Thom Browne, New York City-based fashion designer is not a new name. He has been widely recognised for challenging and modernising today’s uniform: the suit. Celebrating 20 years in business, within that time span, this revered designer has grown to become one of the most influential American fashion designers that is still working today. And just like any other great American fashion designers such as Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, over the years, Browne has crafted a design language that is uniquely his own.
Early Beginnings
Having graduated without a desire to use that business degree that he obtained at Notre Dame, Browne moved to Los Angeles, where he tried acting. While auditioning and working in commercials, Browne discovered his passion for altering vintage men’s tailoring, where he met Johnson Hartig, now the co-designer of Libertine. Realising that acting was not the right path for him, Browne moved to New York in 1977 to become a Giorgio Armani salesman. After which, he was then taken on by Club Monaco, then owned by Polo Ralph Lauren. Lauren noticed Browne’s potential and hired him as part of Club Monaco’s design and merchandising team.
In 2001, Browne started his own label by believing that casual dressing had caused a gap in the market. However, he was unable to fund a full collection, so he made five suits for himself and wore them around town, advertising and getting friends and contacts to buy from him.
2 years later in 2003, Browne opened his made-to-measure store in New York City, followed by a presentation at New York fashion Week in 2004. He collaborated with Brooks Brothers in 2007 and in the following year, he was named designer of the year by GQ.
In 2011, Browne launched a womenswear collection at New York Fashion Week.
Thom Browne’s Signature Stripes & Must-Have Pieces
Inspired by his father who wore a grey suit to work every day, Browne began incorporating just two colours — grey and navy — to put together a collection of shirts, suits, bottoms, sweaters and more. Although the brand has no logo, the cropped silhouette can be easily distinguished, together with the visual identifiers such as the four white horizontal stripes or the red, white, and blue grosgrain.
These stripes provide a uniform American look that’s at the heart of every Browne collection and also act as a branding tool for the brand.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the signature Thom Browne pieces that should be on your radar.
Thom Browne
Relaxed Fit V-Neck Cardigan
¥236,900
FEATURES Design: Relaxed fit V-neck cardigan in dark green fine knitSignature Detail: Thom Browne 4-bar stripe on sleeve in ivory/whiteClosure: Button-front with dark tonal buttonsPockets: Two front patch pocketsNeckline: Deep V-neckHem & Cuffs: Ribbed hem and ribbed cuffs for a… read more
Milano Stitch Crew Neck Pullover
¥197,300
Milano stitch cotton construction Classic crew neckline Signature four-bar stripe on right sleeve Ribbed cuffs and hem Regular fit Long sleeves The Thom Browne Milano Stitch Crew Neck Pullover delivers sophisticated luxury knitwear with architectural precision and refined tailoring. Crafted… read more
