Ten Minutes with Brandon Holley
November 4, 2008
Skulls with wings and brides with knifes comprise the eclectic, sinister, and artistic designs of Brandon Holley. Holley is the founder and designer of the Los Angeles based company BranVille Clothing. A musician and artist, he blended his passions to bring BranVille to fruition in 2006. Bran Ville crafts t-shirts and sweatshirts that range in price from $60 – $100. As evidenced in their designs, BranVille is an “alternative driven line that isn’t afraid to push the limits.” As a designer and individual, Brandon is not afraid to push the limits or to spend all day hanging with monkeys.
Oligoville: Describe your target customer.
Holley: “The Artistic, the Adventurous, and the Individual.” People that like to party and people who like to have a good time!
Oligoville: What inspires your designs?
Holley: Life in general. Everything around me is a huge inspiration. I also draw inspiration from old horror films, otter pops, aliens, creepy carnivals, vampires, music, and Lil Wayne.
Oligoville: How have your designs evolved since the start of your company?
Holley: I started a clothing company called Your Mannequin in 2004. It mainly consisted of band-merch looking shirts. I was just doing it because I was in a band at the time. The designs really weren’t that complex. I started Bran Ville because my art completely changed and it needed a new face and image.
Oligoville: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Holley: Seeing my favorite bands wear my clothing across the country on national tours is absolutely insane. I am very proud of that and still get chills every time someone walks on stage wearing my shirt. I still freak out when I see someone I don’t know wearing my clothing or when my friends call and tell me they see someone wearing my stuff.
My biggest accomplishment is being twenty-one and living my dream. Most kids my age are in school or working a 9 to 5 job they hate. I know I am blessed with what I get to wake up and do everyday.
Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected set backs you have faced since starting your business and what you have learned from that.
Holley: Well starting a business at sixteen years old in high school isn’t easy. I knew money was going to be an issue. I expected that to set me back. When you are that young you want to spend all your money on your product and not on actually building an official business the legal way. Flipping signs on corners and finding odd jobs here and there helped me raise enough money to buy a screen press and start my company.
Oligoville: What advice do you have for other aspiring designers out there?
Holley: Create what you love and have faith in. If you are determined, you will go far. It’s so easy to give up with a million other companies out there but finding your own niche is key. Also just have fun and don’t take your self too seriously.
Oligoville: Name three things you cant live without?
Holley: Ice cream, music, and Nike dunks
Oligoville: The fashion police would give you a ticket for …
Holley: Wearing too much bling. I love gold and silver. Watches, rings, and chains are mandatory every day.
Oligoville: You would love a one-way airline ticket to ….
Holley: The rain forests in South America. Hanging out with monkeys and climbing trees all day would be pretty amazing.
Oligoville: Who is your favorite style icon?
Holley: Lil Wayne and Nikki Sixx.
Oligoville: If you were not a designer, what would you be?
Holley: I’d be playing in a band again.
Oligoville: If Hollywood made a movie about you, who would play you?
Holley: Shia LaBeouf. He has evolved over the years and now is on top of the world.
BranVille is planning numerous events and parties in Los Angeles in the New Year so check back for updates. BranVille is soon releasing a line of completely hand made pieces. From the head of a woman on the body of a snake to the Mother Mary spreading her embrace, Brandon Holley is just beginning to show the fashion world designs that push the envelope.
