DNMG

Q- Who is Denim God?

A- Denim God is a lot of things, he’s a lot of personalities. Denim God is Tony Bankong, Denim God is a style connoisseur, DenimGod is an artist, Denim God is a writer, Denim God is a visionary, denim God is a merchant, DenimGod is a businessman, and most importantly, DenimGod is a child of God.

Q- How did you find fashion?

A- Hmmm…Fashion found me! I was born into a family of very stylish people. My parents my mum, my mum is very pretty. My dad is very stylish, nah guy man. So I mean I grew up around very fancy things, the magazines, the models, the movies, the music, you know, so I basically just took it from there. 

Q- What inspired you to start your brand?

A- To make things that I didn’t see anybody making. To put out something I wanted to wear, but nobody was making. 

Q- How would you describe the overall aesthetic or style of your brand?

A- Avant-garde, dystopian, strong and pop

- [ ] Bonus question: Favorite collection at the Milan fashion week?

Gucci

Q- What are some challenges you’ve faced as an independent fashion brand ?

A- Hmmm…The biggest challenge is money you know. Pushing a brand with a global vision requires a lot of funding, and bank rolling it all by yourself is hectic. The task is tasking, but God has brought us thus far and we’re grateful. 

Q- What will you say keeps you going, what’s your motivating factor?

A- My relationship with God. I have a good relationship with God. Keeps me grounded, keeps me positive, keeps my eyes on the vision. 

Q- What sets you apart from other fashion designers?

A- My understanding of what came before and what is to come. Nothing is new under the sun. I take something from the past, it can be from any aspect of pop culture, and then integrate it into what I have, and I’m able to interpret it into what I think they will be wearing for years to come.

Q- Who are some of your idols 

A- Rei Kawakubo, Margiela, Yoji yahamoto, Alexander Mcqueen, Renzo Rosso, Ralph Lauren, yeezy and so much more.

Q- What were moments in your career where you felt validated for your work?

A- I’m very grateful for everything that’s happened with the brand, the celebrity co-signs, the distributions around the globe and all that. But I’m not going to lie to you, it was when a kid walked up to me on the road and said he’s been saving money for months just so he could buy a t-shirt from me. That as he is now, the only thing that can make him feel fulfilled is he buys a T-shirt from me. And it was very emotional for me cause this is something we created that has gone this far. It’s a different case when people who have money come to me and give me money for stuff, I’m grateful for that. But it’s a different level in cases like these cause it’s not just about glitz and glamor anymore, but rather you’re penetrating the hearts of people. I understand that this gift wasn’t given for myself alone, it’s always for service to humanity. 

Q- What’s in store for Denim God?

A- I’m wrapping up the year with my first fashion show. We bringing Paris to Cally this December. So everybody that likes fashion, that likes DnmGod, pull through. If you want to see what you see on the runway in Milan, Paris, December 3rd, pull up.