a conversation with shipley & halmos

After meeting the two Designers behind the Shipley & Halmos line I decided that I would become their newest fan. Sometimes all it takes is an afternoon photo shoot to fall in love with clothes and the people behind the label…

Where and when did you meet?

Jeff Halmos: We met in Boulder, CO while we were freshmen at the University of Colorado.

How did you get started?

Sam Shipley: At Hole Mole in Long Beach, CA. They have the best fish tacos. I think those are what ultimately drove us to start Shipley & Halmos.

In regards to your designs, is there a style icon that might have influenced you?

JH: Bob Dylan.

Where are you guys from originally?

SS: I’m originally from Chicago, but have lived all around the country. I spent the most of my life in Crested Butte, a small ski town in Colorado. Jeff is from Ft Lauderdale, FL.

I noticed you both are film buffs ( while shooting the last look-book you were geeking out over some big bang film;-), any particular genre of film that inspires you guys? What’s your favorite movie?

JH: The film you refer to is the second installment in National Treasure, starring Nicholas Cage and a slew of other fine actors. I’d say that might be my second favorite film, behind the first National Treasure, of course.

Tell us a little about your aesthetic and work:

SS: Our aesthetic is comfortably set in the present tense. It’s meant to be worn now.

What is the inspiration for your current collection ?

JH: The Individualist < those people that walk a straight line from start to finish.

What type of materials are you using?

SS: This season we wanted to balance materials that were structured and somewhat rigid with those that where lightweight and drapey.

Who are your favorite designers?

JH: Raf Simmons, Nicholas Ghesquiere.

I am very exited for the collabo with Uniqlo, you guys are one of the few very amazing designers taking part in this collaboration. How did this come about? How many pieces are in the Uniqlo collection?

SS: There will be 9 women’s styles that will hit Uniqlo stores in early May. It was really interesting and fun working with them on the line.

Where can we buy your clothes?

JH: The best bet is Barneys. We’re on the Co-Op floor. They buy pretty much our entire collection.

What can we expect next?

SS: A Resort collection, which we are starting to work on now.

And when are we shooting the ad campaign?

SS:Because every well dressed man and woman should have Shipley and Halmos in
their closet.
Let’s do it!!!

JH: We’re a long way away from that!

SHIPLEY & HALMOS
8 Greene Street
New York, NY 10013
[LINK]
[Images thanks to Style.com]