Bob Bland is a professional menswear designer with experience at Triple Five Soul, Rugby by Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic and Urban Outfitters. Her clothing line, Brooklyn Royalty, combines timeless design principles, premium materials and hand-printed graphics for indispensable garments that are meant to look and wear better over time. Bob is everywhere, we love it! Shop her line right here at Smashing Darling, if you are in NYC swing by 3rd Ward Handmade Holiday Fair and meet her this weekend, go vote for her in ZooZoom’s Fashion Wars…in the meantime, read below and get to know her a little better.
Darlings: How old were you when you started getting involved in fashion design or the fashion world in general?
Bob: My mother taught me how to sew on my grandmother’s old Singer from the time I was 4, but it was only at the age of 12 that I began seriously designing for myself. After creating my first custom outfit, there was no going back.
Darlings: Who is your favorite and/or most influential designer, and why?
Bob: A few years ago I would have said Alexander McQueen every time….his dynamic and innovative creations, along with his flair for dramatic presentation, are right up my alley. However, my industry experience helped me cultivate an appreciation for pragmatism and subtlety in luxury apparel that trumps my passion for theatrics. I’d say that John Varvatos for menswear and Ports 1961 by Tia Cibani for womenswear are my current favorites.
Darlings: So if you had the choice of all designers in the world to work with/for, would that person be your choice?
Bob: Probably not…there are many great designers, but very few create an enjoyable experience for employees. Having worked for and with quite a few designers at this point, the best fit for me by far is Ralph Lauren. Part of the reason I love designing Brooklyn Royalty is the freedom to be creative in my own way…something that rarely happens when working for someone else. But Ralph Lauren respects his designers and offers them stability, control and balance; it would be quite natural for me to work there again. If only he allowed his designers to have their own lines!
Darlings: What influences your work?
Bob: I am constantly being informed and inspired by the world around me…whether its music, fine art, film, nature or just some brief impressions while walking on Grand Street in Williamsburg, the influences are everywhere. Many of my color palettes are derived from paintings or nature scenes, and my overall seasonal themes generally have political overtones. I studied art history and historical costume in college and during my internship at Maggie Norris Couture, and that continues to fascinate me from a more curatorial standpoint.
Darlings: Can you describe your design process?
Bob: Sure! Gather mood images>Determine color story>Sketch individual outfits/pieces in collection>Make paper patterns and drape toiles>Select fabrics and trims>Make samples>Screenprint everything! Its that simple… 
Darlings: Can you describe your personal style? Does your work reflect that style?
Bob: My personal style is pretty eclectic…I’ve never been able to stick with more than one “look” for longer than a couple days. My womenswear is somewhat similar to my own style, but with a slicker, rock-inspired edge that I adopt for myself sometimes as well. The graphics are definitely always something I connect with, but I’ve never felt the necessity to design clothes just for myself or my friends…there’s some much more out there!
Darlings: Are there any fashion trends that make you cringe?
Bob: Fashion trends themselves make me cringe. After becoming an expert in trends during my time in the industry, I can see a trend coming a year or more away…and that’s just sad. Its true that some style movements are just “in the air”; everyone gets them at the same time, but in the fashion industry at large, trends are imposed onto designers, instead of discovered by them. My favorite eras of NYC fashion were built on individuality, humor and the courage to wear whatever feels good!
Darlings: Is there anything you steer clear of when designing clothing?
Bob: I try not to be overexposed to editorial influences from fashion magazines and blogs, or other designers’ runway shows when designing a collection. I basically become a cultural hermit for a while, to ensure that my influences are pure.
Darlings: How does it feel to see models hit the runway in your work?
Bob: Wow, it is always such a rush! We do a ton of events at Brooklyn Royalty, but the biggest ones of the year are definitely the runway shows. The fusion of clothing, music and the energy of the crowd is awesome. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of the NYC fashion scene.
Darlings: What future projects are you working on?
Bob: Well, we always do seasonal collaborations for accessories, and my hope is that this year’s Fall 2009 show will feature custom shoes and hats. We will also be pursuing more t-shirt design collaborations, as we transition to new monthly drops for graphic tees, and there are also several events and gallery shows on the horizon that will feature our Obama-inspired designs.
Darlings: What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of fashion design?
Bob: Fashion wasn’t even an interest of mine when I began studying Tae Kwon Do, which is my primary interest outside of fashion, and the physical and mental journey of a lifetime. I also am a student of Shambhala Buddhism, a secular series of teachings that incorporates meditation, study and practical application to end suffering in our lives and the lives of others. Artistically, I love attending gallery shows, creating stained glass jewelry, cooking and taking classes at 3rd Ward.
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