Big Favorite: Victor Glemaud, Founder of Victor Glemaud

Interview by Jessica Schiffer

Victor Glemaud, Eponymous Founder and Designer of Inclusive Statement Knitwear

Name, Claim-to-Fame: Victor Glemaud

Handle: @glemaud

Relationship to TBF: Was our founder Eleanor's boss, at Tommy Hilfiger many moons ago.

Bio: Born in Haiti and raised in New York, Victor Glemaud is a fashion designer whose namesake label is known for its colorful knits in unique silhouettes and an uplifting embrace of diverse models. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Glemaud is the rare fashion figure who qualifies as an eternal optimist and always follows the beat of his own drum: at his latest show, that meant sending models down the runway in velvet turbans and Nike sneakers.

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What excites you about The Big Favorite? It’s a quintessentially American brand, for today. Everything about it is so accessible and cool. I love that it's based on Eleanor’s family history and the values of heritage. Amidst the pandemic, we’re thinking about our families a lot more, and this idea of unity and togetherness feels even more important.

"I want my collections to represent joy and optimism and for that to be what people really remember."

Quickie Q's:

Go-to underwear fit: I don’t wear underwear! I live in jeans and I find them to be uncomfortable with underwear. The only exception is when I’m wearing a suit, and then I’ll wear briefs.

Favorite TBF item: I love how soft the t-shirts are, I’ve even worn them inside out.

How do you handle a wedgie? Leave it, I don’t want to draw attention to it. I work in fashion I’m used to things being uncomfortable.

What’s your favorite word for butt? Ass.

Favorite word for underwear? Underwear, because it’s not gender-specific.

Undergarment shopping habits? I’m always adding to my t-shirt pile. I love things that are frayed and worn so I very rarely throw things away.

Have you ever forgotten your underwear? I tend to underpack when I travel, especially in the t-shirt department, so I end up borrowing some from my husband.

Let's Go Deep:

What role does the environment play in your shopping choices?

I’m always very specific when I shop, but whenever normal shopping returns, brands that show compassion for the earth and for others will matter much much more to me. That means I’ll be paying attention to everything from the materials to how they’re shipped. With my own line, I only use natural yarns because I don’t want to use synthetics or anything that will leave behind microplastics. It limits what I can do with knits and silhouettes but, within those limitations, there is still creativity to be found.

What do you want your legacy to be? What are you doing to make an impact?

I hope to be around, for one. I want my collections to represent joy and optimism and for that to be what people really remember.

"Amidst the pandemic, we’re thinking about our families a lot more, and this idea of unity and togetherness feels even more important."

What future do you rally around?

An equal one.