We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Van Peart – M I N K A H O N T A S a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Van , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Starting out with an interest in the arts, I always knew I wanted to make it into a business. There was always this missing market for all season wear with unconventional accents.

I needed dimensional wear that is sometimes practical in separates, but contrasting true artisan concepts.
So I decided to create what was fundamental but inventive.
I started making clothes for my moods.

I still have Specs and samples I use from the decade I started.
These archive preservations help structure my new ideas.

I like to call my Archive Storage “The Conservation Vault”.

So many styles can be disposable or temporary trends, so instead I do my own origin concepts.

My signature gloves & fabric stacks always end up being ahead of time and often multifunctional.

The art of garment preservation is important to me because fast fashion is how todays society functions.

It’s different to have these pieces meant for your entire life span. For that, I love working with genuine hides, especially alligator and embossed reptile skins.

Specifically, I have many rings and neckwear (including scissors cases),
that I make from these raw leather materials.

My items are a mood mix, but it’s unlimited.

Van , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For the field of design, my art deco pieces & specs show the collision of the supernatural vs. practical.

The brand dna includes premium grain croc or alligator, snakeskin, etcetera.

Exotic materials for our Vestidos and Leather accessories are often one of a kind, or piece dyed and can’t be found anywhere else.
I think self expressive, limited quantity is special.

Our natural hides are uniquely sourced or hand treated in house.

Our innovative design is what gears Van Peart Príve in its own custom lane.

The Signature started with my Cortex Hoods & Alligator Leathers on denim when I was in my teens. Then I developed these studies as artifacts to use in my all season wear.

The custom textile and comfort fibers through our line are reminiscent of our brand dna.
I love Jet colored Twill, Cotton Linen, Bamboo and Neoprene.

My accessories and clothing details are unique to each item, due to combining natural leather or fur shapes.

No two items are exactly the same, unless they are our Neo- Variant Wear.
Kind of like amphibious art pieces.

– – – –

I believe clients want garments for multiple agendas.
I love thin layers & pockets for practical use and sometimes just for fun.
I like to avoid one wear, unless it’s for the buyers preference or an art deco piece.

My private storage does have Archive pieces that are kept safe though, if it isn’t a part of my ready – to – wear.

– – – –

I have a history in music and painting. Growing up I just was always drawn to art. It always felt like an organ part of what The Creator wanted me to be.

I decided to study Art History and Fashion Design as a respect for text knowledge.
However, I always illustrated since elementary school, and so I was divergent from some of the programs.
In University I did what I wanted for the projects and didn’t consider the departments preference.

Fortunately, my projects were a hit & this ended in my favor with awards for Best Fabrication and Manipulation.

After studies at Marymount University & Paris College Of Art – Study Abroad, I did fashion shows, magazine collaborations and custom event wear.

I continue my self studies in biology and etymology to stay absorbed into artistry and not the mainstream.

Van Peart Príve Currently
Offers These Services:

•Creative Direction
•Costume Design

•Custom Apparel
•Hazz Land / Untwisted Denim

•Special Event Wear
•Fur & Leather Bags / Gear

•Cosmetics & Styling Services
•Jewelry

•Sound Therapy

– – – –
Music has always inspired our collective.
The fusion of sound and how it translates to
wear represents our lifestyle.

In addition to product design,
Charity Van Peart is an alternative musician with a history in violin, indigenous flute, beat making, & composition.

Our designer also curates Muse Music under the alias “M I N K”.

The supporting sounds are meant to compliment complex emotions, life, leisure and style.

M I N K uses her roots of island undertones, sonic futurism, and trap soul to create a New Wave Genre.

Minkahontas is currently independently mastering her own – Van – Glitch – style Artist EP. Coming Soon.

Listen To M I N K MUSICK:

Artist Links:
minkahontas.com

The Atelier:
vanpeartprive.net

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Strategic placement with clients and celebrity socialites helped me build my reputation in my market. I’ve always been a product specialist. My news publications & magazine editorials help drive my niche.
With regards to idea conception, I do believe in creating with practical functionality. However, the shapes or textiles are always self instinct driven.

Some of my archive creations are still top secret information.
I always release archives from the vault intermixed with new season releases.
Alligator gear and reptile/ Triassic Styles are my highlight genre.

Compositions from bio studies with a futurism angle define Van Peart Príve artisan wear.

We also create exclusive four season wear that we call “ALL SZN GEAR”, with versatile functionality.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

I currently manufacture my own products in hand. All pieces are custom made and sometimes one of a kind depending on the textile or fur customization.

There’s a varying formula I use to create my specs. Sometimes I flat draft or drape on the form. I usually change the design as I’m going until it feels finalized. I do illustrate or draw all my concepts as well.

I got started by figuring out my family sewing machines & then taking classes in grade school. I was so intrigued with making what didn’t exist.

In the near future, Van Peart Príve will manufacture our custom essentials, which I currently custom ship to clients.

Staying true to yourself and keeping quality control consistent
are lesson’s I’ve lived along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: minkahontas.com
• Instagram: @minkahontas
• Other: vanpeartprive.net @vanpeartprive Design IG

Image Credits
Self Portrait By: Jesse Peart – Brother Smokin’ Feather Portrait: Niqko