Q&A with Evan Holahan aka @evanholahan

Name: Evan Holahan

Birth year: 1995

Location: North Carolina, United States

Profession: Marketing Content Creator and Photographer

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, Evan Holahan, Denimhunters, raw denim,

How Evan Got Started on Instagram

Thomas: How did it all start with your Instagram feed?

Evan: Around seven years ago, I would basically just post photos of my outfits or everyday life. I knew nothing about photography at the time but knew that I just liked to take pictures.

I got into raw denim around the same time that I had made an Instagram account, so naturally, I got more involved with the community through the app. This pushed me in a way to learn more about photography and put more thought into my content.

T: Why Instagram? What are your goals?

E: For a long time, it was just a great way to connect with other creators and to get to know people who were passionate about the same things that you’re passionate about.

Instagram has changed a lot and has a lot of negatives that come with it, but there is still a foundation underneath for finding things that inspire you.

I basically just use it now as a means to show what I’m up to and what kinds of projects I am working on with my photography. It’s also great for keeping in touch with friends across the globe.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, Evan Holahan, Denimhunters, raw denim,
T: How much time do you spend on Instagram on a daily basis?

E: Usually about 45 minutes a day. I used to find myself on there for much longer but have tried to limit it so this way I’m not just twiddling my thumbs on the app when I am bored.

T: How do you take your photos?

E: If they are of myself, just a tripod and the Fuji self-remote app. My girlfriend also helps me take them; she loves photography as much as I do so we’re usually on the same wavelength in that sense.

T: Which tools do you use?

E: I am currently shooting with a Fuji X-T100 and a 15mm-45mm variable lens setup. I edit via Lightroom on my Macbook.

I believe the tripod that I am currently using is just a medium-grade Pantan. Nothing too fancy!

I also recently invested in a Campbell Cole O-Tote bag that I use for a camera bag and it’s been a lifesaver for when I’m out shooting street photography.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, Evan Holahan, Denimhunters, raw denim,
T: What’s your editorial flow?

E: I used to have a strict editorial flow where I would try to post every day. I try not to do that anymore, as it forces creativity a bit. I mainly just make efforts to shoot photos every day, and post several times a week with projects that I’ve been working on or things that have kept me inspired.

T: What are your favourite locations to take photos? And why?

E: Paris, for sure. My girlfriend lives there, and I usually visit for a few months at a time when I can.

My favorite thing about it is the massive variety in architecture and atmosphere that you can find there. One minute you’re walking by a one 150-year-old apartment building with art deco details that were added onto it one hundred years ago, and then you can walk two blocks over and come across an apartment complex with a minimalist Scandinavian tone to it.

It’s a gold mine when it comes to exploring.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, Evan Holahan, Denimhunters, raw denim,

Evan’s Denim Style and Preferences

T: How did you get into denim?

E: I got my first pair of selvedge denim about seven years ago.

I grew up in skateboarding culture, so I was always wearing the same pair of jeans for months at a time and skating in them till they were absolutely destroyed.

A friend of mine introduced me to selvedge denim and when he explained to me about how you’re supposed to wear them as much as possible so they mold and fade according to your lifestyle, it just kind of clicked with what I would do with my skate jeans when I was younger, so I was hooked.

T: What’s your favourite feature of jeans?

E: Probably the buttons or the leather patch details. I think these are the spaces where brands can really showcase their creative sphere so I always love to see what they do with it to make it personable to them.

T: How do you wash your denim?

E: Usually, once every few months when they start to smell, a forty-five-minute cold soak in the bathtub with some Woolite dark does the trick.

T: What’s your favourite denim brand?

E: This is a tough one; I’d have to say Momotaro/Japan Blue. I think the story behind the brand and where they pull their inspiration from is really neat. They also put an immense amount of attention to detail in their products.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, Evan Holahan, Denimhunters, raw denim,
T: What’s your favourite fit? And why?

E: I’m kind of in between two right now. I love both the Momotaro narrow tapered fit and then the 3sixteen CT fit. They both have a nice amount of room in the top block which I really like because of how active I am.

The main difference between the two is in the taper from the knee down. My Momotaro 0105 SP’s have a pretty strong taper, which I’m a big fan of just because of how good it looks with boots.

My CT’s offered a more relaxed taper that isn’t quite as strong, so it works well for a classic kind of look to go with my New Balances or Converses, for example.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, Evan Holahan, Denimhunters, raw denim,
Taylor Stitch Trench Boots.
T: Which boots and leather goods do you wear with your denim?

E: All of my leather goods come from Mercy Supply. I have both a bi-fold wallet and belt from them. They’re easily my favorite leather goods brand as they make products that truly withstand everyday wear.

For boots, lately, I have been cycling between the Alden Indy Boot, several different pairs of Thursdays, and then the Taylor Stitch Trench Boot (above).

Suggested podcast episode: Best made vs. best marketed boots

T: Which sneakers do you wear?

E: My favorite sneakers in my rotation are the New Balance Made in USA 990s as well as the Converse x Commes des Garcons all-stars. I have also been eyeing some from Brandblack and Salomon but have yet to pick some up.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, Evan Holahan, Denimhunters, raw denim,
T: Favourite item that’s not denim or leather?

E: I think I mentioned it earlier, but probably my Campbell Cole O-Tote. It really is one of my favorite pieces to carry around with me when I’m out taking photos or just exploring a new area.

I also have a few old rings and bracelets that I’ve gotten from old jewellery stores in Paris. I wear them almost every day, so they’ve become a core part of my outfits.

T: Where do you buy your gear?

E: Some of my favorite shops to purchase from are Meadow, Centre Commercial, Royal Cheese, Lone Flag, Okayama Denim, Canoe Club, and Withered Fig.

I always love getting the chance to show support to independent retailers.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, Evan Holahan, Denimhunters, raw denim,
T: What’s your monthly clothing budget?

E: I’ll be honest, I don’t really have a budget or anything. I actually purchase items quite infrequently. Some months, I might pick up one or two pieces. Other times, I might even go three to four months without purchasing anything at all. It all kind of depends, I try to only buy something when I am absolutely in love with it or really need it.

T: What styling tips would you give your followers if they wanted your style?

E: I think, above all, just wear things that really get you excited every time you put them on and make sure that they inspire you.

I pull from so many different sources of inspiration for my style, whether it’s Japanese streetwear, American workwear or French workwear. I just find something that I love and roll with it.

That’s what keeps things original and I think that’s what defines good style.

Ready for More Q&As?

If you’d like to read more personal stories and Q&As, you can check out all the previous ones right here. Want to make sure you never miss one? Sign up for the free weekly Denimhunters email newsletter.

Author

Thomas founded Denimhunters in 2011 and built it into a voice for the denim industry and community. Today, he helps companies grow and gain market shares using his STORY/SELLING BLUEPRINT.

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