The collection is Americana in spirit. It is not full of flaming eagles in front of American flags, but it does have a nostalgic feeling of yesteryear, the way that our parents lived. Life before all of these super materialistic consumer ideas were planted in our heads. People had one set of luggage, one pair of shoes and one pair of jeans and they were used. The economy was not based on a completely disposable ideal and things lasted for more than one season. Quality was the most important factor in a major purchase and the item was used until it could not be used anymore. Occasionally, an item would last longer than it should and was mended and repaired with love...that is what I want to make. The luggage that keeps working after ten years of heavy use, the item that your kids look forward to inheriting, the item that is worn and frayed perfectly. That is Americana.
My collection is inspired by the shapes of classic American items that are not always associated with fashionable accessories. Such things as military surplus, vintage luggage from the golden era of American manufacturing, USPS bags that have been through the ringer, the pair of boots that were made during the great depression, etc. The silhouettes are recognizable, the construction will be as authentic as possible, and the materials will be chosen because they are tried and true. The Items are simple in design because they are designed with a different mindset than most other things coming out of SCAD. They are designed and made for men who are not particularly into high fashion and just want a well made leather good that will last for a decade. Reinventing the wheel is not the most important thing, but making the wheel a classic is a good goal.
