Artist and Designer Jean-Victor Lairmore | Streams & Grounds Interview
Jean-Victor and I have been classmates in multiple fashion classes at Orange Coast College. Each time that he presented any project I always noticed his attention to detail and distinct preferences in the worlds of art, design, culture, and fashion. JV as he is known has a solid point of view and articulates it across an eclectic mix of mediums. One of our professors was instrumental in continuously calling us out in class for being people to stay in touch with. I am grateful that Professor Shane made our introduction and that Jean-Victor and I were able to connect for this interview. He is truly someone that I would define as an essence. An enigma…
Meet Jean-Victor!
Tell us about yourself and your latest endeavours!
@jeanvictorlairmore: “My name is Jean-Victor Lairmore. I’m a student at Orange Coast College (OCC) pursuing fashion design. I am currently working on a secret design project.”
When did your interest in fashion design begin?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “My interest in fashion began in the third grade, wanting to have an input in the way I was dressed going to school.”
Do you have a most memorable design? How did it make you feel?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “My most memorable design would be a bag that I made out of a brown Japanese broken weave denim. After completing the project, I felt relieved and excited about the bag as I knew what changes I would and wouldn’t want to make moving forward”
Sustainability is at the forefront of your brand, Streams & Grounds, how important is it to you in your daily life? How do you execute sustainable choices while being a student designer?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “In my view, sustainability is the process in which one attempts to better our planet’s health by taking achievable steps in the present.
I find sustainability to be of importance in my life, however, I am not as heavily invested in my view compared to vegans, and active volunteers as I would like to be. I am still a work in progress, trying to implement ways throughout my daily life that create noticeable change when done in numbers (e.g., using reusable water bottles, taking shorter showers, etc). I execute sustainable choices concerning fashion design by choosing 100% organic cotton with the certification of control of harmful substances according to OEKO-TEX Standard 100. Streams & Grounds dyeing process doesn’t contain any hazardous chemical substances, following the Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) from the REACH European Certificate. Furthermore, Streams & Grounds also respects and accomplishes the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 rules by being environmentally responsible.”
Where do you see Streams & Grounds in the next year?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “In terms of next year, I see Streams & Grounds being sold through stockists, offering new pieces to its existing line.”
What excites you most about fashion in particular?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “I’m most excited by the opportunity to express internal feelings to a physical item, taking influence from the past and the present.”
Which item in your wardrobe resonates with you the most? Why?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “Currently, the item in my wardrobe that resonates with me the most is a pair of Our Legacy Camion mules. In my opinion, the mule perfectly balances casual wear with an elevated taste.”
“Our Legacy Camion Mules in Caramel”
Who are your favorite designers or sources of inspiration?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “My favorite designers/houses include Maison Martin Margiela, Helmut Lang, Gucci by Tom Ford, Our Legacy, Hermes, to name a few.”
Jean-Victor Lairmore wears the S&G Basics Hoodie in Apricot Orange.
Do you have a treasured medium when expressing yourself? Perhaps as a hobby or an outlet away from your day-to-day life?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “A treasured medium in which I express myself other than fashion design would be photography. Before pursuing fashion design I captured shots of automobiles, landscapes, store-fronts, portraits of friends, family, and more.”
How do you stay true to yourself in a constantly evolving landscape?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “I stay true to myself in today’s climate by paying less attention to the noise, being things that don’t resonate with me or in other words move me, finding inspiration from personal experiences and history.”
Do you have any advice for burgeoning designers/entrepreneurs?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “I recommend establishing a foundation following one’s intuition, backed by a pragmatic thought process – research the need of your design in the zeitgeist of fashion and build from there.”
Anything else that you’d like to add?
@jeanvictorlairmore: “Shop Streams & Grounds at www.streamsandgrounds.com!”
How did you like Jean-Victor’s interview?
I am elated to have met Jean-Victor at the onset of what will surely be an illustrious career. I wish him all that he sets his mind to and urge you to pick up one of his designs asap! The S&G Basics Hoodie in Apricot Orange is absolutely iconic and so comfortable. (I bought one for my husband and we BOTH wear it all the time!)
Do you have any questions for JV? Comment here or reach out on socials!
Works Cited
Lairmore, Jean-Victor. Personal Interview. June 13, 2022.