Adam Taubenfligel is quite literally a man on a mission. As the Founder and Creative Director of Triarchy, a bespoke denim line headquartered in Los Angeles, Adam is passionate about conserving our planet’s most important resource by reducing the massive amounts of water used by the global denim industry.
Forever a lover of jeans and all things denim-related, Adam has searched the world over for the greenest manufacturing options, and ended up uprooting Triarchy’s production from LA to Mexico City, where the factory the company works with uses 85% recycled water. In the Triarchy universe, every element of design and production has been analyzed to see where improvements can be made; even their hardware and labels are chosen to uphold rigorous sustainability standards.
Adam is a babe because he has elevated the denim industry, challenged the status quo and is making the world a better place, one sexy pair of sustainable jeans at a time.
What does Babes Supporting Babes mean to you?
To me, Babes Supporting Babes means relating with people on a human level. I truly believe that we’re all doing the best we can at any given time, and at some point in our lives, we have all engaged in both positive and negative behaviour. I try my best to be kind and suspend judgement.
What city feels most like home to you?
Los Angeles. Since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to live here. And now that I do, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
If you could fly anywhere in the world tomorrow for 24 hours, where would you go? No jet lag, obvs!
Mexico City. I absolutely love it there — it’s like if L.A. took more siestas and ate dinner later, and had cuter men.
Who are your mentors? What have they taught you?
Robin Kay, President of the Fashion Design Council of Canada and Founder of Toronto Fashion Week. She taught me to challenge my own thinking, to be objective and that everyone is as afraid of me as I am of them.
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Allowing myself to fall in love.
What are five things you always keep on your desk?
My Moleskine, my MacBook Pro, photos of me and my family
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
Dolly Parton.
If you could leave your career with one legacy what would you hope it is?
If there is one thing I hope to accomplish, it’s to motivate people to be conscious of their consumption and to have fewer, “better” things, and to know where the things we buy are coming from. Like many people, I used to consume fast fashion, I absolutely did. But once I saw the damage it was causing environmentally and also on a human level, I couldn’t be a part of it anymore, and I knew that I had to change Triarchy to be a catalyst for change.
What is your version of a “power suit”?
A Canadian tuxedo. Denim makes me feel strong, yet relaxed. Calm, but powerful. It’s a real, living fabric.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My mother always used to say to me when I was growing up that “if you don’t do it, somebody else will.” That has always stuck with me. Also if they throw you out the door, find a window and climb back in. Not in the literal sense of course.
Who is your current celebrity crush?
Rami Malek. Have you seen Bohemian Rhapsody? I watched that movie and had goosebumps all over my body.
What characteristics do you most admire in the people you work with?
Kindness. I hate being around assholes. Why would anyone do anything and go out of their way to be unkind? Life is too short. Not to mention being an asshole is a clear reflection of your unhappiness with yourself so…
What are three things we would find in your fridge at all times?
Eggs, kombucha and dark chocolate.
What is your most-trusted news source?
I quite enjoy Don Lemon’s show on CNN.
What are your pet peeves?
People who always look at their phone during dinner. I try to think about how things were 30 years ago. It’s such ‘a thing’ now, and I’ve been guilty of it before too…but I really try to be in the moment and focused on the people who have been gracious enough to share their time with me.
In the sustainability movement we’re starting to dial it back even farther and discuss consciousness as a driver for sustainability. If you’re in a good place, you make more responsible decisions all around so that speaks for itself.
Who is your favourite supermodel?
Celeste Barber. She is EVERYTHING. She takes the piss and I love her to death.
What public figure do you admire the most?
Stella McCartney. The fact that she brought sustainability and responsible practices to a large luxury fashion label is a paradigm shift. History will be very kind to her.
What words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Fair enough”. When people start spending time with me, they start saying it incessantly too. I wish I could stop but I can’t…fair enough!
What is your most treasured possession?
My grandma’s ring. I wear it on my right hand. Sometimes I put it on my left hand when I want to be left alone…I kid. That makes me sounds like such a
Vintage or New?
Vintage, always. I like when something has been
Book everyone should read?
House of Versace. It’s such a fabulous book. Gianni was a genius, Donatella was a powerhouse. It’s a must-read. Dead Reckoning by Carys Cragg as well, it’s a very intense look at a very personal subject and it moved me quite deeply.
Best compliment you have ever received?
That I look younger and act older than I am. I hope to keep that going for many years to come.
If you could put one message on a billboard, what would it be?
It’s really cliché, but whatever: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Favourite classic movie and why?
To Catch A Thief. Alfred Hitchcock, Monte Claro, diamonds, Cary Grant, Grace Kelly….what’s not to like. And the weather looked so agreeable.
What person or organization would you love to collaborate with and why?
The United Nations. I would love for clothing to have the same identifying markers as
What motivates you on a Monday morning?
The gym. I like living in California because it’s always sunny. A body in movement is a healthy body, and it allows your mind to work in the same way. But I meditate before the gym, without that, I wouldn’t make it to the gym in the first place.
When do you feel your best?
After meditating. If I’m having a frazzled day, it completely resets me. If everyone on this planet started meditating, this planet would start spinning differently.
Keep up with Adam on Instagram @adamtriarchy and @triarchy.
Introduction written by Alexis Sheridan.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.