Chris Heyn Launches Havoc Henry
WITH CHRIS HEYN
The Havoc Henry man is always on the go, a bit more hip than the everyday man, and keen on what is happening in todays trends.
Photography, Tai Hirayama
Words, Igee Okafor In Conversation with Chris Heyn
VIEW GALLERY
Style curator and influencer, Chris Heyn is bringing a tongue-in-cheek attitude to classic lifestyle wear with the launch of his clothing brand, Havoc Henry. The offerings that come along with this launch include a t-shirt featuring the signature Havoc logo in latte/hunter green and marine blue/navy colorways. There was a limited number of black and white samples that have since sold out, but will likely be brought back in coming seasons.
It’s a busy time for Heyn as the founder of a new business looking to gain meaningful impact and legacy. Every decision is treated to his specific taste and capabilities. His priorities currently focus on developing a specific DNA for the brand inclusive of informing and developing the right products and point of view. “From a commercial standpoint, we are just in the incubation stage. I am learning what things I need to take more time with, vs. what things I can accomplish quicker now. Trying to set up some of the infrastructure and bones for intrigue to begin to grow this brand.” says Heyn.
The mission is all about having fun and not taking life too seriously. Havoc happens.
Having been inspired by iconic designers in the 70s and 80s like Ralph Lauren and Halston, mixed with the new age flair of designers like Nigo (of Bape & Human Made) and The Stark Family (of Chrome Hearts), the 90s and early 2000s carefree nostalgia is a clear selling point of Havoc Henry’s launch. “The mission is all about having fun and not taking life too seriously,” Chris Heyn tells BOND OFFICIAL. “Havoc happens.”
Here in his own words, the budding entrepreneur discusses his streetwear and “hype” craze, first ventures into entrepreneurship and the future of Havoc Henry.
THE LOOK
Jeans, Denim Tears
IO: Walk me through the chosen name for the brand.
CH: My middle name is Henry, and I almost went by Henry a few times in my life, as my father and I have the same name. Going by Henry was suggested to me as well when I was almost convinced to go down the modeling and acting route when I was graduating college. I wanted this brand to incorporate part of me and my story, but also be a bit of a character. I’ve always been attracted to double alliteration (Don Draper, Lex Luthor, Hulk Hogan etc.) and wanted to incorporate that since I think it just sounds sexier. The weekend I decided to change my instagram name and rebrand, a rapper I like ($not), has just released an album “Beautiful Havoc”, and everything clicked to me. I immediately bought the domain name and began the early process of trying to brand that name.
IO: Did you have any design experience prior to Havoc Henry?
CH: Not professionally. I am still in the process of trying to teach myself the programs and applications to try and design or get the basics down, but it has mostly been having friends help me get my ideas down. I am more of the vision and big picture guy. Early in college, I fooled around on photoshop with a few friends and the idea to start a company called the Balboa Buzz Club based off some of my upbringing near Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California. I still have the graphics and some of the designs I made for it almost 10 years ago. That idea never came to life, but I also ran a music blog with a frat buddy in college where we started a website and sold some merch. That was an early insight into practicing some branding and basic design work. I know what I want to make and have the foresight for it, but it’s just that crucial and difficult part of then shaping that idea into a tangible collection or piece. I am just starting off and teaching myself everything here, so it’s exciting to be at the beginning of my journey.
THE LOOK:
Jacket, Saturdays NYC; Rollneck Sweater, Ralph Lauren
I fall into some trends and will explore a new style Every now and then, but it’s what sticks through the test of time that really shows style and class.
IO: Tell me about your interest in fashion and what kind of influences inspire you.
CH: I feel like a sponge at times and have taken so many different elements and backgrounds into consideration when I think about my influences and where they stem from.
Dichotomy and contrast are huge influences in my life and in this brand [Havoc Henry]. I always thought it would be cool if someone could pull off a pair of beat up vans or converse, with a Loro Piana jacket. Or a vintage Fubu t-shirt with Bottega boots. Unusual pairings like that are always eye catching to me and show a deeper story and sense of self.
I remember in fourth grade needing to be the first person in school to have Nike shox, and styling it with track pants and blind skateboard t shirt, and rolling one leg up (early influence idea from watching MTV, VH1 and BET music videos when I would get home from school). I remember later that day in school seeing a few boys in the lunch line roll up one of their pant legs, and it was the beginning of seeing I had a little bit of leeway with styling things and influencing some of the other kids in my school.
Growing up not too far from Manhattan, starting at 14/15, I would take the train into soho with some friends on free weekends when I didn't have soccer and go down to Mercer Street and Greene Street to check out the shops and start to get my finger on the pulse. I really got into Bape, Billionaire Boys Club, Supreme, and Kid Robot around 2007. Not many kids at my high school knew I was rocking a pair of Jamaica Bapes freshman year. It was fun to feel like I was a part of something before everyone knew about it. Trends fade, but the classic takeaways will always last. Don't get me wrong, I fall into some trends and will explore a new style every now and then, but it’s what sticks through the test of time that really shows style and class.
IO: To launch Havoc Henry, you currently have t-shirts in two colorways. Which is your favorite and how do you wear it especially when the fall season is on the horizon?
CH: We currently have the latte/hunter green and the marine blue/navy colorways. I am a sucker for blue and have always been drawn to different shades of blue. I grew up a Chapel Hill fan since my father played soccer there, and ‘Carolina blue’ has been ingrained in my color pallet. It’s very nautical, which is a big theme for me and something I am trying to encapsulate with this brand. I grew up in a small harbor town and the water is a huge draw for all of this. I am happiest at the beach and want to create a line that encompasses beach culture and nautical/surf themes in an everyday modern metropolitan life. Something you can feel cool and comfortable wearing around a pool party, that you can also dress up or down. James Perse is an inspiration here and I think has captures that outdoor adventure sophisticated crowd well. Layering is always a huge thing for the fall/winter, and for as long as we can get away with it, I like wearing t-shirts under cardigans or flannel button downs. There’s a way to make it casual and elegant at the same time.
IO: What would you say you’re bringing to the fashion industry with the launch of Havoc? What’s the mission?
CH: Pushing the limits just enough where we are moving the needle on discussion and culture, but staying in bounds enough where we are not pushing too many people away or becoming too unrelatable. It’s playing with that hypothetical line and boundary of culture and heritage. Vulnerability is key to connecting with people, and I hope people can see this is an all-encompassing lifestyle brand. There are many internet-based brands like Hidden NY or Sporty & Rich that I admire and hope to bring my own twist on that exclusive yet traditional feel. I am a very nostalgic person, and being a 90s baby I have pulled a lot from that era as well.
I also want to tie music into this brand, as music is one of the most important things in my life. I turn to different artists and different generations for inspiration at any given time. From Blink 182, to A Flock of Seagulls, and Young Thug. I am trying to bring it all together into one party wave.
IO: What other products are you developing?
CH: I have a few things underway at the moment. The most pressing being a hoodie. Hoodies are a staple of my wardrobe and have been since I can remember. We are working on a few designs and production as we speak, so I hope to have something out this winter. I have been trying to source locally and keep nearly everything domestic.
Polos are also on the radar. We are in the early stages of R&D that I know will take some time to get it right, but that is another thing under wraps at the HH headquarters. As you may be able to tell, I want to have a streetwear spin on country club prep. The classic Lacoste polo is iconic and known worldwide as one of the great tennis and golf polos. I want to develop a polo and step into the knitwear & woven game. Headwear is also a discussion right now! I fear trucker hats will be fading out again soon, so I am looking to do something a bit more classic or a hybrid. Lots to come soon.
