Conor McGregor is currently on tour with Floyd Mayweather promoting their long-awaited fight, which is set for Aug. 26. And things are definitely getting heated. During their Wednesday press run in Toronto, McGregor said critics were "crazy" to think Mayweather stands a chance against him.
Verbal jabs aside, part of the conversation has revolved around the pinstripe suit McGregor wore on Tuesday. If you didn't see it, the pinstripes actually spelled out the words "FUCK YOU." The suit was a custom piece designed by David August Heil under his eponymous label. Heil, whose client roster includes Kobe Bryant, Sylvester Stallone, DJ Khaled, and even executive producer Asahd Khaled, has worked with McGregor in the past. He also dressed McGregor for his appearance in Toronto yesterday in all custom David August. But what's the deal with the pinstripe "FUCK YOU" suit?
In this exclusive interview, Heil explains how McGregor wound up wearing that suit, what message the UFC champion was trying to send, and whether or not the suit will be available to the public.
How did you start working with McGregor?
We were introduced to Conor by our other longstanding clients, [UFC CEO] Lorenzo Fertitta and [UFC president] Dana White. For a few years now, we’ve been creating these custom suits for Conor’s various events and press opportunities so we were honored when he asked us to design his entire wardrobe for the #MAYMACWORLDTOUR and be a small part of this epic story in sports.
How long did it take to design the pinstripe suit he wore on Tuesday night?
I had been playing with the concept for more than a few months now and knew that it required the right opportunity to develop. I think we found the right guy and golden moment to shine, don’t you think?
This was the first outfit he would be seen wearing to promote the fight. What did he say he wanted his first outfit to look like?
We’ve worked with Conor for quite some time on a very consistent basis so we know what he likes. He’s not afraid of prints and color, and he’s definitely not shy when it comes to bold comments and remarks. Naturally, this print suited him well.
What was he trying to communicate with the suit?
Conor is a classic, quintessential gentleman when it comes to appearances and dressing for an occasion. I think he said all that he wanted to say…and then some with the suit.
Why the "FUCK YOU"? Was that his idea?
The idea originated internally. The expression was the perfect juxtaposition to the traditional pinstripe suit. I wanted to use fighting words.
You're working on a line of suits with him, right? What can we expect from that?
We’re actually talking about partnering but details for this will come soon. Stay tuned.
I wanted to use fighting words.
Will the pinstripe suit be available to the public later on?
Yes, it is available. The original fabric was custom woven exclusively for us. You’ll get more info when signing up for our newsletter on our website.
You're also dressing him for all four tour dates. What can we expect from those outfits?
The rest of the wardrobe is classic Conor McGregor—full three-piece suits in bold prints and patterns. What I love most about Conor’s style is his ability to push the boundaries and look completely fresh at the same time. Check out his look on Friday for the London press conference; it’s one of my favorites.
There's a brand called Alyx that has designed something similar to the suit Conor wore, but it didn't say "FUCK YOU." Instead, it spelled out the brand’s name. Were you aware of that pinstripe suit or the brand at all when you created this custom piece?
I’m not familiar with the brand, but I don’t think the concept per se is rare. I actually thought of the artist Jenny Holzer and her digital ticker installations when I thought about the word repeat for the fabric. I love the verticality of the words and the illusion benefits of working with pinstripes.
Will you and McGregor be collaborating on something specific for the weekend of the fight?
Absolutely, but it’s top secret!
