IAN MAHINMI WITH HIS EYES CLOSED, HE IS AT ONE WITH THE MUSIC. HE LIBERALLY SMILES AND GENTLY SWAYS TO THE R&B HE HEARS FROM A DISTANT SPEAKER. HE CAN’T HELP IT—MUSIC IS AS INSPIRATIONAL TO HIS LIFE AS IS HIS FRENCH COUNTRY AND ITS FASHION HERITAGE. HE PROJECTS CONFIDENCE AND REFINEMENT WITH A SLEEK, MUSCULAR EDGE—JUST LIKE THE EXCLUSIVE MENSWEAR LINE HE DESIGNS. It would seem a different rhythm from his “day job” as a center with the Indiana Pacers, yet Ian Mahinmi will tell you in a French accent with a hint of a soothing Jamaican cadence he inherited from his mother: “Who you are isn’t something that really begins or ends with what you are doing at the moment.” His creative sensitivity and discipline as global athlete seep into his four-year-old menswear business with his two French partners. What sets French Deal miles apart from other celebrity-wanna-be-designers is a fanatical fit, a high-fashion palette, and surprising couture-like details
MARY G. BARR: What was the genesis of your line, French Deal? IAN MAHINMI: Every time I went back home to France, I wanted to be involved with something in fashion because I love it. About four years ago in Paris, I was introduced to designer Steeven Kodjia, who asked me what I thought of his designs. I really liked the way he thought, and so we exchanged ideas. A few months later, he came in with a few cool jackets, and I told him, “I think you and I can really go somewhere.” So we went into business. Soon another French partner joined us, soccer player Ousmane Dabo. And with the three of us, we really wanted something that represented us.
MGB: You and your partners don’t just have fashion in common. You are all athletic. IM: We were from the same social path. I was not from the best neighborhood—it was pretty rough. Steeven was the same way. Ousmane was the same way. And the thing that moved us was sports. I left at 14 years old—an hour away from where I lived—to play basketball and go to school. Ousmane did the same thing with soccer, and Steeven was a dancer. So we all have that competitive nature that comes into play when we talk about fashion.
such as armscye contrast seaming and scarf-like statement prints in silk as jacket linings. And it doesn’t hurt that he employs the same fabric sourcing as the French power labels. His customers are an elite set of world-stage athletes and musicians. The collection is available as made-to-order and through invitation-only events. But even without an athletic build like Mahinmi’s 6’11” frame, his line is noticeable in its strong voice and approachability. And with plans for expanded e-commerce and in-store distribution, he has many fans who can’t wait for the next page in the Ian Mahinmi playbook.
MGB: How so? And how does that translate within your business? IM: The best way to put it is to look at the quality of our clothes. It’s the details. We challenge each other so much it just shows. When you look at fashion today, we are still new. But you don’t find clothes from a small company with the detail and fit like we do. It’s a result of pushing our little group to have the best of the best. Even some of the details that you don’t see we think about: the buttons, the zipper, the lining. Feel how heavy this button is.
MGB: How did that start for you growing up? What are some of your earliest fashion inspirations? IM: As a kid, [Nike] Air Force 1 was one of the most wanted sneakers for me. I wanted every color to match every one of my outfits. You name the color—I had it.
MGB: Did you always have an appreciation for such fine details in garment construction? IM: Yes, I’m French, after all! The French love luxurious fabrics and detailing. 83