I had the great opportunity to talk to Diane from DMK Designs the other week. We started off as a phone interview that had to turn into and email interview. Diane is really a great person to hear her story of how she got into the world of underwear. I have brought you many pictures and along with this posting is the model Dave August. I have posted a lot more pictures in a separate posting, and more info about him. And now on with the interview
We did how did you get into the business?
Well, you heard my scary story! I’m a straight woman. We want guys to look sexy too!! We shouldn’t be the only one’s wearing hot under-things! Those boring old white department store renditions of “Depends” just don’t cut it! No wonder women get “headaches”! My evening of debauchery made me realize that all men, given the opportunity, would want to look sexy. I’m here to fulfill a cause!!
What inspires you for you different designs?
I do not troll other designer’s sights, but of course I do not live in an insulated world. I literally get my designs in a pre-sleep mode. I dream them up. Usually, the closer I get to REM, the better the design. I’m a bit of a rebel – I hate to conform to color trends (unless they were in my design-dream) and other “supposed-to lists”, but I occasionally find myself in a spot where a design that is selling, is not a “fashion” color, so the fabric becomes difficult to find. Because of this, I have to pay some attention to trends. I am realizing that the more fun I have with my designs, the more my customers like them. My designs can get crazy, and usually have to be tempered. I used to be a Show Girl. If I had my way, my undies would have sequins and feathers! Yipes!
What is you most popuular or some of your popular designs?
Well, if I have to narrow it down to the most popular, I would sat the Hawaiian mesh design has been amazing, both in the sheer front and in the solid pouch designs. I took a risk, guessing that guys wanted to look sexy and have fun designs. The sexy mesh is very hot, and the retro-Hawaiian fabric is fun and carefree. The combination is terrific. I incorporated that silhouette, which is now a Signature Design, with other great fabrics for holiday specials and sales have been great! That Mesh and the sexy style line is just too fun to pass on!
The Boomerang and the Square Cut Tie-Dyes have also been popular sellers. The Boomerang, which comes in 4 color combinations, has strong clean lines, with a masculine accent (Its a “boomerang” after all!). The Square Cut designs have a relaxed fit, you can see everything! The Tie-Dye is unexpected and frankly, HOT.
I was hesitant to do the new Y-String Thong, but they have been flying off the shelves! This just confirms my belief that whatever a guy is wearing on the outside, sexy underwear can create the “I’m sexy” vibe! I will be coming out with more colors very soon!
Do you have anything planned you can tell us about, anything in the works?
I don’t even know where to start! My head is swimming with new designs – only a few of them are on paper (I make my own patterns and first samples), let alone being sewn! Thongs, Jocks, Briefs, and dare I mention Muscle Shirts are all on the list. I can’t give away the fabric combinations yet, but they will be HOT!
Your models are great, what makes you pick a model?
I have to credit my wonderful photographer, Peter D. Brown. I have never met such a passionate photographer. He lives his work. After my first shoot, I gave him carte blanche. I make the garments, Peter selects the models and the mood. Peter is absolutely wonderful! You can see more of his great images at www.PeterDBrownPhoto.com
What is your favorite thing about being in the world of men’s underwear?
Uh, men…
🙂 🙂
Besides the obvious, this field is full of really wonderful people. I have never been in an industry where “competitors” are welcoming and helpful. I am relatively new to this industry, and almost all of the people I have met at trade shows and the like are terrific people.
Check out all of Diane’s designs at DMK and we dare you to wear Them!
