I first came across Hubane when I was scrolling mindlessly through Instagram and an image caught my eye. It was a boot in the most beautiful black material with a white sole that looked like it had been chiseled out of ice. I couldn't decided whether it was a new grungy Rick Owens collection or a SFX piece from a cyberpunk movie, but I was obsessed. I soon learnt that the boots were made by Hubane; a young brand rooted in the action of redefining reality. A brand that embraces the past, future and present in an avant-guarde manner. Israel Yanir, the designer behind Hubane, hand-makes each piece and I knew I had to meet the face behind those boots.
Interview by Danielle Fox
Photos courtesy of Israel Yanir
Originally from Atlanta Georgia, Israel grew up going back and fourth between there and Brooklyn, NY and is currently a Marketing Major at Howard University in DC. I asked Israel how Hubane came to be.
“I started Hubane during my first year of college but I had been designing my own clothes since high school. I started off mainly drawing, deconstructing, bleaching and hand painting a variety of different garments.”
Creative Director, photographer, stylist, model, painter, sculptor and designer – Israel is talented in so many areas. I asked where he saw his career going and if there were any other avenues that he may perhaps be interested in.
‘‘
Yes, I’m interested in becoming a musician and actor. I’ve recently dipped my toe into film directing and DJing.’’
Hubane’s latest collection Vernum Dawn was created during the 2020 pandemic. Vernum Dawn is the mental state one is in, when they've decided to follow their passion and purpose. When one is the state of Vernum Dawn they've realised that reality is a reflection of themselves, and that it’s not the other way around. I asked Israel if this was something that he learnt himself during the pandemic.
“Yes. Keeping an open mind and always observing and paying attention to details of things created by others such as films, music, and nature created by God.”
I wanted to know what Israel’s process is when he is about to embark on a new project.
“It’s hard to describe my process because I feel as though my designs come from space and that god is working through me. However I’m really inspired by films, nature and music and from that I create paintings which directly inspire my clothing and footwear design.”
We discussed where his career is at now, and I asked if he always knew that this would be for him.
“
I always knew I would embark on something creative, I grew up looking up to Micheal Jackson and Kanye West and aspired to leave a large inspirational impact like they did.”
Israel then shared with me the best piece of advice he’d ever received.
“The best piece of advice I’ve been given is to never limit myself or limit my creative abilities.”
We moved on to discussing style and I asked Israel what his own personal definition of style would be.
“
I would define style as someone being able to combine different garments in order to truly and pleasantly express their own individuality and aesthetic through what they wear.”
I asked what his favourite piece was right now.
“My favourite piece that I own is my Vernum Venom Jacket.”
Manufacturing is based on a core value of the brand to be made from the best available and sustainable material regarding fabric, fit, and fabrication. Hubane aims to redefine the way garments are looked at as a whole which inspires unisex collections.
When discussing collections I asked Israel what we could expect next and what was in the pipeline for the near future, but he kept everything under wraps.
“I’m currently working on my collection which I’ll be presenting during fashion week in August.”
