The bow tie brothers are back — and they’re on to bigger things. Zac, Zubair and Talha Timol, who split their time between bases in Dubai and London for their label Velsvoir, will showcase their latest collections on Sunday on the sidelines of London Collections: Men, the city’s biannual menswear showcase. Partnering with British tailors October House, the boys say fans can expect pops of colours, a whole lot of attitude and a few new additions to the line. The Directory caught up with them before their show:
So what are we feeling this season? Tell us a little about your latest collection
Talha: We are feeling rather adventurous, inspired by our travels and all things heritage.
Zak: Expect a dash of colour as we move away from a traditional palette and lighter fabrics to complement the summer. Oh, and there will be a few surprises.
How did the collaboration with October House come about?
Talha: We have always enjoyed working with artisans and October House is an extension of our passion for all things tailoring. October House is niche and has a reputation for quality, thus we felt it was a great match. Their chief tailor, Gabe John, has a wonderful eye for detail and craftsmanship. Plus, he is a fierce ping-pong player, so it was an easy decision to work together.
Zubair: The tie is the starting point and inspiration for the suit collection. This gave us a unique vantage point when designing.
Is this collection also your way of saying Velsvoir is moving to bigger things?
Zak: It is important for brands to evolve and progress. This collection is a foray into taking what we have learned thus far and trying a few new things, taking some risks.
Talha: The bow tie is a wonderful entry point into the luxury brand market. This collection is giving us the platform to offer an extension to the wardrobe offering. By adding new accessories and our limited edition blazers to the collection, we are continuing to learn and evolve.
What are the perks and challenges of being a fashion brand also based in the UAE?
Talha: It pushes us creatively and culturally, broadening our thinking with respect to our clients and environment. The UAE undoubtedly gives us access to key figures within the media, style and entrepreneurship landscapes which is important for any fashion brand to grow and develop sustainably.
Zubair: Without wanting to sound awfully British and polite, we saw no real challenges per se. There could perhaps be more coverage or support for local designers but we appreciate there are initiatives such as Fashion Forward and the announcement of Dubai Design District which are big steps in the right direction.
You launched a collection for women, but how has the menswear landscape evolved in the region since you came to the UAE?
Talha: We were very pleased with our women’s collaboration in conjunction with S*uce, as it gave us the opportunity to present Velsvoir to a whole new audience. Menswear has evolved in leaps and bounds, with more international brands flocking to the UAE and shift towards gentlemanly dressing.
Zubair: The UAE has emerged as a market for customisation. More and more of our clients are requiring bespoke services with an emphasis on tailoring, cut and fit. This consciousness of style and form is a trend which we believe will continue to grow.
How, from your perspective, has Velsvoir done in the UAE and the Middle East?
Zubair: We are pleasantly surprised by the speed with which Velsvoir managed to grow in the UAE and beyond in just over one year. To have customers across the GCC has surpassed our expectations. Continuing to grow organically is one of our key objectives
Talha: We really enjoy our presence in the UAE and the GCC region as a whole. We have been humbled by the support from fashion editors, designers, bloggers and industry aficionados. To think it all started with just one tweet!
Now that the UAE summer is here, what do we do with our velvet bow ties?
Zak: The beauty of a classic velvet bow tie is the versatility. Keep it for a mid summer soiree, paired with a light linen shirt or the ever-increasing, year-round galas or black-tie events. Air conditioning is definitely a must-have this season.
Talha: For those who travel over the summer, pack your bow tie. You never know when you may need it for that James Bond moment. Our latest collection will have a handful of fabrics that will provide a cool summer breeze.
How are you boys spending the summer then?
Talha: It is Ramadan in July and August so we will be spending quality time with the family before Zak and I take a late summer to the South of France and Sardinia. Both are creative outposts for us.
Zak: Catching up on some sleep. Just kidding, we are hoping to push forward some of our charity projects via Velsvoir Vert, our ethical initiative. I am also learning a few new languages, so it should keep me busy.
Zubair: I will be trying to keep up with Talha and Zak.
What plans for Velsvoir in the near future?
Zak: Paris sounds interesting... C’est La Vie!
*London Collections: Men runs until June 18. For more on Velsvoir, go to velsvoir.com
