Parsons Undergrad Turned Instagram Designer Claims to Be The “Next Big Thing”

On a frosty New York morning in late November, we are greeted by the man of the hour Connor Bradford, as he guides us into his SoHo office which he generously offered up for our little sit-down. “I don’t have any classes today due to finals coming up, which is great because it gives me time to do this interview and go over some prototypes,” the 19-year-old Parsons undergrad says as he leads us down a chic industrial style hallway with vintage luxury campaign posters discerningly decorating the walls, complementing the overall retro vibe.

“Y’all need anything to drink?” he asks as we sit down, taking a huge gulp from a Health-Ade bottle he continues, “I don’t drink coffee, that shit is bad for you. I switched to Kombucha months ago, I drink like 5 bottles of this a day.” Based on his head to toe Off-White attire (except for his shoes, which were Rick Owens Tecuatl) it’s obvious that the Kombucha fad is not the only trend Connor is indulging in. “Yeah I keep up with what’s up but I consider myself a creative that influences, not the other way around.” He is referring to his 8K Instagram following which is “skyrocketing as we speak” according to the young designer who is getting his B.A in Urban Subculture Design.

The Connecticut native moved down to the city to study and chase his creative pursuits two years ago. Eager to develop his portfolio, he took up photography which got him on the radar of other likeminded creatives and brands.

“I wanted to create an original niche with my art, so I came up with, “She is in my Calvins.” An independent project where I photographed chicks in my underwear to challenge gender norms. Blurring the lines between femininity and masculinity, ya feel?” When we asked his thoughts on the critics claiming that he used the classic female nudity tool to attract attention to his platform, he cried out, “Yo fuck them trolls!” A 10-minute tantrum and a bottle of vinegar kombucha later, we were back on track.

Despite the negative feedback, he managed to secure a collaboration with the local streetwear brand, Fear of Mob, and landed his first gig as a brand ambassador for the label. “That partnership changed the game for me. I always had a taste for finer things but when I saw how popping the streetwear market was, I knew this life was meant for me.” Without wasting any time, Connor launched his own brand Mööd which is now available for purchase on Instagram. “I got this immediately after we made our first sale, that’s how much I believe in it,” Connor says as he proudly points at a tiny tattoo above his eyebrow which reads Mööd. Why there when he could have got it literally anywhere else? “Around the time we were launching Mööd I got an eye exam and that’s when it hit me; the eyes are everything man, that’s how we see shit. I’m a very visual person and I’m constantly looking at things so naturally eyes became a huge muse for me.”

With roughly 20 sales a month, Connor is confident that Mööd is on it’s way to becoming the next Supreme. What’s on the horizon for the young entrepreneur? “I might or might not tap into the rap game but one thing is for sure: Nobody is ready for what’s coming.”

As we got up to leave, our curiosity got the best of us, so we asked him about the family portrait behind him and he answered, “Oh yeah, that’s from a Christmas photoshoot from years ago. It has always been dad’s favorite. He had this custom framed in Italy just for his office.” Standing next to a toddler Connor is none other than James Bradford, the infamous PR guru and a longtime ally of The Pampler whom we send our gratitude to for orchestrating this interview.