Bruny Surin launches clothing line
He is the joint-fifth fastest man in history but Bruny Surin is now following his passion for fashion. Spikesmag.com caught up with the Canadian sprint legend to chat about his new clothing line.
Hey Bruny, you have launched a new fashion line, Surin, have you always been into clothes?
BS: Since I was a kid I've always loved fashion. I always wanted my clothes to match together. When I was little my friends used to call me ‘The Minister’ because I liked to wear a suit and tie. For me, when you go to a public place you have to be presentable. I like to wear nice clothes.
During my track career, I was sponsored by Reebok and Nike and when I tried on the new shoes and the new equipment I gave my feedback. From then I realised I wanted to set up my own line.
What do you most like to wear?
BS: The special thing I like to wear is a suit. I like the suit and ties to match up and also I like to know about the fabric. I have about 40 suits and I have three Hugo Boss suits – they're my favourite ones (the same favourite suit makers as the world's fastest man Usain Bolt).
Okay, tell us more about your fashion line?
BS: We launched last month and at the moment I only have a men’s sports line but next month I’m launching a women’s line. In September I’m going to release my second line for men.
Right now, I have the basic colours - white, black, grey and silver grey – and I haven’t gone too hardcore but the next line we are going to go more colourful. I’m hoping maybe in the next 12 -18 months to have a more casual line. My ultimate goal is to have dress shirts and stuff like that.
Was it difficult to set up?
BS: At first I tried to do it myself. It was very tough, logistically, to assemble everything. Now I have linked up with a big company called JCORP because they have all the designers in place and distribution process already set up. I go there and tell them what piece I want with what kind of fabrics. They go to work and I’ll pop in the office to see how everything is going and we move on from there.
What is the target audience for your clothing line?
BS: I would say 13 to 45 because it’s basic sports gear like T-shirts, jogging pants, hoodies and sweatshirts.
How does working in the clothes industry compare with being an international sprinter?
BS: It is very different because when you’re a high level athlete everyone is taking care of you but now in the business world no one is going to look after you and you have to deliver. It counts for nothing if I’m Bruny Surin but the material is not nice or the clothes are not practical.
Do you have much say on the design of the clothes?
BS: I have people who work for me but they say, ‘Bruny what do you like?’ I choose the colour and type of equipment I want in my collection. They give me some ideas, though. It is a big operation. I really enjoy it.
Where can I buy Surin clothing?
BS: It is available in L’Aubainerie – a high-class shop, which stocks close with mass appeal. They have 46 stores across Quebec. The prices range from $12-$35.
How are sales?
BS: So far, touchwood, the people at the store say that for the first time in their history they have a new line and that is the best selling line in the store. I am very happy as long as it keeps on going like that. I don’t just want to be the best, but I want to be the best all of the time.
What is your favourite item?
BS: I really like the retro T-shirt – the Eva Sport.
Do you wear your own clothes?
BS: I wear my stuff a lot, but I also wear Nike.
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