I love people like menswear designer James Kendi, enthusiasts who are always mixing it up, bringing new sensations to light. I like to get around these people, watch what they do, try to figure out what makes them tick. Necessarily, they’re complicated, have complicated patterns, and this makes for difficulties in the branding department. They wear their fascinations on their sleeves.

James probably has about 15 serious projects going right now, many of which will have no resonance within the blurry context of his known career. This summer, for example, he seduced everyone’s favorite patternmaker Ryuhei Omaru into making a cloth “sweat lodge” in a field in upstate New York. As a public service, I asked James a few questions about his process, and here’s what was said.

What is it like when you experience an incredible creative moment?

It’s usually a subconscious and an intuitive thing, and I might not even notice it happening.

What has to happen for you to know you’re having it?

A tingly sensation, or levitation. I have no idea. Maybe the act of making leads to new ideas?

What are you working on? What’s coming up?

Mostly the projects are in the theoretical stage and in my head, which is the part of the process I’m the least fond of. I like bringing them out of my head and into the world. That takes time. In the meantime I’ve taken some (photographic) portraits of Ratatat (the band) and have distracted myself making Kendi Ties. I’m collaborating with wizard patternmaker/designer Ryuhei Omaru to make an exclusive line of neckties that rethink/redefine the form, etc. Next will be men’s shorts.

Of the many things in this world you value highly, pick one and tell us why it’s good.

Love and food are both essential, and I can’t say which I value more. A good cheeseburger is hard to beat.

What does it feel like when it really feels right, and how do you know?

When love feels right it’s like a perfect sounding click that magically works. There’s no second guessing it, and no games, distractions, etc., at least in the beginning.

What was it like for you before, and what is it like for you now?

The younger you are, the more magical things seem. Maybe it’s naiveté or inexperience. Babies have all the answers. If you need to know anything, hang around with a baby for an hour and all your questions will be answered.

How do you get your ideas? What’s your process?

Walks through the city. And all I see on them usually gets the mind working. Then a vague idea occurs and eventually builds, etc. etc.

*photo by yours truly