THOM BROWNE
ALCHEMIST | Designer
The designer of shrunken jackets, cropped pants, and some of this century’s most iconic handbags has redefined “uniform” dressing—becoming a leading voice of New York’s fashion ecosystem in the process.
WHO DO YOU CALL THE MOST? Always Andrew [Bolton]. There’s no opinion I value more than his, in life and in work.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF IN YOUR INDUSTRY? LESS OF? Creativity. It’s important that everything starts from a point of creativity and evolves from there.
WHAT QUESTION DO YOU ASK YOURSELF MOST OFTEN WHILE YOU’RE MAKING WORK? I push myself to consider whether I’m creating something that will change the conversations people are having. Are my team and I working at the highest level? Is it better than before?
“For me, there’s nothing worse than for someone to leave one of my shows without an opinion.”
ARE PEOPLE EVER STARSTRUCK BY YOU? Often, people come up to me to tell me that they love my Thom Browne [designs] without knowing that I am Thom Browne. When I’m noticed for my work, instead of [as a figure]— that’s the best.
WHAT DO YOU WANT NEXT FOR YOURSELF ABOVE ALL ELSE? More of the same, as long as it feels right. I never want to do anything that feels forced or out of necessity for a certain moment in the business. There’s so much more to do, so many people to reach.
IF YOU COULD ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS TO A SINGLE QUALITY OF YOURS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Rigor. I’ve always done everything because it’s what I wanted—wanted people to see, to experience, to understand when they think of my brand. Because of this rigor and consistency, there is a level of authenticity. It’s so important for every designer to bring something to the work that feels very personal.
in your life?
