Valentin Ozich of I Love Ugly

What do you do each day?

I own the clothing label I Love Ugly. I do that every day pretty much! Although, now it has become a little more then just a label. We’re really trying to push the lifestyle behind the brand and start delving into all sorts of different things that we are into. Also, I spend my days raising my daughter, and hanging with my wife.

Tell us about how you came to be where you are now.

Through a ton of hard work and many late nights. I have wanted to stop doing it countless times, but perseverance and belief is key. Also, the great team I now have around me help make pretty much anything possible.

Describe your art – what’s your background?

I have a background in illustration, so I am always doodling my strange thoughts. I see my art as something of my subconscious. I have been watching a lot of cartoons again the last three years, particularly the classic Walt Disney ones since my daughter’s really into them. These always ignite some sort of inspiration. It’s a shame cartoons are not made like they were used to be! I see clothes as my new art form. I guess I find it easier, so to speak, as the base and shape is already there. I just have to redesign the cuts, and pick the fabrics and colourway. This has now stemmed to more product design. We are now going to be releasing capsule collections, which will consist of vinyl toys, clocks, watches, stationery. I see this as progression from art and we can also cater to a wider audience and to people that may not necessarily wear I Love Ugly. So I now have the mentality that you can like it and now have it as opposed to liking it and having to wear it.

Who are your influences and inspirations?

It comes from lots of things and many people. People that are ambitious and just doing what they do are ever inspiring to me. I seek inspiration from blogs, magazine, films, music – all sorts.

Favourite STOLEN Rum cocktail?

The STOLEN Ginger is pretty good. That with a few crushed up muscle relaxants does the trick.

What’s the best party you’ve ever been to or night you’ve ever had?

The best night I’ve had in a long time was a recent sales trip to Australia in March. I best not get into the details, but it was pretty damn good slash jittery. More recently, the I Love Ugly party we threw a few weeks ago in conjunction with Superette and Stolen Rum called ‘Raw Cartoons’ was a great night.

Tell me a little about the bottles you created for STOLEN. Where did the look of them come from?

Yeah, that was a really cool collaboration. The Stolen bottle design is very strong and I felt that I Love Ugly’s graphic style complimented it aesthetically. I saw it as quite subtle, so I wanted to make a bold statement on it and be heard. After seeing an image of the Michelin Man, it sparked an idea of making a similar image to that.  I don’t know if this is a good or a bad thing but all the bottles recently got stolen from Superette Mini. So, you see anyone with six Stolen Rum x I Love Ugly bottles, they sure didn’t buy them!