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Meet Bradley Callahan, 26, Bushwick's latest fashion maverick and mind behind the delicious label BCALLA. Callahan's creative aesthetic -- a mash-up of skin tight S&M apparel and futuristic silhouettes -- have been donned by major NYC nightlife figures like Julianna Huxtable Ladosha and Mykki Blanco. With progressive unisex designs and
collections inspired by an urban narrative, Callahan is reinventing the fashion
wheel one season at a time. Find out why all the cool kids from chiseled go-go
boys at Westgay to PAPER fave Azealia Banks are going crazy for his designs in our interview with Callahan below.
How long have you been designing?
Since I was a little boy. My brother and I were really into comic books and would make our own. My brother would draw the comics and I would design all the costumes. X-Men, Lady Death, Witchblade and Kabuki were my first fashion icons.
When did you move to Brooklyn?
Three years ago. Brooklyn is insanely influential to my designs. I love walking around Broadway, Knickerbocker, and Graham and popping into all the dollar stores and boutiques like Pretty Girl, Weekend for the Ladies, MUST BE, and Discount fashion outlet. I can't speak enough to the street style of my neighborhood -- both from the natives and the kids fresh to Bushwick.
What is your favorite item in your current line?
I just made a custom faux fur coat for the stylist Brett Bailey, that's pretty major!
What's your biggest challenge as a designer? Which designers have inspired you?
A whole slew of designers -- early 2000 Galliano for Dior was an epic influence on me. Others include Bernhard Willhelm, Walter Van Beirendonck, Pam Hogg, Peggy Noland, Gerlan Jeans, and Jean Paul Lespagnard just to name a few.
![BCALLA_1_3.jpg]()
Describe the essence of BCALLA.
More is more, bad taste is the best taste, and there is no gender.
Does anyone embody that mantra?
So many wonderful, amazing, beautiful and inspiring creatures that I am lucky to know.
![Azealia Banks in BCALLA.jpg]()
How did your pieces end up in Azealia Banks' closet?
Through [stylist] Contessa Stuto. She bought some BCALLA for Azealia's tour.
You can purchase items from the BCALLA collectionHERE ="www.bcalla.com">
I just made a custom faux fur coat for the stylist Brett Bailey, that's pretty major!
What's your biggest challenge as a designer? Which designers have inspired you?
A whole slew of designers -- early 2000 Galliano for Dior was an epic influence on me. Others include Bernhard Willhelm, Walter Van Beirendonck, Pam Hogg, Peggy Noland, Gerlan Jeans, and Jean Paul Lespagnard just to name a few.
Describe the essence of BCALLA. More is more, bad taste is the best taste, and there is no gender.
Does anyone embody that mantra?
So many wonderful, amazing, beautiful and inspiring creatures that I am lucky to know.
How did your pieces end up in Azealia Banks' closet? Through [stylist] Contessa Stuto. She bought some BCALLA for Azealia's tour.
You can purchase items from the BCALLA collection
