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Current Affairs:
An American in Paris
Thom Browne is known for some of the most provocative men's shows in New York but this summer, after years of consideration, he's moving his runway show to Paris. Browne talks with WWD about the shift to showing in Europe, his new owners and his collaborations. (You need a subscription, so we've posted the most interesting questions below.)
WWD: Why have you wanted to show in Paris for so long?
Thom Browne: We're focusing on growing internationally as a collection brand. Showing in Paris opens up the world a lot more. Also, Paris is the best city for understanding innovation and provocation. And when it comes down to a commercial point of view, it's important to be able to sell that early in the season.
What would it take to attract you back to New York?
Well, I still have my Black Fleece presence in New York. I'm very proud to be an American designer. But we do have to sell in a true selling season of men's, in order to get production started. You really have to get started in order to get the product on the floors in December or January.
You seem to have a cultural affinity with Japan.
I had an idea really early on that the partner would be a Japanese company. I'm really attracted to the culture and what they do. And I think the most important designers in the world come from there.
Can you fill us in on what you've been doing with Baccarat?
It's a small set of crystal stemware, and we only produced 100. We might do a new one every six months. It's just a nice little project I wanted to do ... because when I travel I always look for vintage Champagne coupes. It's similar to how my [signature] suit came about. I decided to produce it instead of looking for it in an antique store.
No Sweat
Fifty exercises to do with your suit on.
