Maison Filipi brings back limited collection of Vancouver Grizzlies hats and toques

After the success of its initial release two years ago, Canadian label Maison Filipi has brought back its most popular collection featuring alternate-logo suede strap back hats and toques.

Discussing the two-piece set, which pays tribute to Pacific Northwest Native Art and the now defunct Vancouver Grizzlies, is head designer Filip Filipi. Read on to find out more about Filipi’s work, source of creativity and his upcoming projects

Tell us a bit about your background

I was born in Serbia, raised in Victoria, and have been living between Toronto, New York and Chicago for the last few years. I was in music before and now do humanitarian work full time while dabbling with fashion on the side.

When did you start designing? Are you self taught or did you study fashion design?

I started Maison Filipi back in 2012 when I was looking to buy a camo bow tie but there was none on the market so I just made it myself. A friend of mine went to Parsons School of Fashion and all she was basically doing were kindergarten-esque coloring projects, so we joined forces. I feel like anything to do with art – music, fashion, painting, sculpting – can’t be taught and a formal education only limits individuality and creativity.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

It’s simple, I put visually appealing designs no one else has used onto clothing. I’m not big on fabrics because I do street wear and my pieces are priced accordingly. There’s nothing worse than street wear designers who price their products in the same range as high fashion. All our products are proudly made in sweat shops in Richmond and support the local underground economy.

What sparked your interest in Native art and how has this interest inspired your current collection?

I’ve been interested in First Nations culture since I saw the movie Crazy Horse back in Serbia as a little kid. I took a First Nations Art class in grade 8 and more First Nations Studies in college. I find their spiritual beliefs had very advanced ideas of mysticism which they depicted in their art.

Why hats?

This collection is an ode to the Vancouver Grizzlies and I find baseball hats to be the clothing item of choice for sports fans. I always cheered against the Grizzlies while they were here so this is my making amends if you will.

What’s next for Maison Filipi? Do you have anything in the pipeline you can tell us about?

Originally I was planning on making cool socks but that is getting played out so I think I will focus on umbrellas.

Where can people find your work?

All items can be ordered online at www.maisonfilipi.fr and this collection is available at Dipt and Shop Wrong in Vancouver. I’m in talks with VFILES in New York and RSVP Gallery in Chicago for my next collection.

Images: Submitted