Paul Aarrington
isn’t just a fancy name. He is a fashion
impresario and has a minimalist collection that
can buoy any man’s hopes for comfort, style
and quality. Fashion Ledge caught up with Mr.
Aarrington and asked him some questions about
the movement that is: Paul Aarrington.
Fashion Ledge: Why did you choose to design for
men?
Taking the risk of sounding too simplistic, I
chose to design for men in part because I am a
man and [secondly because] I found that there
were aspects of my own clothing that I purchased
[before I became a designer] that I was not completely
satisfied with, such as fit or over designed garments.
Also, I understand how men think. I understand
the need to look conservative and composed as
well as being a trendsetter and not being afraid
of texture and bright colors.
Fashion Ledge: What is unique about the Paul
Aarrington Collection?
What makes the Paul Aarrington Collections unique
and different, depends on whether you’re
looking at Paul Aarrington New York, which consists
of our stylish, trendy yet confident suits and
button down shirts or the Paul Aarrington Denim
Studio, which is our new line of premium jeans
made of Turkish denim from Turkey. Our jeans have
a European look and feel with an American flare
to them.
Bottom line to it all is our philosophy, which
is simplicity. Simplicity is sometimes the most
difficult element to express. In a world where
everything is so convoluted we have a tendency
to overlook the simplest things, which are at
times the most beautiful. If I have a great fabric
I try not to over design it. I let the fabric
express my thoughts. I let the fabric intrigue
you.
Fashion Ledge: What can you tell us about your
client?
My client or the ideal Paul Aarrington Man is
a young, confident, vibrant 26-40 year old mover
and shaker. The ideal Paul Aarrington man works
hard and plays hard. [He is an] executive by day,
but also enjoys the night life in style.
Fashion Ledge: What
is the most successful marketing strategy that
you employ?
[We use] good, clean and timeless visuals on
our marketing material. Secondly, this may be
stereotypical, but we direct our visuals so that
they appeal to the women. We employ visual layouts
that are meant to stimulate the female senses.
Although I design men’s wear, I create the
imagery that makes a woman want her boyfriend
or husband to look like the model in the picture.
Conversely, most men that are stylish and trendy
have a sense of high vanity and this appeals to
them if they see themselves looking more attractive
in our clothing. It’s a fact that women
do more of the shopping not only for themselves,
but for their significant others as well.
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Fashion Ledge: What do you like/ dislike about
the fashion industry?
What I like about the fashion industry is its
limitless strive towards new ideas and its influence
on society not just here, but on a global scale.
If you think about it, cultures are not only
defined by their language and foods, but distinctly
by what they wear. Some of the oldest and ancient
cultures have been influenced by the fashion
of their time.
What I don’t like about the fashion industry
are the politics. What I mean by that especially
on the retail end is that there are many followers.
You can present an extraordinary collection,
line, separates or whatever you have and many
retailers won’t buy the product unless
someone else dictates that it is hot, [such
as] a salesperson, another retailer, or celebrity.
I believe this to be very counterproductive.
Many great designers never see the light of
day because of the so-called “gate keepers.”
Fashion Ledge: What can we expect next from
the collection?
You can expect for me to further push the envelope
in terms of styles and designs. I will take
my concept of simplicity and see how dynamic
and fascinating I can make [my garments].
[Additionally], I’m always in the process
of planning and executing events. My next event
will be a press and retail event that will not
be a traditional presentation or fashion show,
but will be more artistic in feel.
Fashion Ledge: Where are the collections available?
The Paul Aarrington New York collection for
a great deal of time has been by appointment
and custom tailored for specific clients such
as Mr. Will Smith, Damon Dash, Chico Bennymon
(Half & Half television star) and many others.
I now have plans to make the collection available
at retail stores for those uncompromising in
the quality they seek from their clothing.
The Paul Aarrington Denim Studio will be in
stores as of spring 2007 in such places as Work
In Progress and P Valentine in Atlanta. We’re
in the process of confirming with Lulu’s
in Miami and many major department stores.
For more information:
Paul Aarrington
Phone: 646.270.1914
Email: info@paulaarrington.com
www.paulaarrington.com
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