UniForm is Function

On one hand, fashion design is frustratingly temporary: after all, style goes out of style.

On the other hand, some of our favorite fashion designers are nothing less than inspirational: their creativity and inventiveness knows no bounds.

One compelling end of the spectrum is Jean Touitou and the company he founded in 1986, Atelier de Production et de Creation (A.P.C.). Touitou’s work is all about understatement. His clothes are intended for artists and designers and are underpinned by the belief that the clothes of a creative person should never distract from that person or the content that he or she is creating.

In 2006, the designer himself described A.P.C. this way:

“Naturally, it’s quite minimalist. To be minimalist is to impose a clear vision. I feel that in the past, designers made thousands of very simple clothes, and that’s what it meant to be minimalist. Now, I think, I design fewer items but [ones] that are more complicated [in design]. I’m saying, “Here is my vision and there is no other.” It’s a bit like when a sound engineer tells you, “Yes, there are other ways to mix your song, but this is the right mix. And if you want to work with me, then this is it.” I don’t give too many options.”

Since his companies inception, A.P.C. has become synonymous with subtle designerly style. To some, it’s the uniform of under-the-radar architects, musicians, writers, designers, and filmmakers.

This idea of a uniform for creatives is interesting. Sounds nice to just wake up and know that all your stuff goes together…then again, those sparkly gold oxfords are kinda awesome too…?

Either way, you can check out A.P.C. via their site or this NYT magazine slideshow.

If you’d like to check out some of their wares and you’re in Atlanta, our friends down the road at Sid Mashburn have A.P.C.’s famous denim in stock.