I had the pleasure of linking up of with Heath Hardin, a designer who quickly made his way to my favorites list. I couldn’t post this interview without saying that I’m completely inspired by Heath. I found myself walking away energized by his passion and drive. He’s an awesome guy who is truly talented.  Trust me, watch out for NtoxicVIII Clothing Company.

“Live YOUR life, love YOUR self, and laugh at YOUR self.” – Heath Hardin

Just C:  First things first, whenever I first learned about your company, it took me a minute to figure out the name (I love to play the “what does that tag mean” game, though I’m horrible at it). So tell us, what does it mean and how did you come up with it?

Heath:  NtoxicVIII (pronounced “intoxicate”) manifested while I was living on the Big Island of Hawaii. I had always flirted with the idea of having a clothing line, and if you can’t find artistic inspiration in Hawaii, then you will probably never be motivated that way. I love twisting and playing with words, and when I began brainstorming for names for my line, I wanted something sexy, but meant elation, happiness, feeling, etc. By definition, “intoxicate” means “to excite to a transport of enthusiasm, frenzy, or madness; to elate unduly or excessively.” Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about. That’s how I want to feel about every moment.

Just C:  I must admit, when I first saw pieces of the NtoxicVIII Clothing Company collection, I instantly thought of a new age Ed Hardy without the over-zealous bedazzling. Have you been compared to other designers? Are there any who’ve inspired you?

Heath:  I appreciate all aspects of art and design. I have to be honest, I can never look at someone else’s creativity and say that I don’t like it. When we create something, we are closest to our divine self. I really haven’t been influenced by any designers as far as the designs that I create. I am inspired, however, by the success of Ed Hardy and others and have heard some comparisons. But, I have always been drawn to clothing with a female body on it. When I went to Magic in Las Vegas (one of the largest fashion conventions in the world), I noticed that no one had a clothing line centered around the female body. This is my inspiration and makes NtoxicVIII unique this way

Just C:  Hearing you talk so passionately, it’s obvious that you put a lot of time and thought into your company and what you want it to represent. What makes you so passionate and keeps you motivated to move forward?

Heath:  I believe that we all take way too much for granted. We should be meditating in every moment, no matter how small or repetitive the task. Enjoy all the sounds and touches that you normally never pay attention to. Now that is living!

Just C:  So was the company the outcome of one of your meditations?

Heath:  Absolutely. I chose to walk to work on a cold, crisp morning. I began thinking, daydreaming if you will, about all of the places in the world that I want to visit. I closed my eyes and breathed very deep enjoying all of the sounds around me and playing as if they were sounds from all of the places I was visiting in my mind. When I finally snapped out of my daydream session, I swear that it felt like I was really there. I thought to myself that I probably got more out of that than people who say they want to “SEE” the world and just kind of visit here and there and don’t really take it all in. It is at that moment that I realized that “seeing” the world is not enough. We should make a conscious effort to “FEEL” the world in every moment.

Just C:  Wow, you’re making me stop in my tracks. I often talk about wanting to SEE the world as you say, but I think it’s time I start taking more moments to meditate and really feel all that’s around me.

Just C:  Every designer has something that inspires his/her work. Some look at nature. Others may be inspired by something they remember from their childhood. What would you say influences your designs?

Heath:  Almost all of my artwork uses the female body in some way in the design. Women are intoxicating, beautiful creatures. Not just the face, but eyes, hair, bodies, lips, etc. If you think about some of the most beautiful art ever created, you’ll find that so many of these were centered on a woman. So, when I visited the Magic Fashion convention in Las Vegas in 2008 and walked miles and miles observing all of the clothing lines, I realized that no one had dedicated a clothing line to the fact that women are intoxicating.

Just C:  You talk a lot about the beauty and intoxicating effect of the female body and how it influenced your collection. We all know that celebrities are the driving force behind trends and dictating the next “hot thing”. Thinking of Hollywood starlets, who would you consider represents NtoxicVIII?

Heath:  Hmmm, good question. I would have to say Angelina Jolie. She encompasses everything that I want to portray in my clothing. I think that when you look at a girl, you can usually describe her looks in one of three different ways: Strikingly beautiful, Cute, or Sexy. Very few people can pull off all three. Jolie certainly personifies all three. She is gorgeous, very cute, and exudes sexuality. She also has a very unique look. I don’t know any other person who resembles her. These are the attributes I want to exude in my clothing. NtoxicVIII –ing.

Just C:  I totally agree. Angelina Jolie is exactly who I imagined. Did I mention that I love that you describe women are intoxicating? I like that, Heath. *laughs* Is that what sets NtoxicVIII apart from other labels?

Heath:  Yes, I think that’s what makes NtoxicVIII unique. Along with female anatomy, NtoxicVIII artwork tells a story. A sexy one! I strive hard to create designs that look cool far away, but when you observe closely, you see something different every time.

Guys and gals alike can appreciate the beauty and underlying stories in all the clothing we create. I have plenty for both sexes with unisex designs. I want people to FEEL THE WORLD with me. I love meeting people and enjoying all of their differences. “Perfectly Flawed” is how I describe the human race. Our flaws and differences are what make life fun and exciting. My Perfectly Flawed T is one of my favorites because of this. Check our Rock and Roll portion of our designs as well.

Just C:  Since you brought up the female anatomy, you have to let me switch gears for a moment. I couldn’t help but be captivated by the photography. Most designers rely upon stock photos displaying their collections on mannequins. All of your pictures are displayed in such a tasteful, artistic and sexy way. What was your idea behind this? Were you ever afraid that it might be too sexy or that people wouldn’t be receptive?

Heath:  I have a friend who has a clothing company in Los Angeles, and she told me that the hardest thing in fashion is sticking to your inspirations/desires and own style, all the while, producing something that the public will also like. I promised myself that I would not sacrifice my own creative expression in fear of what people would think about me or what I produce. It is not easy. I think sex is beautiful, and I portray it in my shots. I have an awesome photographer and we always have a blast when we shoot. Some of the sexiest shots come when we are being silly and cutting up. People will always have opinions, and you will never please everyone. When you are with your friends having drinks and talking about taboo things, I say let’s take these ideas and thoughts and put them on a shirt! I don’t want to hold anything back. People take themselves too seriously sometimes. Live YOUR life, love YOUR self, and laugh at YOUR self.

Just C:  Right now, the NtoxicVIII collection includes a solid variety of tees. Do you have plans to expand the company? What would be the next thing added?

Heath:  We are definitely expanding. We have panties for the ladies. I love bandanas and we are working on putting some more of these out. With a name like NtoxicVIII, there are so many avenues that I can’t wait to explore. I would love to have my own unisex fragrance. I have custom jackets, shoes, dresses that I have produced for friends and associates of mine. I plan on branching off into other areas in the fashion industry, and breaking the NtoxicVIII name up.  Having lingerie named “toxic” and jeans “VIII”.  All with the same logo branding.  I’m excited about the future and loving the moment!

Just C: My favorite tees are Rock Star and Mas tur bVIII. Let me just say that I absolutely love the names. What are you favorites from the collection?

Heath:  As I mentioned, my Perfectly Flawed T is one of my favorites. Also, I’d have to say the Music Rocks (FU) and Auditorily Fornicated. Huh? As long as you are not a mean person, I’m ready to Rock out with you! This is me and my clothing line in a nutshell.

Just C: I have an obsessive love for all things fashion. I follow trends, but a lot of times, I follow my intuition. One of the biggest trends right now it “rocker chic” including studding, metal, grommets, zippers and leather. NtoxicVIII Clothing Company is right on the mark right now. We know that trends are here today and out tomorrow. How do you envision the collection evolving once this trend cools off?

Heath:  You know, I just hope to stick to my heart. When you do something genuinely then people can see that and appreciate it. If you try to follow a fashion trend just for the sake of following it, I think people will see through it. NtoxicVIII is thankful for its success and will always work to be unique, sexy, and maybe a little controversial.

Love it! Can’t wait to see what’s next for Heath and Ntoxicviii. Teaser:  There’s a special treat in store of Sole Intuition readers, so be on the lookout. Be sue to fan us on Facebook for complete details.

Shop Ntoxicviii Clothing Company

Add Your Two Cents

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website