New York based Glamour Kills Clothing was started in 2005 by young designer Mark Capicotto.

fabnob chatted to Mark about tees, flying pigs, and Kevin Spacey…

You started Glamour Kills in your first year of college. What inspired you to get off your butt and do it?

Even throughout high school I always loved graphic design. I would always do artwork for bands (tees, CD covers, and fliers). I just really loved designing so I decided to put my talent to good use.

How did your family take it when you told them you were dropping out to grow your label full-time?

It was hard for my parents at first but they were fully supportive of my dreams and ambitions. They have always encouraged me to pursue what makes me happy.

Glamour Kills is a brilliant name. How did it come about?

Thank you! I couldn’t figure out what to name my company. My good friend and I were joking around about names for my company and he suggested Glamour Kills. We laughed, but I thought it was an awesome name. From there...the rest is history.

What about the flying pig? Does he/she have a name?

The flying pig appeared on a few of my earlier designs and it just stuck. The flying pig doesn’t really have a name just, The Flying Pig.

What are some of the main challenges you’ve faced growing GK?

Being an owner/boss/business man. I am an artist at heart and at times it’s really hard to balance the two. Most companies don’t have this problem.

And the highlights?

Watching my company grow. It’s crazy to think how far my company has come. Seeing GK on TV and people wearing GK on the streets is amazing.

Your support of emerging bands has been well documented. How did this come about?

I began doing designs for bands and they really enjoyed my artwork. Once I decided to start my clothing company the bands helped me out. They started to wear GK on stage and promoted GK wherever they could. It made sense since music is one my biggest inspirations and all the bands we endorse I am a personal fan of….so it’s a real honor to see them wearing GK.

What’s an average day for the CEO/Head Designer of an independent clothing label?

Busy! There is always so much to do. I design and oversee everything that goes on daily, every order and every advertisement that goes out hits my desk first.

Your designs are bright and optimistic in a somewhat cynical world. Do you think this has contributed to your success?

Most definitely! People who wear Glamour Kills are not afraid to stand out in the crowd. There is a design for everyone and that’s the best part.

Is there anyone famous you would love/hate to see your t-shirts on – and why?

I would love to see anyone wear GK famous or not. When I am out and see someone wearing GK, I love it. If I had to pick a famous person to wear GK it would be Kevin Spacey. Oh, and not to mention any member of Blink 182.

You print on very high quality (and sweatshop free) American Apparel. How do you juggle the conflicting variables of quality, costs, and profits?

It’s difficult. We want our products to be as affordable as possible. Other clothing companies may use cheap t-shirts and charge a high amount. At the end of the day it is not about the money for me.

Your t-shirts are also notable for their great prints. Can you tell us a few things about the printing process?

Our products are made with the highest quality inks and techniques. It is our own special recipe!

Oh, and finally…have you ever scored any romantic love at a music festival or in a bar by telling someone you designed and printed a t-shirt someone else was wearing?!?

Haha. When I first meet someone I usually don’t tell her that I am the owner of Glamour Kills Clothing. I don’t want anyone to act/treat me any differently.

Thanks Mark for your time...

PS. Click on The Flying Pig 4 some Glamour Kills gear!