Interview with Simon Spurr

I caught up with designer Simon Spurr the creative behind American luxury menswear label Spurr -who once worked under Hedi Slimane , Calvin Klein and recently served as design director for Ralph Lauren Purple Label- after his presentation at the just concluded NY fashion week for a chat.

If you were to express your spring 2010 collection in one word what would it be?

Elegant

What was the inspiration behind the collection?

Old Helmut Newton Portraits (Helmut Berger) and Alain Delon. I have always drawn from my favorite decade of the 60's when designing SPURR and this season is no different, however, there is slightly more of a 70's tinge running through the color palette.

There was a bit of romantic aura around the spring 2010 collection, do you see yourself as a romantic designer?

I see myself as a modern designer, a purist of some sort. I love clean lines, understated design and high level execution. However, yes, there is more of a romantic feeling to the collection this season. Rather than intentionally projecting a romantic feeling, I was looking to advance the "Elegance" of the collection which may have come across as romantic.

What kind of influence does your cultural roots have on your designs?

Growing up in Britain has definitely influenced my approach to menswear. Britain is an island with many neighbors and therefore much more competitive when it comes to its independence. London especially has had great success over the years in the film, fashion and music industries. Creative people, at the top of their fields have left a rich heritage and archive of images and reference material. We are an American company but I'm very proud of and true to being English.

What has been the biggest challenge for your brand and other luxury men's brands in these hard financial times?

I think that the consumer at all levels has been hit. People are buying less which was why "Fashion’s Night Out" was so important to kick start everyone buying again. I'm a firm believer that men will still buy luxury if it is true luxury. With that I mean, well made, from fine materials, and product that has timeless style. This is where I have been positioning SPURR. We now need to let the modern man know that we are here!

Finally, who is the typical Spurr Man?

The SPURR man is very broad in age and occupation. However, he is self confident, creative, international and humble. He understands style as well as fashion and ultimately embraces a life style (whether it be architecture, furniture or fashion) of modern elegance.