JeffStaple, the designer, the consultant, the business man, the manager, started his career by breaking into his university's printing lab to make his first run of tees. Now he's managing his store the ReedSpace, consulting for several brands/companies, and continuing to go strong with his Staple clothing line.
Staples spring designs are a solitary collection. With spring in mind it becomes automatic for people to think of blooming bright colors. Although that is what iDR expected, they had a logic behind reason. He explains further below. The attention to detail not only exists online, but is as equally superior in the quality of clothing. Overall it feels clean not frivolous with over prints, screens, texture, or color. Its also clever, like their New Era Thinking Cap. Can't wait to see their upcoming lines!
Jeff, It seems quite often small companies collaborate with big corporations. You and your team have worked with well known corporations such as LVMH, Uniqlo, Sony PS to name a few. How do you keep true to what you believe in design without selling out?
It's actually quite simple. I think the big corporations come to us because they like what we have created in our clothing line, in our retail stores, (Reed Space) and in projects we have done for other companies in the past. So I think because of the reputation we have crafted, companies come to us knowing what to expect to some extent. Don't get me wrong...We always come with something original and different for each project. But in terms of the way of thinking and how we approach a project, I think there's a very "Staple" way of thinking.
In your Spring '08 collection it seems that you thought everything out methodically—a clear concept, detailed sketches, fine typography, and strategic writing. How much of that same effort goes into producing your clothes? Do you feel you loose any details when you manufacture your ideas?
Creating a clothing collection comes down to all those fine details you mentioned. And I oversee, inspect and review each detail down to the button, rivet and stitch. The ideal is that the entire production of your collections comes out as you approved it to be. Unfortunately, the reality of creating a clothing line is that you have very little control. At the end of the day, there are hands and minds making these items that are not yours. Hence, they just don't have the same tender loving care that you have and mistakes will be made. Before you know it, hundreds and thousands of items are spread all across the planet and something is ever so slightly off. Hopefully, most of the general public doesn't even realize something is slightly off. But it drives me mad. The inexact science of apparel making is the bane of my existence.
design is in the details
iDR's favorite pick.
Reed Napa Leather Jacket is constructed well, skin is quality, and fits snug.
Is there particular item in the collection that you can see outstanding a trend? An item that can be worn again in say 5 years?
I would like to think all of them. I named the company "Staple" for a reason...haha.
I see a consistency of black, white, grey. Why use those specific colors for spring? What influenced you to remain neutral with your color palette?
That's funny. When I finished designing the line, I subconsciously made that decision. When I design the collection, I don't think about influences, or merchandising, or sales. I go blind. Almost like an MC freestyling, I let my mind go where it wants to go. When I finish, I of course show my team so they can make their comments and suggestions. My sales team said, "all the tees are white, black and grey! Everyone else is doing teal, aqua, magenta, pink etc.!" I was like "Oops! Oh well, lets run with what I did." For better or for worse, it's just what popped into my head at that moment. We'll see what happens after the season is over.
Does designing ever stop for you? You're known to work on multiple things, could you ever imagine yourself slowing down?
If you were being paid to do something you absolutely loved, would YOU want to slow down?
No Jeff we couldn't imagine.
You can peep Jeff's work and Staples Spring Collection here.
Visit his retail spot and the current collection at:
Reed Space
151 Orchard St
(Bet Rivington and Stanton)
New York, NY 10002
*All photos provided by Staple
