Max Vallot: 'Antiquated Legacy Brands Are Giving Way to Purpose-Driven Companies'

Welcome to a new series where we bring the BoF community even closer together by getting to know some of our key members.

BoF: What is your current role? 

Max Vallot: Co-founder of sportswear brand and creative studio District Vision.

BoF: What do you wish more people understood about your job? 

MV: Building District Vision over the past three years has been more like therapy, for myself and my business partner Tom, than a job. The company is predicated on mindful sports and on the inside it often feels like a marathon of the mind.

BoF: What is the number one lesson you've learned during your career? 

MV: A marathon is not about powering through at full steam but you equally can't stand still. Endurance is key, being able to back off is even more important. Optimal performance arises when you find that sweet spot. I was generally going too hard for most of my career.

BoF: What is the number one challenge you are facing in your area of expertise? 

MV: I'm sure this is not specific to my area of expertise, but finding the right people is always the biggest challenge.

BoF: What industry shifts are you most optimistic about? 

MV: Antiquated legacy brands are giving way to purpose-driven companies. There is a natural cleansing process going on, albeit slowly.

BoF: What topics should the fashion industry be debating more vigorously? 

MV: I think what we call fashion today is a myth that most insiders are desperately trying to protect, even though the world around it has changed dramatically. We need to be open to reframing our concept of what fashion is in 2019.

BoF: How do you hope the industry will evolve in 2019? 

MV: I believe old structures like fashion weeks, trade shows and industry councils need to be broken down and redefined. The system is protecting outdated businesses and not doing enough to support new ideas and unorthodox business models.

BoF: What are you doing differently in your role this year? 

MV: I'm trying to approach every moment as a mindfulness practice.

Do you have a question for Max?