At the tender age of 29, Parisian drummer and designer Brice Partouche is already dressing some of the biggest names in the business.  In less than two years, Partouche has turned his punk-rock-inspired label, April 77 (named for the month and year of his birth), into a cult classic.  And he’s got the client roster to prove it: April 77’s jeans have graced the gams of Iggy Pop, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones, Franz Ferdinand, the Bravery and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Maybe it’s the flawless, skinny cut -- April 77’s jeans are rumored to rival those cut by fellow Frenchman (and designer with a fondness for rock n roll) Hedi Slimane, yet sell for much less ($145).  Or the signature mini-record vinyl tag and sewn-in guitar pick that come with each pair. Whatever the rationale, April 77’s success is a product of Partouche’s own unique style.

A dead ringer for one of the rockers he most admires (Elvis Costello, circa ‘77), Partouche seems to exist exactly where fashion and music (preferably punk and rockin, respectively) meet.  Partouche’s father founded the French denim brand Bonaventure, and the designer has his own band, Rodeo Massacre.  Curious to delve further, we picked his brain on everything from cars to costumes, and all the Costello in between:

If you could trade lives with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Me, myself and I. 

What is your favorite album to design to?
This Year's Model by Elvis Costello. 

Favorite album to drive to?
All Misfits (Danzig period only!) albums. 

What kind of car do you drive?
I'm so glad you ask me this question! I've just bought a Ford Thunderbird '62 Convertible... hehe. But I don't drive in Paris, here I'm a stupid walker... I would like to ride a black hearse Cadillac from the ‘50s! 

What city most influences your style?
New York. 

Where are your favorite spots to hang out in Paris?  Why?
I never quite go out in Paris. I'm not into partying and all that night stuff, but I like to see concerts, or have dinner with close friends.  I work a lot and all my free time is dedicated to my band.

Favorite film when it comes to style?
Gummo by Harmony Korine.

What are you doing for fashion week?
The second April 77 Punk Rock Karaoke will be on Thursday, the 5th of  October, at Le Truskel in Paris. It's one of the last places in Paris where you can listen to rock n' roll.  We have the whole basement for us. So, it's easy! It's just a karaoke but with punk-rock songs: Ramones, the Clash, Danzig, The Buzzcocks, the Damned, the Undertones... It's really funny and all the people are singing (after 2 or 3 beers...)

Why did you start April 77?
Because I couldn't afford a vintage Ludwig drumkit before.

Where did the name Rodeo Massacre come from?
I really don't know! It just sounded cool!

What is the best design and/or style advice your father gave you?
When I told my father that I would like to have the same job as him,  it was a family tragedy! (I was supposed to study medicine...I did it for 2  years!) Finally he's proud of me. He has never given me advice, but he taught me a lot of technical points.  Creativity without technique and common sense is zero.  The most important thing is that he believes in me.

If you could pick one city/venue to perform live at, what would it be?
I wish I could play everywhere in New York, being Elvis Costello and the Attractions’ guest!

Where did you get your glasses?
I don't remember but I have a new pair now. 

Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are you going to be?
French people should not celebrate Halloween!

~Alisa Gould-Simon

Get Yours:

For more from April 77, check out april77.fr.  (Don't miss the April 77's online radio station, or the News & Gossips section - great interviews and photos of up-and-coming bands like Rhesus, the Horrors, and Canadian Brunch; style tips; karaoke coverage and more.)

Get Yours:

For more from April 77, check out april77.fr.  (Don't miss the April 77's online radio station, or the News & Gossips section - great interviews and photos of up-and-coming bands like Rhesus, the Horrors, and Canadian Brunch; style tips; karaoke coverage and more.)

For more on Brice Partouche and Rodeo Massacre, check out myspace.com/rodeomassacre

April 77 is sold at:

Seven New York, (646) 654-0156, 110 Mercer St, New York, sevennewyork.com

Colette, 01 55 35 33 90, 213 rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, colette.fr

Dover Street Market, 020 7518 0680, 17-18 Dover St, London, doverstreetmarket.com

Loveless, +81 3 54745934, 3-17-11 Minamiaoyama, Miato-ku, Tokyo