Living the Dream: Interview with Emerging Designer Taylor Goson
Taylor Goson had been staring at a computer screen all day in corporate America when he decided he needed a change. One morning, two years ago, he woke up and decided to quit his job and pursue fashion. So he sold his car and moved to New York City. Then he partnered up with Thaddeus Gurley. GÓSN was born.
GÓSN is driven by “Japanese-inspired utilitarianism for the modern man.” This February, you’ll be able to see their collections on the NYFW runway.
GÓSN
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Q: How did you get your start in the fashion industry?
Taylor: I’ve always been around my friends, who own successful clothing companies. They would invite me to trade shows and I would get to see all the behind-the-scenes. I really wanted to get more involved.
Thaddeus: To be quite honest it’s been a part of my life for as long as I could dress myself — from moments watching my parents dress for a night out, to the friends I had growing up. I always knew I wanted to be in fashion; I just wasn’t sure where I would fit in.
I always knew I wanted to be in fashion
Q: When did you first realize you had a desire to design?
Taylor: A few years back I used to collect old military garments and would deconstruct them to make them more of my own. I started selling some of them to my friends, but I ended up just keeping most of them for myself.
I used to deconstruct old military garments
Thaddeus: LOL, I remember in high school we had an elective called “home economics.” This is where I feel I fell in love with being able to sew. The simple fact that I could design and make something out of nothing fascinated me.
Q: Where do you get most of your inspiration?
Taylor: Most of my inspiration comes from Japanese culture. Taking utilitarian style garments and adding intricate detail to make them my own, and unique.
Most of my inspiration comes from Japanese culture
Thaddeus: I can draw inspiration from anywhere, whether it is the culture I am in, or a music I listen oo. However, I really like to pull from architecture. I like to imagine what the structure would look like as a garment.
I really like to pull from architecture
Q: Who would you say most influenced you?
Taylor: By far, I would say my friends over at Saga Outerwear and Jiberish. They are all good friends of mine, and I watched them grow over the years and would celebrate their success.
Thaddeus: The average person, because people can be so creative without even knowing it and I believe that I am one of those people.
Q: How would you like to see your brand progress in the next 2-3 years?
Taylor: I’m definitely going to extend the line to pants and technical outerwear coats. As of now I am only doing tops. I would also love to see GÓSN in boutiques all over the world.
I would also love to see GÓSN in boutiques all over the world.
Thaddeus: In the next 2-3 years I see the brand consistently growing into a power player in the fashion industry, with a vast range of technical outerwear, pants, top, and accessories.
Q: Would you consider yourself a minimalist? And if not, how would you describe your philosophy?
Taylor: Over the years, I started to value quality over quantity. My wardrobe used to be huge, but I always stuck to my “go-to” 5-10 outfits. Now I value good quality, and no longer shop fast fashion retailers. I continue to support streetwear companies producing timeless pieces.
Now I value good quality, and no longer shop fast fashion
Thaddeus: I guess I could be labeled as a minimalist because I am a person who loves a good staple piece in a wardrobe, over having a massive wardrobe. However, I am also the person that loves to have a big wardrobe so I guess it’s a toss up. Depending on my mood.
Q: If you can do a collaboration with any brand which would it be?
Taylor: I would love to collaborate with one of my favorite brands Maharishi. I would also love to do a collaboration with tattoo artist Koji Ichimaru.
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With love,
FWO
