FASHTALKS WITH NOEND DENIM

What inspired you to name your brand?

The inspiration behind the name Noend is that we believe in limitless possibilities and futures. We try to push forward the message of never giving up nor believing that your dreams will come to an end as long as you hold that perseverance. This name was created by our Founder Billy Kang who came from a different country hoping to pursue the “American Dream” where he would be able to make something of his life with so little to work with. And that dream became a reality for him. Therefore, the name ‘Noend.’

What is your earliest design memory for your brand?

The earliest design memory for our brand was designing our Farrah Kick Flare jeans. Luckily that was the pair of jeans that got it all started for us, and to this day we focus heavily on our Kick Flare Jeans.

Where do you find inspiration?

Although we find inspiration through trend research and social media, we try our best to create new designs that might be very experimental for the new generation. We always try to get creative with our jean-making process and always have fittings to see how we can incorporate new designs.

“We want to be recognized as the American Denim Brand that focuses on American culture while continuously sending out a message to all consumers to never fall short of their potential dreams and endeavors.”

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

The main thing that sets our brand apart from other denim brands is that our denim from A-Z is manufactured in the United States. As our main motto for our brand is following the American Dream, we also take pride in our whole manufacturing and production process being made in the States.

Do you have a favorite piece that you have designed? 

One of my favorite jeans our brand designed was our ‘Celine’ jeans. What makes our Celine Jean unique is the overall aesthetic and waistband of the jeans. The jeans have a straight open leg with a waistband where you can tie yourself in whichever way you want, giving the consumers a way to style their pair.

What were some hurdles you had to overcome in your business?

The biggest hurdle we faced was COVID-19. As we just started our brand a year before the pandemic, it was hard for us to be shut down and I’m sure for most fashion brands as well.

How important is sustainability to your brand?

Sustainability is one of our top priorities in growing our business. We try to focus our designs using laser technology without having to use multiple washes, as we like to reuse the water in our washes to reserve the use of water. We also love up-cycling our jeans. We make new designs using our old jeans, which saves water, use of electricity, etc.

What do you envision for the future of your brand?

One of our main goals for this brand is to become The American denim brand that people can go to. We want to be recognized as the American Denim Brand that focuses on American culture while continuously sending out a message to all consumers to never fall short of their potential dreams and endeavors. We hope to be an inspirational ambassador with our brand name ‘Noend’.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a new designer?

The one piece of advice I would love to give to a new designer is to never give up. Always create. Whatever it may be can be used in the future. Whether it is a design they might not be proud of at the moment, it can always be used as a foundation for your next potential hit design.

How would you define fashion?

I always defined fashion as a way of expressing your deepest feelings and imaginations into something people can question or relate to. Fashion to me is the first impression you’re going to give someone you meet. It shows a piece of what type of person you are, what you like, etc. I believe that you get to learn a lot about someone based on what they are wearing.

“To me, denim jeans are all about utility, style, and comfort.”

What is your favorite fashion trend? Least favorite?

I don’t necessarily have a least favorite fashion trend, but my favorite fashion trend was during the 1970s when rock bands like Queen, The Who, and Pink Floyd were around. I believe that during that fashion trend, there was no certain fashion but an era of straight expressionism. I can’t particularly say that it was a fashion trend, but to me, the confidence of people in that fashion era looks unmatched. Especially with my favorite icon, Freddie Mercury.

How has the fashion industry changed since you first started out?

Although I joined the fashion industry only a decade ago, when I first started, without the dependency on social media, I had to go and meet everyone I wanted to meet to get my foot in the door. But now, with the huge upgrade of social media, people can connect online, giving more people opportunities to find new ways to make friends and clients, which I find great about our constantly developing society. 

What can consumers expect to see next from your brand?

One thing I can confidently say about our brand is that we are constantly creating and innovating new ways to wear denim jeans. To me, denim jeans are all about utility, style, and comfort. That is what I will continuously pursue with the future of our brand.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be? 

Although I am very thankful and believe that I got to where I am because of my past hardships, one thing I would say to my past self is that everything is going to be okay and to always find a way to learn new things and use it to my benefit. Although I am now and always going to be a student until my last breath, I just wish I had that mentality earlier when I was young. And lastly, to be happy. I’m so thankful to have met new friends and clients who believed in me since I was younger and who became a part of my family, I just want my past self to know that everything is going to be okay!