Idris Balogun Winnie New York

Idris Balogun, designer of WINNIE NYC, at a young age after apprenticing at the prestigious Savile Row where he honed his skills as a cutter and tailor, he moved on to Burberry, where he helped develop a singular vision for the lines under Christopher Bailey. He began his career working as director of Menswear and Made to Measure at Tom Ford before launching his own brand in 2019.

WINNIE is a brand inspired by luxury in its purest form, fusing modern design with classic craft practices. Attention to exceptional fabrics, tailoring and craftsmanship are at the forefront of the brand’s core values.

Here is his interview, let’s get to know him better!

When you realized that you wanted to be a fashion designer?
I don’t think I ever truly realized I wanted to be a fashion designer, because in my experiences growing up and learning about the world of fashion, I didn’t know what a fashion designer was, I come from a background where tailors were the ones to be revered, they were the creators. It wasn’t till late in my career that I truly understood what it meant to be a designer and by then I already was one.

What is your philosophy of work and also life?
My philosophy in life in general, is question everything. I have always been a pursuer.

Where do you get inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from pursuing purity, art, love, craft.

What is fashion for you and how will it change in future?
Fashion for me is an emotion, a feeling, and a respect. I believe the way people view fashion and everything in our everyday life will be much more intentional moving forward, at least I hope.

What is the most difficult work you have realized and why?
The most difficult work for me has been establishing the DNA of Winnie. It’s been quite hard to even realize what I want, but as time goes by I discover more and more what it represents and it informs me.

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