Inside the Mind of Jean Touitou – A.P.C. Founder & Designer

In 1988, Tunisian-born designer, Jean Touitou, founded the minimalist label “Atelier de Production et de Création“, better known to many as A.P.C. Inspired by his disfavor for baggier, loose-fitting clothing, Touitou created one of the most well-tailored and simple labels, producing countless and timeless pieces, most notably A.P.C.’s famous Japanese, selvaged raw-denim. Many, including yours truly, are massive fans of A.P.C’s raw denim — whether it be the New Standard, New Cure, or Rescue jeans.

Now after 24 years, A.P.C. has developed to be one of the leading ready-to-wear brands and expanded to nine locations worldwide – including London, Tokyo, Osaka, New York, Hong Kong, and it’s flagship shop in Paris.  Now if only they had a location here in Canada…

With their new location opening in 2 months in NYC on West 4th, Touitou was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, and in very authentic fashion at that.  The coles notes version:

  • 1/3 of people he collaborates/works with are musicians
  • Spends Friday’s with his “green mistress”
  • Likes (or loves): Metronomy, Bret Easton Ellis (“adores” in his words),  blasting music and dancing in the morning, two cocktails (old fashioned’s, very fitting) with dinner
  • Dislikes (or hates): Russian mobs influence on art, most French restaurants, and nightclubs
  • Knack for: Traveling to uncharted parts of the seas, based purely on good weather forecasts

For the full article, check out WSJ.com’s 20 Odd Questions for Jean Touitou of A.P.C.

Additional Resources