Screen Shot: Southampton Studios
Website: southamptonstudios.com
City Based: Southampton, New York
Instagram: @southamptonstudios
What inspired the brand name?
Southampton Studios comes from my life growing up. Spending the summers surfing, skating and hooping out by the beach - I don’t think it gets much better than that.
At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
I have always been interested in cool products from a young age. Growing up in New York City, I was exposed to a lot of things at a young age. During my time with the University of Miami Football Program, I started working with Nike and Adidas respectively and quickly realized this was something I enjoyed doing and wanted to expand upon.
What helps you get over creative blocks?
I like to take a break and go for a run by the beach whenever I am feeling stuck. It really helps me to throw my playlist on shuffle, let my mind wander and come back refreshed.
What is the biggest mistake you have made?
There are too many to count. Luckily, we are still here to tell the story. I see each mistake as a lesson and make sure we don’t make the same ones more than once.
What is the biggest success you have had?
We did Art Basel in Miami this past year which was really dope. Most brands book that type of thing months in advance. I had recently left my job at Kith and decided it was something I wanted to be involved in. We booked a spot with only 2 weeks to prepare. I don’t think I slept much in those 14 days but we managed to pull it off and create an experience that definitely didn’t reflect how last minute we decided to do it. The feedback was great and really set the tone for 2019 and the past few months.
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?
I am a big fan of vintage advertisements. While the times have changed and technology has advanced, the principles of what worked then definitely is useful when looking toward today’s market. Things that are truly cool are timeless and don't shift with the trends.
Favorite color to use?
Purple. Shout out to Shaq and Kobe.
ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?
It is hard to pick just one but would definitely be cool to see the brand in Dover Street Market.
ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
New York Sunshine. John Margaritis is on another level with the way he has extended the brand beyond product and into other mediums. He also is someone I feel lucky to consider a mentor so I really respect and appreciate how much work he has put in to get to that point and still be willing to share his knowledge and time with me.
In 5 words or less describe your brand?
The Future