A little while ago, I got the great pleasure of interviewing Thomas Knight, the designer and creator behind TomTom Fashions. His signature blend of street art meets pop culture meets punk exemplifies creativity, and his talent is evident through his work with iconic NYC fashion designer and boutique owner Patricia Field (yes, the woman who is responsible for some of the iconic Carrie Bradshaw outfits on Sex and the City). He's created pieces in collaboration with a bevy of pop music icons such as Madonna, Gaga, Britney, and Katy Perry (He's the guy behind the iconic Born This Way jacket). We got to talking about fashion, trends and of course - Season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Let's start at the beginning, how did you get started in fashion?
I was really into sketching and the artwork/drawing side of things, when I was a kid, and then I guess I started when I applied to the High School of Fashion Industries in Chelsea. The I went to FIT for about two months, and I kind of bailed on that. Someone at Patricia Fields saw something I made, and that’s where it kind of kicked off.
I’m a huge fan of Sex and the City, so obviously I’m so sad to hear about Patricia Fields’ store closing.
Actually, I went to see her yesterday. She’s closing the store which is really sad but she’s continuing with the website as like an art gallery for one of a kind pieces. So I dropped off a bunch of things yesterday, which is really cool.
Who are some of your inspirations, like where do you draw inspiration from?
My friends. Growing up in New York was a lot different back then, you could go outside and meet a bunch of different kinds of people. And then of course like, celebrities. Madonna, Cher.
Well I love Sharon Needles, she was an inspiration before I met her then she became a friend.
You're known for designing for a lot of drag queens, do you find a difference when creating for queens versus creating for celebrities like Gaga or Britney?
Actually I think working with the queens is easier because they kind of just let me do my thing whereas celebrities and their stylists will come to me with a specific thing in mind that they have.
Who are some names in fashion that you're really into?
Well I've always loved John Galliano, Mr.Pearl & Thierry Mugler.
Have you checked out any of the collections from this past fashion week, since it just ended?
I just saw pictures of Garret Pugh's latest collection.
Oh my god, I loved it.
Beautiful.
Stunning - those power suits were beautiful.
It reminded me a little bit of like, old school Mugler.
Totally, with the shoulders and everything, gorgeous. I also really liked the Jacobs show, Marc Jacobs' show was great too.
Oh yeah I just saw like, random clips of that, because Lady Gaga walked in it, but I didn't see the whole thing.
Those shoes were insane, those really tall platforms. Have you seen any of the previews of Season 8 of Drag Race yet? Like the cast and trailer?
Those shoes were insane, those really tall platforms. Have you seen any of the previews of Season 8 of Drag Race yet? Like the cast and trailer?
Yeah, I just saw the extended one, and actually Sharon was involved in the first episode filming so she kinda told me a little bit about it July but I keep my mouth shut. I'm really excited because of Bob and Thorgy. All those girls are amazing.
If you could collaborate creatively with someone dead or alive, who would it be?
Dead, I always think of Aaliyah. Alive, Cher would be awesome. RuPaul, but you know Zaldy takes care of that.
What is your ultimate career goal?
Just to be able to pay my rent and wake up every day and do what I love to do.
Now a speed round called Must or Bust - I name some fashion trends and you say whether they are a must or a bust. First, Chokers.
Must.
Active-wear
I wouldn't call it a must or a bust...maybe a bust.
Facial jewelry
I used to have a lot of it, so I'll say must.
Denim on Denim
It depends on the color, but I know what you're talking about so I'm gonna say bust.
Mom jeans
I'm gonna say must, because everyone else would say bust.
I love a mom jean, I think they're so cute.
I'm sure you wear them well!
Thanks! My final question is can you give some advice to young people who want to work in the industry or want to purse a creative career?
Run! That's my advice, run. No, I would just say do what you love, try your best.
Run! That's my advice, run. No, I would just say do what you love, try your best.
Sweet and simple! It's been really great talking to you, thank you for taking the time.
This was great, thank you so much!
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