see more of Austin’s work, make a purchase, or inquire about a commission, check out his site at austinkopp.com. You can also find him on Instagram at @austin.kopp_ or Twitter at Austin_Kopp.