AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 “ANONYMOUS & TIMELESS”
Around the age of 17, my newfound fascination behind the work and lives of musicians and painters emerged. Documentaries showcasing artists such as, Jimi Hendix Jean Michele Basquiat and Jackson Pollock, were the sparks that fueled my curiosity. Over the years, I, like my idols, have struggled to find the balance of what it is to be a living and working creative professional. I named this collection “Anonymous and Timeless,” as my discovery by living as one is neither. With an ode to the book, “Anni Albers: On Designing,” I recalled this chapter, “Design: Anonymous and Timeless,” while conceptualizing the collection. The chapter’s title reflects her sentiment on the philosophy that good design is made as such. While many of her ideas have remained core pillars to the structure in which I approach design, my beliefs deviate in consideration to the style of craftsmanship an artist puts forth can only ever be undeniably and recognizably unique.
With that in mind, our signature 1/4” x 1/4” stitch throughout this season’s collection serves as a reminder of the unseen hands that craft each garment. From sketch, draft, pattern, prototype to the finished product; each step relies on our minds and hands working in skillful harmony. The Hand-Tailored Suit Jackets and Pants are made in NYC, down the street from our studio by Martin Greenfield Clothiers. Each jacket is hand-crafted with lightweight horse-hair canvases, armholes set in by hand, hand-sewn felted under collars, pad stitching to create an elegant roll on each lapel and hand-sewn pick stitching around collar, lapels and pockets.
My work is largely inspired by my favorite artists in their studios such as Michael Borremans, Pink Floyd, Rene Magritte, Jean Michele Basquiate, , Freddie Mercury, Erwin Wurm and Kazuo Shiraga; Professionals with the highest regards from their peers and onlookers, and who admirably, depict themselves as such. As a celebration to them, each season I work with up-and-coming artists. Last season featured the talented painters; David Kim, Grace Weaver and Wells Brown. For this season, I worked with NYC based photographer, Joshua Olley whose book, “Cry Like a Man,” printed by Paradigm Publishing is currently for sale and appears on top of the credenza in the look book. A beautiful piece, the book explores the reality of the American West’s social and economic structures today.
Additionally, I had the privilege of printing on “Made in the USA Velva Sheen (since 1932)” cotton t-shirts. Sporting graphics that mimic the style of art gallery posters designed by Faysal Matin, and depict Josh’s artwork as well as mine. My graphic, “Blind Copy,” is a personal commemoration to the my all-time dream, 1967 band I’ll never be in. The term blind copy however in this case is used as a slight prod to the new age consumer culture; individuals who blindly copy those around them.
Lastly, each shirt is hand stamped with information relating to the collection. This inspiration was in reference to the clothing produced during the 1920’s production era; when the goal of many corporations was to significantly lower manufacturing costs.
Please scroll over each look for more information.
PHOTOGRAPHY: JOSHUA OLLEY
MODEL: RED MODEL MANAGEMENT (ALEXANDER NEWMAN)
PAINTING & PAINTED DENIM: DAVID KIM
SCREENPRINTING: NICHOLAS DEPHILLIPS