Interview With Ludwig’s Mike Dytri

April 8th, 2008 Posted in Interviews

Introducing Mike Dytri. He’s a Los Angeles-based designer and free thinker who’s put his claws on many influential projects. His then-brand Subfreakie was involved in the streetwear market at a time when it was not as crowded as now. He’s just launched a new brand Ludwig, available here at Robust Flavor.

RF: Where did you grow up?
Mike: I grew up in Detroit.

RF: What were you into growing up?
Mike: judo, karate, skateboarding, graffiti, a breakdance crew called “Justice” we toured with the Swatch Watch Festival, with Run-DMC and Whodini

RF: What films have you acted in?
Mike: “Life Is Nice” with Steve Buscemi, “I’m The Elephant You Are The Mouse” with Zoe Nathanson, “The Living End” directed by Greg Araki.

RF: Why didn’t you pursue acting further?
Mike: My ego got in the way of further success… in retrospect it’s probably better that way, I would not have been able to handle that element at 23.

RF: What do you worry about?
Mike: Whether or not people will like me… do you like me?

RF: Which brands have you had a hand in starting?
Mike: Subfreakie, Clive, Mosh.

RF: Which brands have you done work for?
Mike: I have been Art Director for Matix for 5 years (and re-designed their
identity)… graphics for Issey Miyake & Jeremy Scott.

RF: Are you easy to work with?
Mike: it depends on your definition of “easy”

RF: Do you like everything you do?
Mike: Pretty much. That’s how I gauge life. I’m not made to do things I don’t like.

RF: What’s your favorite place?
Mike: Sometimes in my studio, sometimes in the water, sometimes on the mat.

RF: How do you know Mikkey D from Motorhead?
Mike: His manager shared the same office floor as me when I started Subfreakie, and Mikkey D came running into the office one day and said ” are you Swedish?”

RF: Who or what inspires you?
Mike: Competition.

RF: What, if any, other designers do you like?
Mike: I like Helmut Lang, Raf Simons, and Hardy Blechman.

RF: Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
Mike: Work is fun. But so is surfing, MMA, and having good eats & drink with good friends.

RF: You were in a Janet Jackson video?
Mike: I was in the “Nasty Boys” video, dancing was a big part of my life.

RF: What sucks right now?
Mike: The fucking Bush administration.

RF: What is the 2008 style?
Mike: Men will dress like men again.

RF: What’s next for your work?
Mike: More graphics and painting, as well as putting out good solid wares for men who like to dress like men…. no more “deep v’s and skinny crops”

Ludwig is available at UNIV and in the Robust Flavor store.