BAND OF OUTSIDERS | Interview with Designer Scott Sternberg

BAND OF OUTSIDERS

Designer Scott Sternberg Interview

The Polo Shirt Named "THIS IS NOT A POLO SHIRT."

BAND OF OUTSIDERS, a New York brand founded in 2004 by Scott Sternberg, quickly became a 주목-worthy brand by reinterpreting and arranging classic American trad with new sizing and silhouettes. Scott, who loves traditional materials and is particular about tailoring techniques, finally unveiled his polo shirt for the Spring/Summer 2010 season. What is the long-awaited BAND OF OUTSIDERS polo shirt?

Text by OPENERSPhotos by Masahiko Nakamura

This is Today's Polo Shirt

The signature BAND look features a tight silhouette and short-length shirt with a slim tie. Jackets and coats were gradually added to this, completing the wardrobe and evolving into suits, but for some reason, polo shirts were never part of the lineup.

—Why did you start making polo shirts this season?

“I think people associate BAND with shirts and ties, but we actually create our own fabrics, and how to alter this established silhouette is a constant theme for BAND, and it's undoubtedly our main focus. While I feel the brand has finally gained recognition recently, I thought that if we were to make polo shirts, it would be better to consider them as a distinct category rather than just part of the collection, which led to the creation of "THIS IS NOT A POLO SHIRT."

—What was the reason for naming it "THIS IS NOT A POLO SHIRT."

Firstly, I wanted to convey a sense of humor as a brand. Also, there's a painting by Magritte, the artist, that depicts a pipe, but it's a painting of a pipe, not a pipe itself. My father used to wear polo shirts often, but this isn't the polo shirt of that era; this is today's polo shirt.

Prices range from ¥13,000 to ¥16,000.

—There are many variations of polo shirts.

Since the polo shirt is a collection in itself, I wanted to create many of them, like building a story. I love colors, I love patterns, and above all, I love the fabric. This fabric is from a textile manufacturer in Wakayama, and the sewing is genuinely Made in Japan.

—Why did you focus on the fabric?

I've been good friends with the manufacturer in Wakayama for a long time, and when I told them I wanted to make polo shirts, we decided to create the fabric from scratch. This knit jersey material is something that could only be achieved in Japan.

The theme for the Spring/Summer 2010 collection is based on "Submarine Crew Style."

—What is the theme for the Spring/Summer 2010 collection?

This season, the collection is based on the style of submarine crews developed by oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, known for "The Silent World." The color palette and patterns are inspired by the airbrushed works of Ed Ruscha (an American contemporary artist) and the trailer parks of Malibu in the 70s. I hope you'll pay close attention to the collection that brings all these elements together.

Button Up Your Polo Shirt All the Way!

—How do you wear your polo shirts?

I wear polo shirts often. They can be dressed up or down easily, and they're not difficult items to style at all. I wear a size S when I want a snug fit and a size L when I want a looser fit.

—How do you make them look cool?

Because the fabric is thin, they pair well with blazers. And button them all the way up! They also look cool worn over a shirt.

—What's your impression of how Japanese people wear them?

Everyone looks great. They enjoy fashion. They seem to view BAND's clothes as simple "tools" and create their own original styles. In America, it's either the classic look or a very relaxed vibe – the two extremes.

—Barneys New York Kobe, which has a connection with BAND, opened in March.

Suits are very important to BAND, and I've even held trunk shows and provided personal styling at Barneys. The staff there have their own characters, and they're a store that truly understands and sells the suits I value most, so I welcome the Kobe store.

—We're also looking forward to the Fall/Winter 2010 collection.